Best in-print book on conjuring and tricks?

Gurdur · 17th November 2005, 02:29 PM

What would be the best in-print book on conjuring and magic tricks in general?
Many thanks in advance for info.

kittynh · 17th November 2005, 05:14 PM

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)....

Bob Klase · 18th November 2005, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by Gurdur

What would be the best in-print book on conjuring and magic tricks in general?
Many thanks in advance for info.

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.

Gurdur · 18th November 2005, 10:51 AM

Many thanks for the replies so far. Please keep them coming.

alfaniner · 18th November 2005, 10:57 AM

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 · 19th November 2005, 11:49 AM

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.

Gurdur · 19th November 2005, 08:50 PM

Many thanks indeed for the info and site.

Dinsdale Piranha · 30th November 2005, 02:29 PM

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.

Garrette · 9th December 2005, 05:09 AM

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.

deBergerac · 9th December 2005, 12:52 PM

For card magic I consider “The Royal Road to Card Magic” by Hugard & Braue to be very good.

17th November 2005, 02:29 PM	#1
Gurdur Person Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4,875	Best in-print book on conjuring and tricks? What would be the best in-print book on conjuring and magic tricks in general? Many thanks in advance for info.
Gurdur Person Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4,875

17th November 2005, 05:14 PM	#2
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 22,706	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)....
	__________________ WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

18th November 2005, 10:51 AM	#4
Gurdur Person Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4,875	Many thanks for the replies so far. Please keep them coming.
Gurdur Person Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4,875

18th November 2005, 10:57 AM	#5
alfaniner Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Sorth Dakonsin Posts: 11,382	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.
	__________________ Science doesn't lie.

19th November 2005, 11:49 AM	#6
JLam Proud Skepkid Parent Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Low and away Posts: 4,165	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.
	__________________ Help take down Sylvia Browne. "what's dicksing? my dicksionary have no word for that" - Pillory

18th November 2005, 08:11 AM	#3
Bob Klase Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 2,833	Originally Posted by Gurdur What would be the best in-print book on conjuring and magic tricks in general? Many thanks in advance for info. 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.

19th November 2005, 08:50 PM	#7
Gurdur Person Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4,875	Many thanks indeed for the info and site.
Gurdur Person Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4,875

30th November 2005, 02:29 PM	#8
Dinsdale Piranha A cruel man, but fair. Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: In the conversation pit. Posts: 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.

9th December 2005, 05:09 AM	#9
Garrette Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 10,548	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.

9th December 2005, 12:52 PM	#10
deBergerac New Doc on the Block Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Uppsala (Sweden) Posts: 452	For card magic I consider “The Royal Road to Card Magic” by Hugard & Braue to be very good.