Just asking, I see SO MANY recommending Mark Wilsons that I wanna get it.
But am afraid that it will have beginner-level stuff?
Since you have it, do tell me if I am being
A) Idiot
B) Arrogant and egoistic in classifying myself as a non-beginner (I was gonna use 'Jibrizy' for the egoistic part but, gotta admit he is not a beginner *sigh*)
C) Ignorant
Because I have a feeling I just CAN'T be correct if so many of you guys recommend Mark Wilsons' book.
It's a beginners course BUT it is a beginners course in all magic.
I'll be honest, you probably won't use too many of the card techniques here that you didn't already, but there are some interesting plots and tricks that you can use.
However, Mark WIlson covers so much more. Each chapter offers a basic cover of the entire subject that would let you have an all around understanding of each. It is illustrated and has relatively modern text (it was written in the 1975. If you could understand Return of the Jedi, or any old TV show that was good, you can understand this. It is illustrated nicely to give you a visual idea too. And it's pretty cheap. Each chapter will walk you through the basics of working with:
Cards (10 chapters; Basic handling, Self-workers, hindu shuffle tricks, overhand tricks, Forcing, DL tricks, Glide tricks, Short Cards, Giant cards, and flourishes, and then something called "Genie Cards")
Money (both coins and bills)
Rope magic
Handkerchief & Silk
Impromptu magic (with random items like rubber bands, paper clips, money, etc.)
Mental magic
Betchas (puzzles and bets that can be turned into tricks)
Sponge Balls
Cups and Balls
Make at home (assembling gimmicks)
Illusions (stage magic type human illusions)
Basically, if you can learn the things from this book, you will be pretty well rounded in magic. Plus, most of these can still be done today, or they can be applied to do so.