Jim Steinmeyer is a renowned illusion designer and author specializing in the history and mechanics of magic. Born near Chicago, he graduated from Loyola University with a degree in communications before establishing himself as a leading creator of illusions for prominent magicians. His innovative designs have been featured in television specials, Broadway productions, and Las Vegas performances, including David Copperfield's iconic vanishing Statue of Liberty illusion. Steinmeyer has collaborated with legends such as Doug Henning, Siegfried and Roy, and Orson Welles, earning recognition for his contributions to the art of magic.
Beyond his stage work, Steinmeyer has authored several books exploring magic's history and secrets, blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling. His expertise extends to holding multiple U.S. patents for illusion apparatus and serving as a consultant and expert witness in the field. Steinmeyer resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Frankie Glass, a television producer known for her work in both the U.S. and the U.K. His career continues to bridge the gap between magic's past and present, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the craft.
Non-Fiction Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Hiding the Elephant (With: Teller)
2003
2
The Glorious Deception
2005
3
Art and Artifice and Other Essays of Illusion
2006
4
The Magic of Alan Wakeling
2006
5
Charles Fort
2007
6
Magic: 1400s–1950s (With: Noel Daniel, Ricky Jay, Mike Caveney)
2009
7
The Last Greatest Magician in the World
2011
8
Who Was Dracula?
2013
9
The Secret History of Magic (With: Peter Lamont)
2018
10
The Magic Book. 40th Edition (With: Noel Daniel, Mike Caveney, F-Uki)