How to Build Your First Magic Book Library on a Budget

Look, I get it. You've just discovered the joy of magic books, and suddenly your Amazon wishlist looks like you're trying to fund a small university library. But here's the thing: you don't need to remortgage your house to build a solid foundation of magic knowledge. Let me walk you through building a killer magic book collection without eating ramen for six months straight.

Start With The Absolute Essentials (Yes, These Are Non-Negotiable)

If you're serious about card magic—and let's face it, most of us are—you need Royal Road to Card Magic. This is basically the bible of card work, and at under £20, it's cheaper than a few pints down the pub. Hugard and Braue break everything down so clearly that even your nan could learn a double lift (though maybe don't teach her that one).

For those of you who want to dive straight into the deep end, Expert at the Card Table is the other pillar of card magic education. Erdnase's work has been studied by magicians for over a century, and there's a reason for that—it's bloody brilliant. Fair warning though: this isn't a weekend read. This is a "study for the next five years" kind of book.

The One-Book-Fits-All Mentality

Here's a controversial take: you probably don't need fifteen books on card tricks when you're starting out. Pick one or two excellent books and actually work through them. I mean properly work through them—not just reading while half-watching Netflix. The problem most magicians have isn't lack of material; it's lack of mastery.

If coin magic is your thing, Modern Coin Magic by J.B. Bobo is literally the only book you need for years. It's comprehensive, practical, and will teach you skills that translate to every close-up situation you'll encounter. One book, endless possibilities.

Shop Second-Hand (But Be Smart About It)

Here's where budget magic book collecting gets interesting. Charity shops, car boot sales, and eBay are goldmines for older magic books. The classics never go out of style, and you can often find them for a fraction of the retail price. Just make sure you're not buying outdated material that references props you can't even buy anymore (looking at you, 1970s apparatus magic books).

Pro tip: Join magic forums and Facebook groups. Magicians are constantly selling off books they've outgrown, and you can grab some absolute bargains from people who actually know what they're worth. Plus, you might make some mates who can tell you which books are actually worth your time.

Build By Genre, Not By Hype

Don't buy a book just because some YouTuber said it was "game-changing." Focus on building a balanced library across different areas. If you've got card magic covered, maybe invest in a mentalism book next. 13 Steps to Mentalism is the standard here—it's pricier than some beginner books, but it covers virtually everything you need to know about mentalism.

The goal is to have a well-rounded knowledge base, not 47 books that all teach you slightly different versions of the same ambitious card routine. Variety makes you a better magician and keeps your audiences from seeing the same style of magic every time you perform.

The Library Test

Before you buy any magic book, ask yourself: "Will I still be referencing this in five years?" If the answer is no, maybe save your cash. The best magic books are the ones you return to repeatedly, discovering new layers each time you read them. That's the difference between a purchase and an investment.

Building a magic library on a budget isn't about being cheap—it's about being smart. Buy fewer books, better books, and actually study them. Your bank account (and your magic) will thank you for it.