Richard J. Kaufman (born May 16, 1958) is an author, publisher, illustrator, and editor of books and magazines in the field of magic and amateur magicians of noted skill. Early life and education Richard Kaufman was born in 1958 at French Hospital in New York City. He became interested in magic at age 5 after his uncle, Allan Soffin, 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 teaching them to his son. By the age of 14, Kaufman was inventing magic effects He marketed his first two tricks through Lou Tannen’s Magic Shop at age 15 and he illustrated his first book for Harry Lorayne, Afterthoughts (1975) at age 16. He attended Queens College, and then New York University, graduating in 1981 with a double major in English and acting, having studied at the Stella Adler Studio in New York City with Pearl Pearson and Mario Siletti. Career Kaufman illustrated many books in the field through 1994, popularizing a style of cartoon-based 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 formed as a result. 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 and its associated entities was sold to Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox Software in July 2017. Richard and Elizabeth Kaufman continue as Editor and Art Director. For the public, Kaufman wrote The Project Magic Handbook (2002) for David Copperfield; the trick section in Mindfreaks(2007) for Criss Angel and Knack Magic Tricks for Globe Pequot Press (2010). 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