The Tarbell course in magic.
Definitely was worth sifting trough to find some great tricks.
For years, I have been imploring magicians to get the complete
Tarbell Course in Magic. Harlan Tarbell teaches in this course how to become a real magician. As he says right in the beginning of Volume One, “One can give medicine to a friend, but that does not make him a doctor.” Tarbell trains people to be real magicians knowing the mechanics and fundamentals of magic.
Far too many young performers think that mastering magic is learning just sleights and words. Studying Tarbell teaches you what it is really all about. When you understand the total concept of what it means to be a magician, you will act and perform accordingly. When you do, your audience will recognize you as a skilled performer and give you the attention and respect necessary to work your miracles.
Pure Effect and Absolute Magic, both by Derren Brown. These two books are incredible to read, hilarious and ingenious! They made me change my way of thinking about magic and performance.
....too bad he took them out of print and they are almost impossible to find
look anyways! try ebay
kevin