Welcome to the fascinating world of magic books! Whether you're just getting started or you've been performing magic tricks for years, there's something truly special about cracking open a good magic book and discovering a gem that becomes part of your regular repertoire.
Magic books aren't just collections of tricks—they're your teachers, mentors, and creative partners all rolled into one. They force you to think about your performance in ways that videos sometimes can't, and they give you the space to develop your own style and interpretation of each effect.
What Makes Magic Books So Special?
Magic books have been the backbone of magical education for centuries, and there's good reason for that. When you learn from a book, you're not just copying someone else's performance style—you're building your understanding from the ground up and creating something uniquely yours.
The beauty of learning from books is that they encourage you to really think through each move and understand the why behind every action. You'll develop stronger fundamentals, better timing, and a deeper appreciation for the art because you've worked for it. Plus, books tend to pack incredible value—hundreds of tricks, techniques, and insights for the price of a single DVD or download.
Types of Magic Books You'll Encounter
Card Magic Books are probably what most people think of first, and for good reason. From beginner-friendly guides like Royal Road to Card Magic to advanced masterpieces like Roberto Giobbi's Card College series, card magic books cover everything from simple self-working miracles to knuckle-busting sleight of hand. You'll find books focused on specific techniques, others that teach complete routines, and some that dive deep into the theory behind why certain effects work so well.
Coin Magic Books offer some of the most practical magic you can learn—after all, coins are everywhere, and the reactions to good coin magic are absolutely electric. Books like J.B. Bobo's Modern Coin Magic are considered essential reading because they teach you skills that translate to any close-up situation. The best coin magic books don't just teach you tricks; they teach you how to handle coins naturally and make impossible things look effortless.
Mentalism Books take you into a completely different realm of performance. Books like 13 Steps to Mentalism by Corinda and Practical Mental Magic by Theodore Annemann are legendary in the mentalism world. These books teach you how to create the illusion of mind reading, prediction, and psychological influence—skills that can make you seem genuinely supernatural to your audience.
General Magic Books cover the full spectrum of magical arts. Some, like Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic or the Tarbell Course, are comprehensive educational systems that teach you everything from close-up tricks to stage illusions. Others focus on specific aspects like presentation skills, magic theory, or the business side of professional performing.
Finding Books for Your Skill Level
If you're just starting out, look for books that build your skills progressively and give you plenty of tricks to practice along the way. Books in Karl Fulves' Self-Working series are perfect because they let you focus on presentation without worrying about difficult sleight of hand. Now You See It, Now You Don't by Bill Tarr is another fantastic starting point because it introduces you to multiple types of magic and helps you discover what interests you most.
For intermediate magicians, you'll want books that challenge you while still being approachable. The Card College series by Roberto Giobbi strikes this balance perfectly, teaching advanced techniques through clear explanations and practical applications. Books by authors like John Bannon, Harry Lorayne, and Paul Harris (Art of Astonishment series) offer material that's sophisticated but still learnable.
Advanced performers should seek out books that push boundaries and offer new perspectives on familiar territory. The Books of Wonder by Tommy Wonder, Expert at the Card Table by S.W. Erdnase, and works by Juan Tamariz represent the pinnacle of magical literature. These books don't just teach tricks—they teach artistry, philosophy, and the deeper principles that separate good magic from truly great magic.
Beyond Just Learning Tricks
The best magic books do more than teach you methods—they help you become a better performer overall. Books on magic theory like Darwin Ortiz's Strong Magic or Ken Weber's Maximum Entertainment teach you how to construct routines, engage audiences, and think like a professional entertainer. These books are invaluable whether you perform occasionally for friends or you're building a professional career.
Many magic books also preserve important history and connect you to the rich tradition of our art. Reading books by masters like Dai Vernon, Tony Slydini, or Fred Kaps gives you insight into how magic has evolved and helps you understand the principles that have stood the test of time.
Making the Most of Your Magic Library
Building a magic library is an investment that pays dividends for years. Start with foundational books in the areas that interest you most, then branch out as your skills develop. Don't feel like you need to master every trick in a book—even if you only use a few effects from each book, you'll find that the knowledge and techniques you gain along the way inform everything else you do.
The real magic happens when you start combining ideas from different books, adapting techniques from one area of magic to another, and developing your own variations and improvements on classical effects. That's when you truly become not just a performer of magic, but a magician.
Remember, magic books are meant to be used, not just collected. The most worn and dog-eared books in any magician's library are usually their most valuable ones—not in monetary terms, but in terms of the knowledge, skills, and performance pieces they've provided over the years.
So dive in, explore different types of magic, and let these incredible resources guide you toward becoming the magician you want to be. The magic is all there on the pages, waiting for you to bring it to life.
