Book summary

Instead of going to Yale, Charles Carter becomes a professional magician. This novel is a recreation of his life, including his rapid rise to the top of his profession, the rumor that he was involved in the death of President Warren Harding, and many detailed descriptions of the magic effects for which he became famous. A New York Times Notable Book for 2001.

Media reviews

"[A] remarkable novel, which is a combination of paranoid conspiracy thriller, period romance and meditation on the nature of art."