Richard J. Kaufman

Richard J. Kaufman (born May 16, 1958) is an author, publisher, illustrator, and editor of books and magazines in the field of magic.
Early life and education.
Richard Kaufman was born in 1958 in New York City. He became interested in magic at age 5 after his uncle sent him some novelties from the S.S. Adams Company. His father, Lewis C. Kaufman, encouraged his interest by purchasing tricks at a magic shop, learning them, and demonstrating them to his son.
By the age of 14, Kaufman was inventing magic effects and he illustrated his first book at age 16. He attended Queens College, and then New York University, graduating in 1981 with a double major in English and acting.
Career.
Kaufman illustrated many other books in the field through 1991, popularizing a style of cartoon-movement into technical magic illustration. He also began writing magic books, starting with the Interlocked Production of Coins in 1977. He self-published his first two books, then sought a partner for the financing required to publish larger books. Alan C. Greenberg, CEO of Bear Stearns, also a highly respected amateur magician, brought the financing that Kaufman required and the company Kaufman and Greenberg was born. 
In 1998, "Genii, The Conjurors' Magazine" was purchased by Kaufman, his wife Elizabeth, and partners Jane and Daniel Solomon. Kaufman became editor in chief and president of The Genii Corporation and the magazine continues its publication, now in both printed and digital formats. Genii also operates The Genii Forum an internet discussion group and MagicPedia, an online encyclopedia of magic. The magazine was sold to Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox Software in July 2017. Richard and Elizabeth Kaufman continue as Editor and Art Director.
Kaufman wrote "The Project Magic Handbook" for David Copperfield; the trick section in "Mindfreaks" for Criss Angel and "Knack Magic Tricks" for Globe Pequot Press.
Recognition of Kaufman's influence as a magic illustrator is described in Chuck Romano's book, "The Art of Deception" (1997) .
Kaufman has appeared on the covers of "Genii", "The Conjurors' Magazine" (1987); "MAGIC" (1993); "The Magic Circular" (2006); "M-U-M" (2011) and has given presentations at numerous magic conferences including The Los Angeles Conference on Magic History, The Magic Collectors Association, and Magic-Con 2011. He has received the 1997 Literary Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts (the Magic Castle), the J.N. Maskelyne Award from the Magic Circle in London in 2001, and the Milbourne Christopher Award in 1995. He has also been made an honorary life member of the Society of American Magicians, and has received a president's citation from the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Kaufman writes for the Pop Culture website Boing Boing.
Publications.
Periodicals.
Edited by Richard Kaufman:
Books.
Written, illustrated, and/or published by Richard Kaufman:
Future books that Kaufman has announced: 