Genii Magic

Creator of Genii Magic

Vanessa is Genii’s associate editor as well as a writer focused on history, culture, and entertainment with bylines at The New York Times, Smithsonian magazine, The Atlantic, and other publications.

Our reviews are conducted by a group of industry professionals: People who demonstrate magic, watch magic, and sell magic.

James Alan is a busy professional magician, specializing in sleight of hand, and performing "Magic for Grownups." Despite a busy schedule, he still finds time to read vasts amounts of magic books.

Jim Steinmeyer has been defining magic for modern magicians—innovating new marvels, creating bespoke impossibilities for the theater, and redefining the traditions of deception as a performing art.

Will Houstoun is Genii’s executive editor. He holds a literary fellowship from The Magic Castle, has a PhD in Victorian conjuring, and consults for film and television.

Shawn McMaster is a full-time comedy magician and writer based in Southern California. He is an international author and performer appearing in clubs, theaters, and cruise ships around the world.

Creative consultant, magic inventor—a modern day magician.

Richard Kaufman was the editor and publisher of Genii from 1999 through 2024. In addition, he has for the past 45 years written, illustrated, and/or published numerous books on magic.