Sleightly Absurd is a journey through the mind of a mastermind--Charlie Frye. Within its pages, you'll find a slew of the secrets he has developed, refined, and performed over some four decades on six continents, as a professional entertainer on stages the world over.

You will learn the ins, outs, and inside outs of more than fifty fantastic feats, each mined from the mind of this peerless prestidigitator.

Among the high-class conjuring conceits explained are tricks with coins and cards, including a lengthy and advanced treatise on the elusive “ACAAN”; parlor and stage effects; three versions of the “oldest trick in the book”; Frye’s trademark Eccentricks (cartoon-illustrated gags, tricks, and stunts); mind reading miracles; close-up dodges with dice; and more.

The work is rounded out with an uproariously funny memoir and a series of thought-provoking essays on character development, practice, and other practical matters for the modern mystery entertainer, and all others who take their art more seriously than themselves.

First Edition. Written by Charlie Frye. Published by Squash Publishing in 2023. 312-pages, 1000+ color photographs, 8.25”x10.25”, hardcover with a Smyth sewn binding.

"Here you will find cleverly crafted magic, brilliantly presented. Don’t just absorb all this wonderful magic; assimilate his artist ethic, his pro-tips, and be inspired by his process. This is where the craft approaches the lofty title of “art.” My highest recommendation." …John Carney 

"Study this man, learn his ways of thinking, rehearsing, ethics, and performing. Get into his head. It will make you a better performer.” …Kevin James