From risque cabaret performances to engrossing after-hours shop talk, this title offers a look inside the secretive subculture of modern magicians. It follows the day-to-day lives of some of France's most renowned performers, revealing not only how secrets are created and shared, but also how they are stolen and destroyed.

“Anthropology has always traded on a cachet of romance and exoticism in attracting students, but even I—grizzled veteran that I am—found myself thinking ‘how very cool to be hanging out with magicians in Paris!’. There is certainly nothing like this book in the anthropological literature. It is fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable.” —Richard Bauman, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Indiana University, Bloomington“A witty, learned, engaging trip through the world of French magic, Trade of the Tricks builds intriguing ideas on the deep knowledge that comes from prolonged, intensive observation.” —Howard Becker, author of Art Worlds and Outsiders

"This book is a celebration and a revelation. Highly recommended." Genii Magazine "Readable, scholarly ... and personal... A fascinating account of an anthropologist visiting another world." -- Peter M. Nardi Los Angeles Review Of Books "By following some of the world's leading magicians and fully participating in the scene as a kind of sorcerer's apprentice, [Jones] shines a light on [the] community." The Independent "Look beyond the birthday parties and 10-gallon top hats and magicians have a long history going for them." Maxim "Studded with humor, insights, revelations about deceptions being created and destroyed." Magicana "Fascinatingly lays bare the craft, mores, sociology, anthropology and tendencies of magic... It's also quite funny." -- Brian Reffin Smith, U.K. Leonardo Reviews "Fascinating... [Jones's] writing is lively and engaging; Trade of the tricks will fascinate specialist and non-specialist readers alike." -- Matthew Solomon, University of Michigan Journal Royal Anthro Inst (Jrai) "There is a lot to appreciate in this book... The shrewd magician will read it." Genii Magazine