(Brief reviews of selected books on magic.)
 

Magic Literature over the years has undergone a few subtle transformations.  It has evolved over the past several decades into a body of literature that treats the technical and showmanship aspects of magic with the precision and detail worthy of the art it is capable of being.  A thread has been woven throughout, elevating the art of conjuring far beyond merely fooling the spectator to presenting a polished and powerfully stimulating performance.

The mini-reviews below are comprised mainly of my personal assessment of each respective publication listed.  Subjective as they are, they may be freely embraced or discarded, as the reader sees fit.  Their presence here is intended chiefly to offer one self-styled thinking man’s opinion, and little more.  My only aim is that they might somehow benefit each reader in some way.

Tim Wallace             

The Fitzkee Trilogy — Dariel Fitzkee These three books comprise an essential body of knowledge, tools, and advice for the magician.  Showmanship for Magicians is a primer on good showmanship, outlining the technical entertainment details that are easily overlooked.  The Trick Brain enumerates the several varieties of magic effects, and provides a methodical approach to conforming a resource pool of potential effects to a show (rather than the other way around).  Magic by Misdirection details the mechanics and psychology of successfully managing the spectator’s attention as part of performing effective magic.
The Tarbell Course — Harlan Tarbell The Tarbell books are a classic collection of history, theory, technique, and hundreds and hundreds of tricks.  Covering nearly every facet of magical endeavor, the original course (published in individual lessons) and then some, has been compiled into these eight hardback volumes.  Most, if not all, of the classic effects are explained in detail, most with good illustrations.  Volume seven contains in index to the rest of the series, though it sometimes leaves something to be desired.  All in all, these books are a fundamental foundation to any magician’s library.
Greater Magic — John Northern Hilliard Another classic of magic literature, Greater Magic makes a fine compliment to the Tarbell books.  Originally produced in multiple bindings, Hilliard’s contribution is yet another compilation of classic effects, gleaned from countless hours spent in the presence of some of magic’s top creative minds in history.  The newer versions are found in a single, fat binding.
Magic and Showmanship — Henning Nelms “;A handbook for conjurers”—yet another classic (in my opinion), bringing expertise from the professional stage, interspersed and illustrated with performance and effect examples.  If there were a magician’s college, among the bedrock texts would surely be this book, the Fitzkee three, and possibly the Tarbells.  This one is peppered with gems of insight and creativity.
Modern Magic — “Professor Hoffmann” I haven’t finished this one, but it has all the look and feel of a classic classic—that is, it is “modern” only in the context of early twentieth-century, but the concepts and insights that were then appearing in print only for the first time were destined to become classic pillars of conjuring in theory and practice.  Fundamental principles are carefully presented, many of which appear lost on a number of contemporary performers.  Less of this book’s content is out-dated than at first meets the eye.
Now You See It, Now You Don’t — Bill Tarr Magnificently illustrated by Barry Ross, this is a fine large-format resource for the sleight-of-hand student.  Tarr presents a number of classic sleight-of-hand moves, using cards, thimbles, cups and balls, sponge balls, rope, coins, and more.  The cover calls it “a comprehensive course in sleight of hand” and that’s exactly what it is.  For a beginner, this is the next best thing to having a personal mentor.  Many fundamental basics are here, ready to become part of a serious conjuror’s repertoire with appropriate measures of practice and polish.
The Complete Cups & Balls — Michael Ammar The title says it all.  Michael Ammar is one of today’s finest, and L&L Publishing has done a splendid job of producing Ammar’s thorough treatment of this timeless effect.  I remember my first set of plastic colored cups and fluffy white balls, never dreaming of the artistry that could be infused into such simple props at the hands of an adept performer.  This large-format book provides both useful material and inspirational encouragement to the cups & balls enthusiast.  Ammar describes all the classic moves and sleights, and the sophisticated visual accompaniment is an excellent aid to both the visual and non-visual learner.  This book should be a standard in every serious (or aspiring!) conjuror’s library.
Strong Magic — Darwin Ortiz Subtitled “Creative Showmanship For The Close-Up Magician,” this book is a must-read for any magician, in my humble opinion.  What the likes of Fitzkee and Nelms provided in the way of practical theory a generation or so ago, Ortiz simultaneously complements and transcends in this volume.  Rich with truly practical and applicable concepts of artistic showmanship in the field of magic, accompanied by plenty of real-world examples, Mr. Ortiz has delivered to the magic community an enduring gem of inestimable value.  (Sounds like he paid me to say that, doesn’t it?  He didn’t.)  My advice those who thrive on “trick books” is:  Even if you read only one “theory” book in your lifetime, make it this one (and treat it like a textbook!)—you’ll be glad you did.
The Magic Book — Harry Lorayne Recommended to me by Denny Haney as a great introduction to several magic fundamentals, I found this to be a great introduction to several magic fundamentals(!).  Many folks tend to either love or hate Mr. Lorayne’s writing style of very detailed instruction mingled with general advice and insight.  But at least you can be sure Harry won't leave anything out!  There’s cards, coins, mentalism, and various other types of effects, with some card and coin moves and handlings that’ll last a lifetime.  I think this is an ideal adult beginner’s book, but there’s plenty here that one shouldn’t expect to grow out of.