| Sure, videos are great for learning magic. There really isn�t a better way to actually see how a sleight or a trick looks as it is performed, and it helps aid in learning intricate moves that would otherwise take pages to describe. But, if you are serious about learning magic, and want to really want to use your brain, then books are the way to go. First of all, they force you to develop your own personal style and patter, as you have no one to copy. Secondly, they are much more personal and delve deeper into the mind of the thinking magician, going further into detail about the psychology of the sleight or trick at hand. Lastly, they are far more charming, and you don�t need to plop yourself in front of the tube. Here are, in my opinion, some great books for beginning magic. The Amateur Magician�s Handbook � Henry Hay This is the book that bit me with the magic bug real bad. Down to earth, funny, fascinating, informative, and covers the basics of sleight of hand and showmanship. Cards, Coins, balls, cigarettes, silks, rings, billiard balls, ropes, and tons of stuff in between, are all clearly described. Of great interest are the great stories and ancdotes of the great magic performers of yesteryear who helped make the art what it is today. A great investment for anyone. The Encyclopedia of Playing Card Flourishes - Jerry Cestkowski For over a century, literature has sadly been without a definitive book on flashy playing card stunts and flourishes. Most classic and underground moves were scattered thorough decades of books, lecture notes, and forgotten manuscripts. In this massive volume (and I do mean massive, this well bound tomb weighs in at a whopping five lbs), Jerry �The Flourishman� Cestkowski compiled hundreds of fantastic flourishes (all the beloved classics with up to date improvements and dozens of unique creations of his own), all taught with lucid b&w photos and written with a clarity, wit, and humor not commonly found among the writings of other well known authors. At $75 dollars, some may scoff at the thought of plunkin� down so much for a book, but if you are interested in card manipulation of any kind, you can simply not be without this one of a kind collection of fancy playing card moves. And when you consider you gain more than a lifetime�s worth of knowledge and advice, it is worth its weight in gold. Even if you could care less about magic or card flourishes, it is a book of beauty and is in invaluable addition to any book collector�s library. There is simply nothing else like it and probably never will be. There are also accompanying DVDs that complement the book that are just as great. Jerry is a master of his craft, possesses supernatural skill, and has the determination to make it available to you in the best way possible, don�t pass it up. Get it here: flourishman.com Modern Coin Magic � J.B. Bobo. Known as the Bible of coin magic, beginners and pros alike would do them self-justice by acquiring this famous book of sleights and tricks with coins and bills. Routines with all sorts of currency provide years of study, practice, and fun. Everything from basic moves to stage masterpieces, this book should be among your priorities, and it's even available in softcover.., The Magic Book � Harry Lorayne. Harry Lorayne, one of magic�s finest writers and teachers has written more magic books than anyone should ever be allowed to write. But this one was released in 1977 on the heels of the phenomenal success of his Memory Book, and is equally as good. Harry covers the many basics of sleight of hand, and describes some great tricks and routines. His writing style is well known among the magic fraternity for being clear and direct. You won�t be making a mistake if this is the first book of magic that you purchase, there is a little something of everything, and all practical. Now You See It, Now You Don�t � Bill Tarr. Some great lessons in sleight of hand, all profusely illustrated with clear drawings in a nice, oversized book. Some very practical, very cool moves and routines, some of them surprisingly not seen very often. Focusing mostly on cards, there is also a wealth of coin, ball, and cigarette manipulation as well. Followed by two more books to complete a trilogy. The Art of Magic � T. Nelson Downs. Nelson was a great manipulator, known for his expert coin work. Although a lot of its material is rather dated, it�s a great look into the magic of yesterday, and contains some fascinating reading. Lot�s of cards, coins, and stage magic. Routined Manipulation (Volumes 1, 2, and 3) - Lewis Ganson � A three part series containing some sophisticated sleight of hand with cards, coins, ropes and other everyday objects. Skillfully written and illustrated, Ganson takes great care in explaining the tricks and routines, often with a style that clearly shows his love and devotion to the art. Practical Mental Magic � Theodore Annemann. Anneman was a great innovator, collector, and writer of magic until he took his own life shortly before he was scheduled to perform the famous bullet catching trick in New York in 1942. In this famous work, he catalogs some great mental magic from some of the greatest minds of his time and shows his own genius in several original and clever tricks and routines involving mentalism. If you ever wanted to pretend to have ESP, but had trouble spelling it, this book is a great place to start. The Art of Astonishment (Volume 1-3) � Paul Harris. The geek genius of the late 70s gives us a trio of hefty books that take close up magic to a new modern level. Filled with creative concoctions using coins, cards, and a dozen other things, Harris gives us lots to think about along with tons of useable stuff. You will fool yourself doing some things in these books�.modern day classics that will inspire you and may even alter the way you look at reality. Magic and Meaning � Eugene Burger and Robert Neale. Know as one of the deepest thinkers in magic, Burger writes about magic and it�s meaning to those who witness it. Not many tricks to be found, but Burger has a philosophy that can only be summed up as good advice. It�s not light reading, but it�s direct and important, and something you should consider purchasing if you are indeed serious about performing. Card College (Volumes 1-5) - Roberto Giobbi. The definitive course on sleight of hand with cards. This four part series covers almost every aspect of card magic you can imagine, from basic moves to advanced routines and flourishes. It�s written with great care and detail, and Giobbi spares nothing in telling it like it is. The books work progressively, and after each new sleight is taught you are given some great tricks in which to use it. Literally several lifetime's worth of valuable information. Anyone who claims to be a card worker better have these books on their shelves for more than show, they�re worth every penny. Expert at the Card Table � S.W. Erdnase. Who was S.W. Erdnase? ( S.E Andrews spelled backwards perhaps?) What�s known is that at the turn of the century, a great cards shark of legendary proportion needed some fast cash and had someone ghost this book in which he describes the workings of the skilled card cheat. Highly advanced, informative, and fascinating, there are secrets within secrets to be found in this mysterious work. Dai Vernon, one of the greatest magic thinkers of all time, knew the book by heart and it�s still studied by card enthusiasts today. Don�t feel bad if you can�t do a damn thing in it, you will still be a boatload wiser after reading it This could easily be coupled with the non magic, non fiction book The Phantom of the Card Table, by Gazzo, who researched and tracked down the mysterious individual in this fascinating book about card cheats and their search for the truth about the phantom. Expert Card Technique � Hugard and Braue. Full of classic moves, tricks, and routines, this is a collective work of many useful and important card sleights. Of equal interest is the final chapters on the misdirection and presentation of card magic. Some great advice that you will use as long as you handle cards. Of equal attention by the same authors is Royal Road to Card Magic. The Encyclopedia of Card Tricks � Jean Hugard. Here are several hundred card tricks of every type. Stacked decks, trick cards, and mathematical wonders are gathered down through the ages and complied in one priceless paperback tomb guaranteed to be a point of reference for years to come. Once you have a basic understanding of magic and it�s jargon and workings, you can move on to advanced books that specialize in any of hundreds branches of magic. The books you chose to study will be your foundation for magical knowlege, so make sure they are worthy. Good luck! |
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