A method for the magnification of x‐ray radiographic images is described and demonstrated. This magnifier employs two successive asymmetric diffractions of an x‐ray beam from highly perfect silicon crystals. The two diffractions magnify the beam in two perpendicular directions. A device with a magnification of 25× is demonstrated for CuK&agr;radiation. This device preserves and sometimes improves the resolution inherent in the radiographic technique. The x‐ray magnifier is particularly useful in circumventing the relatively poor spatial resolution of electro‐optical imaging systems needed for real‐time observations. Basic limits on magnification and resolution using this method are described.