well, James RAndi has his "Conjuring" book that covers the history of magic really well. Lots of great illustrations.
THe book, "Making the Elephant Disappear" covers a lot of the big tricks that have been part of the 20 the century, starting with "Culpeppers Ghost". Levitation (there were 2 competing methods) and sawing a woman in half (it got better and better)....
THe book, "Making the Elephant Disappear" covers a lot of the big tricks that have been part of the 20 the century, starting with "Culpeppers Ghost". Levitation (there were 2 competing methods) and sawing a woman in half (it got better and better)....
Bob Klase
Master Poster
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2002
- Messages
- 2,937
Assuming that you're asking about a beginning book, and assuming that you're asking about a book that teaches how to do magic rather than a history book, I'd recommend the Mark Wilson Course in Magic. You can find it on amazon.com for about $15.
alfaniner
Penultimate Amazing
Mac King has a real fun one for small tricks. Tricks with Your Head. And it's not nearly as um, smarmy as the Penn & Teller books.
JLam
Proud Skepkid Parent
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2004
- Messages
- 4,149
This thread on the Magic Cafe is totally dedicated to books for beginners. If you're interested in magic, you should sign up for that forum.
Dinsdale Piranha
A cruel man, but fair.
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2005
- Messages
- 842
The Tarbell Course in Magic is probably the most comprehensive series if you're looking to learn various kinds of tricks. You might want to check the Denny and Lee website for more info.
I always recommend Harry Lorayne's The Magic Book. It is not as comprehensive as the Wilson book but for someone starting out makes the entire art accessible with a few well chosen effects and sleights. In addition, Lorayne is, imo, probably the most clear magic writer.
Learn the sleights and effects in this book, along with a good presentation style, and you could make a career without ever buying another magic item.
That said, I think there are a few complaints about Lorayne not always properly attributing some of the effects.
Learn the sleights and effects in this book, along with a good presentation style, and you could make a career without ever buying another magic item.
That said, I think there are a few complaints about Lorayne not always properly attributing some of the effects.
deBergerac
New Doc on the Block
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2003
- Messages
- 452
For card magic I consider “The Royal Road to Card Magic” by Hugard & Braue to be very good.