Who has time to read these days? Happily some people still do. Back in the day, so to speak, before videos and DVDs, a new book by a popular magician meant a rush of eager customers. I would wager that some magicians have never even owned a magic book. But I would bet that number is few among my customers. I say that because I encourage every new magician, young and old, as long as they can read, to start with Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic. I love that book and have sold hundreds of them over the years. It’s clear, easy to follow, not too many words and tons of Illustrations. Guy Camirand of the Camirand Academy of Magic used to give courses on Wednesday evenings at Perfect Magic to adults and he recommended that book for all his students.
The diversity of magic books is amazing, and their value increases with time. I know because I have many used books which I sell from time to time on ebay, when I have time. I sold one that was originally $35.00, The 12 Who Died, about the bullet catch. It sold for $350.00. Not all get that kind of price but sometimes it is amazing.
Every subject re magic is discussed in books. There are books on building illusions to building shows, for close up, street magic, stage, restaurant, children’s parties, weddings, family, hospitals, schools, day cares, and the list goes on. But it’s more than the tricks. Each author has their own philosophy and approach. In a book you can stop and think about it, reread something you appreciated without having to push buttons. There are books on magicians’ biographies, history, psychology, presentation, marketing, comedy, how to, etc. Some are specific, dealing only with one subject like cards or coins, balloons, rope, or cups and balls, etc. while others have a variety of effects. Some are for beginners some, for experts.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all another one comes up which took my breath away even before I read it. The Death Camp Magicians, A True Story of Holocaust Survivors Werner Reich and Herbert Nivelli written by William V. Rauscher in Collaboration with Werner Reich. It should be a fascinating, if somewhat dark, read.
Get away from that iphone or computer and read a book, before you forget how!
philipmatlin
Perfect Magic Then and Now 
Hi Evy
Would you happen to have this blog entry on DVD?
(Another great book to have early on, in particular because it’s so easy to digest and never quite loses traction, is Bill Tarr’s “Now You See It, Now You Don’t”.)
James
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What exactly did you want on DVD, my post or Bill Tarr’s book?We used to carry the book, but haven’t for some time. Thanks for the comment.
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Evy, you know me…what I was looking for was a video recording on DVD of someone reading your blog entry, so I could watch it rather than read it.
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James, you’re joking of course!
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Well done. There are so many classics of magic by classical magicians! I am currently reading – and absorbing – “Stewart James in Print – The First Fifty Years,” published by Jogestja Ltd. Stewart James is one of Canada’s most successful magicians. There are later tomes published that I can’t wait to read as well. James grew up in Ontario, learned magic in spite of his negative parents, and gathered an international following through his published works in most of the magic magazines of his time. Magicians would make the pilgrimage each year to attend Stewart James’ “GET-TOGETHERS.” I can’t to see the movie of his life!
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That’s a big one to digest. As you said, there are many classics of magic worth reading. I think you get a much better understanding of the art and the people. I can feel your enthusiasm. Thanks for commenting.
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