| Author | Post |
|---|
Paulo
Marvel
STAFF
| Joined: | 11-30-1999 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 1234 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: 08-22-2004 00:21 |
|
I decided to post this here in order to provide newcomers to magic with a quick review of a valuable resource.
Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic has been around for years (originally published in 1975), and was the first real magic book I owned. One of the best general modern magic courses available, it covers many different areas of legerdemain:
-basic card magic and handling, including various types of shuffles, controls, and sleights
-working with gaffed cards (like double facers, etc.)
-card fluorishes
-coin and bill magic
-rope magic
-silk and hankerchief magic
-impromptu magic
-mentalism
-cups and balls magic
-sponge ball magic
-billiard ball magic
-building stage illusions, and much more.
One of the most endearing features of this book is that it covers so many different types of magic. Be warned, this book definitely assumes that you know little if anything in each area of study. That being said, it progresses from beginning to intermediate instruction quickly enough for a beginner.
This book is definitely not to be considered an advanced course in magic; rather it provides the student with enough background in many areas of magic to be able to decide which particular strand he or she wants to pursue further (should he or she want to specialize).
I believe that such an approach is the best way to go. Too often, people entering into magic (stealthily, curiously) encounter either coin or card magic, and they are bitten by one bug or the other. The general magic approach in Wilson's book however, is built on the philosophy of a holistic, COMPLETE, development of learning magic.
I would recommend this book to anyone starting out. It can actually be found in some larger book store chains (Chapters, Indigo), on line from Amazon, or from your favorite magic dealer. It can be purchased as a hardcover of 471 pages (and a recent softcover edition is also available), for a very reasonable price.
This book should not be confused however with the book "Mark Wilson's Cyclopedia of Magic: A Complete Course" which is a mini (literally measuring about 4" X 5") version of the original. Although it has MOST of the same material, it is missing some small sections and intructional pictures.
To those who decide to purchase this book to get started, I wish them well. Remember though, that this is called a COURSE for a reason. It will take time to LEARN much of what is inside, but in the end it is well worth it.
Good luck!
Paul
PS: Cost is around $30 USD
|
BryanMagic
Enchanter
STAFF
| Joined: | 08-15-2004 |
| Location: | Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 198 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: 08-27-2004 02:20 |
|
P,
This is an excellent book for any beginner to start out with. As you have started this topic, I feel that anyone else who has books for all beginners to start out with, to go ahead and post them here.
I will give one reccomendation now. The Tarbell Course in Magic. This course is something that not only beginners should have, but intermediate and advanced level magicians. Just like Mark Wilson's Complete Course, this series of books covers the many areas of magic, many of the original and often best techniques. The whole series together as one is not cheap, but going by stages can be a good thing as you will focus on that book, learn well what is inside it, practice it, and then be ready to move on.
B
|
DylanTolly
Conjuror
| Joined: | 08-15-2004 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 22 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: 09-26-2004 00:59 |
|
Royal Road to Card Magic is a great one, when I started everyone I asked was quick to answer with "Royal Road" everytime  . And I got it and I have No Regrets! Everything about the basics is there.
Cheers,
Dylan Tolly !
|
DylanTolly
Conjuror
| Joined: | 08-15-2004 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 22 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: 09-26-2004 01:04 |
|
Hmm, the tarbell course ... I find alot of the effects are a little outdated in there, but there is sooooooooo much material there, you will take a while to go through all of it . Oh on the topic, I have also only heard good things about the Art of Astonishment Series and it is my next investment for sure , packed with great effects I have heard and seems like its alot of bang for your buck  .
Dylan Tolly !
|
AceGhatge
Conjuror
| Joined: | 08-15-2004 |
| Location: | India |
| Posts: | 518 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: 09-26-2004 03:54 |
|
Yes i will agree with Bryan The Tarbell Course of magic is really good it has everything you need close-up and stage . I Love in and am proud to have is suggest and recommend it as you'll be a better magician after purchase well it depends on you too, you can't become Paul harris afetr you buy it , royal road to card magic is great for a new commer and when he gets into the groove PH books are an essential and then he and refer to the Tarbell course, then maybe he'll turn into a Paul Harris..hehe
Regards,
Ace
|
Fantasia
Illusionist
STAFF
| Joined: | 08-15-2004 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 264 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: 09-26-2004 13:54 |
|
| The tricks in the Tarbell course are ok. But for Beginners it is a great source. For that matter it is a great source for even the semi pro to professional. Has things that are more than just "tricks". Example, How to entertain your audience, How to use misdirection, A written history on magic, How to promote yourself as a magician, and so much more. Yes the tricks are a little old, but consider for when it was written. The actual value comes in the lessons and not in the tricks themselves. I really believe the Tarbell complete course is an outstanding consideration for the beginning magician. Last edited on 09-26-2004 13:55 by Fantasia
|
Fade_of_Light
Conjuror
| Joined: | 08-15-2004 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 68 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: 09-26-2004 19:38 |
|
and of course, when you are starting in magic, check out these stores:
http://www.illusionstore.com/ (store of this site)
http://www.penguinmagic.com (widely known, sharp prices, lots of contents)
http://www.penguinmagic.co.uk (for europe...check out, you need to pay tax/vat, but no shipping in europe, sometimes it's cheaper to get it out of the us)
http://www.ellusionist.com
|
Goochelaar
Wizard
|
Posted: 09-26-2004 19:51 |
|
The "Now You See It, Now You Don't" series also has a great deal of basic to intermediate knowledge. It contains easy instructions, and great illustrations.
Bobo's Modern Coin Magic. The Coin Bible. You should have it from the start.
Card College Volume 1. - Teaches from the very beginning of basic card handling and provides great instructions, illustrations, and routines to help you practice the techniques taught.
G
|
Sponge
Marvel
STAFF
| Joined: | 08-15-2004 |
| Location: | United Kingdom |
| Posts: | 2275 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: 10-03-2004 15:54 |
|
| The first book i got when i started magic was "The Art Of Magic And Sleight Of Hand". Which teaches basic controls and tricks and sleights. I think that thats a great starters book.
|
TheMagician7
Magician
| Joined: | 11-30-1999 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 23 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: 10-04-2004 06:39 |
|
| The Complete Course In Magic by Mark Wilson is one of the very best books for a beginner just starting out in Magic. I have this book and i am always going back to it for information. This is a MUST for any magicians library
|
TheMagician7
Magician
| Joined: | 11-30-1999 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 23 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: 10-04-2004 12:03 |
|
| This is one of the best magic books that i own and the instructions are simple enough to follow.
|
kurei
Magician
| Joined: | 11-30-1999 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 6 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: 10-10-2004 04:01 |
|
| the first and the only book I have, card tricks by harry barron published 1969.. this book is really old. I'm getting the royal road coz everytime I ask for a good reference, royal road is highly recommended for beginners
|
playazlife
Conjuror
| Joined: | 08-15-2004 |
| Location: | Colombia |
| Posts: | 160 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: 10-17-2004 15:58 |
|
| Mark Wilson's Cyclopedia of Magic is great for beginners!
|
Magicmikk
Conjuror
| Joined: | 08-15-2004 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 4 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: 10-20-2004 23:41 |
|
Agreed with majority of everyone else, first books to get you started -
- Mark Wilson's Cyclopedia of Magic
- Royal Road to Card Magic - Hugard and Braue
- Modern Coin Magic - Bobo
Reading these thurly through will give you a great aspect of different types of magic especially cards and coins and are always great to look back through!
Mikk
|
gareth
Conjuror
|
Posted: 10-22-2004 20:26 |
|
Magicmikk wrote: Agreed with majority of everyone else, first books to get you started -
- Mark Wilson's Cyclopedia of Magic
- Royal Road to Card Magic - Hugard and Braue
- Modern Coin Magic - Bobo
Reading these thurly through will give you a great aspect of different types of magic especially cards and coins and are always great to look back through!
Mikk
Oh yes these are the books to have. But for the card guys, add Expert at the Card table as well. Also DVDs are a great tool, I think Ammars from L&L Publishing are the best.
|
Current time is 23:28 | Page: 1 2 3   |
|