Jon Gnagy met Reuben Bowen, a popular professional magician who performed as “Kajar” on television.  They decided to team up on a magic book, with Jon designing the cover and illustrating all the tricks. “Magic Secrets” was published by Henry Holt in 1952.

Jon and his wife, Mary Jo Hinton Gnagy, spoke often of the fun they had working together on the project.  In fact, Mary Jo was the surprised volunteer in several of the illustrations,

Unfortunately, the magic profession takes a dim view of a magician who reveals secrets.  Kajar was much criticized, and by 1969, he had to resort to advertisements like this one (in the Sarasota Herald) to sell the book for $2.98, postage free.