Good Books for an Aspiring Illusionist and Cardist?

WolfSage

WolfSage

Aug 4, 2015
75
38
So, I've been thinking about getting magic books for a long time now (about 30 minutes) and I think I'd like to try them out. What books do you guys recommend? I've heard a lot about Daniel Madison and his great card cheats. Should I get Anthology? Where can I find that? Here are the books I'm considering:
-The Royal Road to Card Magic
-The Magic Book: The Complete Beginners Guide to Anytime, Anywhere Close-up Magic
-Possibly The Anthology though it seems a little pricey
Am I missing anything? I'm looking for something ranging from card flourishes to coin magic and vanishes to maybe even escapes and street magic. I'm starting to get excited and am eager to start practicing though I know it's going to take some time and patience.

Thank you!
 
DominusDolorum

DominusDolorum

Elite Member
Jul 15, 2013
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You should check out Jason England's video on what to read. Its free, and his advice is sound. I always recommend Royal Road to Card Magic; it is such a great book. Make sure to read everything in it, not just the tricks and sleights.

I personally loved The Magic Book by Harry Lorayne. I got it this year and it is a beginners book, even though I have been doing card magic for a few years, Harry's insights were worth it. It does cover some of the sleights found in Royal Road, but Harry has some really good beginner card tricks in there, and the afterthoughts sections are well worth it. Not to mention it covers more than just cards. Overall, it is an excellent book for beginners, and the experienced amateur.

I am assuming that you are a beginner though, so maybe hold off on buying the Anthology. The Card College series is excellent (I'm told, I will buy the series one day).
 
WolfSage

WolfSage

Aug 4, 2015
75
38
DominusDolorum said:
You should check out Jason England's video on what to read. Its free, and his advice is sound. I always recommend Royal Road to Card Magic; it is such a great book. Make sure to read everything in it, not just the tricks and sleights.

I personally loved The Magic Book by Harry Lorayne. I got it this year and it is a beginners book, even though I have been doing card magic for a few years, Harry's insights were worth it. It does cover some of the sleights found in Royal Road, but Harry has some really good beginner card tricks in there, and the afterthoughts sections are well worth it. Not to mention it covers more than just cards. Overall, it is an excellent book for beginners, and the experienced amateur.

I am assuming that you are a beginner though, so maybe hold off on buying the Anthology. The Card College series is excellent (I'm told, I will buy the series one day).
Click to expand...
Actually, I began magic a year or two ago. But that shouldn't really count since I did it off and on and wasn't that good or serious. Now, I really want to master it. So, yeah. I'm like a beginner.
 
Mr.Book

Mr.Book

Apr 18, 2016
159
125
48
USA
It may seem a bit cliche, but I've been studying the cups and ball routine from hocus Pocus jr. The slights and palms found within can be translated into cards, or coins, or many other items. Cups and balls in general will help improve all of your magical endeavors. Just the opinion of an inspired novice, so take it for what it's worth.
 
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DominusDolorum

DominusDolorum

Elite Member
Jul 15, 2013
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Mr.Book said:
It may seem a bit cliche, but I've been studying the cups and ball routine from hocus Pocus jr. The slights and palms found within can be translated into cards, or coins, or many other items. Cups and balls in general will help improve all of your magical endeavors. Just the opinion of an inspired novice, so take it for what it's worth.
Click to expand...

It is sort of a rite of passage for magicians to know how to do the cups and balls, as it incorporates many of the magic theories in one routine. I have a cheap aluminium set that has been serving me well the past year and a bit, but eventually I want to get a nice copper set.

Take Mr.Book's advice and learn the cups and balls. He is right on by saying it will improve your magic across the board.

WolfSage said:
Actually, I began magic a year or two ago. But that shouldn't really count since I did it off and on and wasn't that good or serious. Now, I really want to master it. So, yeah. I'm like a beginner.
Click to expand...

Then by all means get a copy of Royal Road and maybe another beginner book and have a good read. You are in for a journey my friend! Good luck!
 
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M

mclintock

Nov 10, 2014
426
337
DominusDolorum said:
It is sort of a rite of passage for magicians to know how to do the cups and balls, as it incorporates many of the magic theories in one routine. I have a cheap aluminium set that has been serving me well the past year and a bit, but eventually I want to get a nice copper set.

Take Mr.Book's advice and learn the cups and balls. He is right on by saying it will improve your magic across the board.



Then by all means get a copy of Royal Road and maybe another beginner book and have a good read. You are in for a journey my friend! Good luck!
Click to expand...
Wish someone had told me I was supposed to learn it :p Time to go to my favorite book and learn the Elmsley version.
 
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DominusDolorum

DominusDolorum

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Jul 15, 2013
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mclintock said:
Wish someone had told me I was supposed to learn it :p Time to go to my favorite book and learn the Elmsley version.
Click to expand...
The cups and balls encompass many techniques in magic. Therefore, If you take the time to learn these techniques properly then you can adapt them to your other forms of magic. You don't have to learn it if you don't want to. You should always have an interest in something before forcing yourself to try and learn it. I was inspired to learn it after watching Michael Ammar, Michael Vincent, and of course Dai Vernon (who set the standard). Ricky Jay also has a great routine. If you do take the time and learn this trick and all its subtleties, you will be amazed how the rest of your magic improves. I am still working on my routine; but by doing this trick my fake passes, palms, and misdirection techniques have improved.

Enjoy!:
 
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nothingmuch

nothingmuch

Jun 6, 2015
119
84
Charlotte NC
I know I've posted this on these forums before, but Card College by Roberto Giobbi is in my opinion the best place to start. It teaches you everything you need to know to get started in card magic, as well as some killer routines and some advanced techniques.

Anthology by DM is probably my favorite magic book of all time, but I definitely wouldn't make it the first book you purchase. He expects you to have a standard of knowledge to perform his routines. I would strongly recommend it, but only after you master everything in Card College.
 
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WolfSage

WolfSage

Aug 4, 2015
75
38
Woah! That was awesome transposition in the video! Hey, thanks Mr.Book and DominusDolorum for the suggestion. I'll definately look into it. As well as Card College. That sounds interesting.
 
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