Book Description

From one of the world's premier practitioners of classic magic, with years of experience instructing younger readers in the magical arts, comes this new revision of his complete guide to learning and performing fantastic feats of prestidigitation. Acclaimed by the Los Angeles Times as "the text that...young magicians swear by," it's full of step-by-step instructions. More than 2,000 illustrations provide the know-how behind 300 techniques, from basic card tricks to advanced levitation, along with advice on planning and staging a professional-quality magic show. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

A excellent magic book
A friend of mine who skills are in the advanced range recommended this book. The tricks in this book are explained very clearly. It is a simply wonderful book and spells out a wide range of tricks ranging from card magic (my favorite) to impromptu magic, rope magic, coin magic, cups & balls, billiard ball magic, mental magic, stage magic. A very comprehensive book that contains tons of illustrations. An excellent buy for the amateur magician. I have baffled friends, co-workers, and family with the magic tricks I have learned from this book.

The best magic book I have ever read!
Mark Wilson is great! You enjoy this book from start to finish. It has a lot (and I mean a lot) of pictures on how the secret moves are supposed to be executed, you can't get them wrong! You become a magician in the moment you buy this book!

Nothing up my sleeve AND....Ooops
As an amateur magician I can say this is the best magic book I have ever come across. There are many beginner through advanced type tricks. So what ever your level of experience you will learn something.

A word of warning, make sure you read all of the associated material before attempting a trick. I did not do so and Noodles, our pet cocker spaniel, is still missing. Unfortunately so is the magic book. The family eagerly awaits the replacement text I've ordered. Per my attorney, I am not at liberty to discuss the "sawing a body in half" trick but please be careful.

Enjoy!

Really good introductory stuff!!
My mom gave me this book about 10 years ago, when I was 13. I has taught me soooo much and gave me all the basics that I needed to get underway with later, more advanced stuff. It teaches, for example, the basic (and thus, of course, limited) versions of such sleights as the French Drop and the Double-Lift. At that point I could already do tricks that fooled a lot of people, although not many of the real kickers. There are some very good tricks in it, of course, such as his "Sandwiched Aces" which, even today, I use in my repertoire. This is a springboard from which you can (and should) go to the PhD stuff, such as Paul Harris, Harry Lorraine, Ed Marlo, Gary Ouellet. This course is, therefore, a highly-recommended introduction to close-up magic.

The biggest and the best
You can't beat the value of this one. 300 tricks CLEARLY explained so that you can begin doing them in front of your friends and family in just a few hours (well, at least some of the tricks). I remember Wilson from TV. He was a great performer, a family man, a lover of magic. This is the best bang for your buck! ... Read more

Book Description

Here is magic fun galore for kids—and it’s all of packed into a compact and sturdy little box! Equipment and props for budding junior magicians include a card deck for tricks, a nested box that is just the right size to perform an impressive coin trick, a magic scarf and disappearing egg, a trick rope, and magic-motion foam balls. The Little Box of Magic Tricks also includes a set of eight miniature 24-page instruction books (size 2 1/2 " x2 3/4 " each) with instructions for performing a number of feats of magic. Each color-illustrated mini-book focuses on a different aspect of the magician’s art: * Card Tricks *Paper Tricks *Disappearing Acts *Coin Tricks * Rope Tricks * Optical Illusions * Wizards * and Mind-Bender Puzzles. Here’s everything that kids need to get started for many hours of pure magic fun. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

An enjoyable hobby book to learn from
Whimsical illustrations by Marlin Bree add a fun touch to Loris Bree's Kids' Magic Secrets: Simple Magic Tricks & Why They Work -- a straightforward instructional guide to magic secrets any child can learn to do. Whether as the basis of a magic show, some fun tricks to demonstrate to friends, or just an amusing pastime to master on a rainy day, Kids' Magic Secrets is an enjoyable hobby book to learn from, and share with other aspiring young magicians. ... Read more

Book Description

Don't blink an eye!....But if you do, don't worry, because the step-by-step photographs and clear instructions in this colorful and exciting book capture every move as world-class magician Fay Presto unveils the mysteries of over 25 terrific magic tricks. 'Busted Banana,' 'Sensitive Sole,' and 'Water Surprise' are some of the tempting tricks Fay has devised to make it easy for children to put on an amazing magic show. Organized by theme, there are mathematical tricks that require little practice, new tricks, familiar tricks that take on a new twist, and even some illusion tricks (so don't throw away those large empty cartons!).A special section at the end of the book gathers together the essential information kids need to add a personal dash of panache to their performance! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Kids?! This book will even please professionals!
This is a great book for pre-teens starting in magic. It contains a great variety of tricks, plus excellent advice. The artwork and photography are first class. Now here's the bonus: If you are a working, grown-up magician looking for equipment to add to your act, just build sturdier versions of the tricks in this book. There is even a stage illusion! You will save A LOT of money building some of this items, and they are good. Just the production tube allow is worth the price of the book, I've built some for my twin nephews, and my wife was fooled when I tried them out on her. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Grandmother from Massachusetts
Great fun! Activities require very easily accessible materials that educate and entertain. We took this book to a family reunion and had everyone from age 8 to 88 trying to do the experiments the scientific experts claim are Impossible. Now, every time my grandchildren (ages 6 and 10)visit, this is the first book they drag off the shelf. This is a timeless winner!

This is a great book full of science challenges.
Bet You Can't is a wonderful tool for teachers and students. Science is presented as fun challenges. It can be used in the classroom setting in many ways--as independent centers, and as science process presentations. Students are amazed at the activities. This book helps students understand science in a fun. ... Read more

Book Description

Finally back in print—this much-in-demand classic coincides with November release of Harry Potter movie and the explosive popularity of magic and magicians—ideal giftbook for all ages! This unique volume, with over 250 photos and drawings, includes the complete Blackstone story, along with a vivid and varied appreciation of the history, science, and art of illusion, from the temples of ancient Egypt to the vaudeville stages of the 1920s to Broadway, Las Vegas, and television, including profiles of the greatest stage magicians, sleight-of-hand entertainers, and mentalists. The book discusses the why and how of magic (vanishing, transformation, escapes, mentalism, etc.), and the psychological principles behind effects such as sensory illusions and misdirection. In addition, the book contains 20 classic magic routines in detailed execution. Among them:
• The cups and balls
• The classic coin-palm
• Sawing a woman in half with a rope rather than a saw
• The ring on a ribbon
• The Hindu card shuffle
• And eight other confounding card tricks 250 b/w photos and drawings. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Secrets of illusion revealed by one of the OLD MASTERS!
As a Conjurer I have studied the classic works of many of the great old conjurers. Of all of them Blackstone is one of the most well known. This book provides clear and simple explanations of some of the greatest tricks and illusions known to Magic. Great for the beginning or advanced conjuror. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (11)

The Klutz Book Of Magic
This book teaches you the basics of magic. It includes everything you need to know from card tricks to small illusions. This book is great for beginners of magic. I am a magician and I loved this book. One of the reasons this book is great for everyone is because it includes all the props you need! Also for the serious magician the Klutz Book of Magic (The Movie) is a great companion for visual learners. Buy them both today

Great Book
This book is great. I got it when I was 7, and now am 13 doing all sorts of great tricks. All the props are included (so you dont have to waste any time making your own) and there are great illustrations. (i.e. For one trick, one side of the page shows your view of the trick, while the other side shows the spectator's view. (a MUST for all magic tricks) So if you like magic, (or if you don't) this book will get you started in no time at all.

A beginner's only book
This book was very helpful. It contains a total of 31 tricks, 10 or 11 of which are actually worth it. This book however does come with one of the best gaggets you need as a magician, this gagget will help you dissapear hankercheifs and etc. when you show themm to an audience. A good book for the begining magician.

Great Book
This is a great book for anyone that wants to learn magic. It comes with a ring that you can use for many magic tricks (It is my favorite prop). It comes with easy tricks, and very hard tricks. And one more thing...Don't use the orange string for the "Cut & Restored Rope" trick, you lose a bit of rope with that trick. Five stars well earned, with great illustraions and well worded tricks this is the best!

The Magic is Real
This book shouldn't be released to the general public!

I am a magician and have been doing some of these tricks for years. These tricks are tried and true. For a beginner, it is an excellent way to get started. It is written for the child in mind as the explanations are clear and concise. The tricks are good and it even comes with props to start doing the tricks.

If you can do half of the tricks outlined in this book well, then you will have plenty of work as a magician! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

Your resource for optical illusions
This book would have got five stars from me if only it had been a little bigger. This book can fit in your purse or your pocket. It is small and chunky.
I have always been intrigued by optical illusions. I wanted a book that would not bore me easily. This book suceeded in keeping my interest. The illusions in the book are diverse- some old some new. I guarantee that most will mess with your mind.
This book is highly recommended to those like myself who are fascinated with optical illusions. However, if you are looking for a book with a good size to it look elsewhere.
This book would be a great gift for someone.

Hours of Fun! Highly recommended!
My family really enjoyed this book! There were are large number of variations on a theme that were new and interesting to us. One thing we really liked was the fact that the book had been done as a mix-no chapters on various categories of illusions. The children kept coming to us as they discovered the secrests of the numerous illusions and puzzle pictures. The book has kept them amazed and amused for days, in fact they don't want to put it down. The book is a great size to take on a long car ride. The enjoyment we have received from this book has made it an excellent value. This is a great gift for others, or for your own family.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED-GREAT VALUE FOR PRICE
We really enjoyed this book-while it contained many versions of what could be called 'standard' illusions, there were a large number of variations on a theme that were new to us. One thing we really liked was the fact that the book had been done as a 'hotch potch'-no chapters on various categories of illusions-the children kept coming to us as they discovered the secrets of the numerous illusions and puzzle pictures. It has kept them amazed and amused for days, in fact they didn't want to put it down. The book is a handy size and it is ideal for children to take on a long journey-we have had lonts of enjoyable time with this book. Hours of fun! Highly recommended

An ok book
it's a pretty good book but you can find the illusions on the net if you search but if you have money you can buy it

Great - Best Value and Content on Optical Illusions
I was so impressed with this book, that I have bought several copies and have given them to friends to enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The title is BS!
I have been doing card tricks for a while, and I have to say that anything of Bob Longe's is a waste of money.

The tricks in this book are terrible. These are certainly NOT the "World's Best Card Tricks". I can't believe some of this [stuff] is even in here.

I highly recommend the reader to learn card magic from great authors such as Jean Hugard, S.W. Erdnase, and Arthur H. Buckley.

If you are a beginner, get the "Royal Road to Card Magic" By Hugard and Braue. It is of MUCH higher value and the tricks in this book will be 100x better than the stuff that's in Bob Longe's books. There is absolutely no way you can be the life of the party with these tricks, as the author claims.

Fabulous for the beginning Magician!
I'm a magician member of the Magic Castle now, but in my early forays into card magic this book helped wean me away from trick Svengali and stripper decks, so that I could be handed a deck of cards from anyone and perform a nice trick. They're not all home runs. But I still get great responses from several of the tricks contained within here.
...and yes, I now own Card College, have read Royal Road to Card Magic several times, but those books should come after this one. This one will help you decide if you're serious about persuing more card magic or not.
A fabulous starter book, but make sure you practice!!

For those who are REALLY starting into card magic.
If you never read "Royal Road To Card Magic", "Expert Card Technique" or "Expert At The Card Table", you'll find this book a good one. It has some good tricks, but it has some dumb ones too. I recommend this book for those who does not want to learn some sleight of hand before starting doing card tricks. As Amazon warns, this book is juvenile literature. Last word: if you buy this book and you like it, then buy "101 Amazing Card Tricks". It's written by Bob Longe too, and in my opinion, they should be sold together, for their similarity.

THE BEST book I could find on card tricks.
No doubt that this is the greatest book on card magic. No sleight of hand is required and all you require is a deck of 52 cards, preferably the Bicycle brand Bridge sized cards which are easy to handle. Therefore the tricks are easy to learn.

I am not a professional magician, no way close to being even an amateur and yet I could amaze and dazzle my family members and friends. I am just a beginner to this world and now I am genuinely interested in magic in general and card magic in particular. Thanks, Bob for this great book. I am sure I will check out his other books as well.

Wonderful
For the past week I have taken this book everywhere I go. It has tought me lots of amazing--yet easy to do--card tricks. This book contains a decent amount of pictures. Only one or two of his selection of tricks I have not been able to figure out...yet. What can I say? The book is defently worth the $$ you pay for it! ... Read more

Book Description

Victor is forever trying to escape from locked trunks, walk through walls, and perform any number of Houdini's astonishing magic tricks...without success. Then -- amazingly -- he actually meets his idol, and begs Houdini to explain himself. A mysterious locked box is the magician's only answer, and Victor is left to wonder: Does the box contain the secrets to the most famous magic tricks ever performed? ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Lukewarm fiction
This book is barely based in fact, and the author notes this at the end. I didn't find the story particularly satisfying -- as fan of Houdini OR as an avid reader of children's literature -- but the artwork is wonderful, particularly the renderings of Houdini himself. I will treasure my copy of the book for the artwork alone.

Rebirth of Passion
When I opened my desk drawer at 7:30 one summer morning to find an annonomously placed copy of "The Houdini Box," I'd no idea that I was connecting with my muse. I sat in the serene silence before the stirring of a workday and read through this children's book about the loss and regaining of a dream. As a children's book, it's delightfully written and beautifully illustrated. I know several children who've enjoyed the tale. For adults, Brian Selznick's book is a parable about the obstacles that turn us from our passions and the serendipitous moments that call us back on track.

Gre Houdini Book
This book was great book even though it is fiction.I think it is for ages 6-100. ... Read more

Book Description

Do you know the secrets of Roswell? Test your expertise by answering questions straight from the final quiz in the secret agents' training manual and discover if you know your stuff -- or if you have mysteries left to unearth. Packed with photos and filled with tricky questions about your favorite characters, plots, and the town of Roswell, this book reveals who really knows the truth...

• What highway is the main thoroughfare in and out of town?
• What was Agent Topolsky's cover when she was investigating the students of Roswell High?
• Who was the emcee at the Roswell Crash Festival?
• Which hand did Max use to heal Liz?

Learn the secrets that Sheriff Valenti is dying to find out and test your Roswell IQ with these pop quiz questions, plus many more! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

great book for all roswell fans
i thought i was pretty up to date on roswell until i bought this
book. this book will have you scratching your head pondering if
you are truly a roswell fan or just pretending. i did about average and i love the show. take the quiz if you dare to find
out what your roswell iq is.

And you thought you knew a lot about Roswell...
I thought I knew everything about Roswell--before I picked up this book! I was shocked at how much I didn't know. It's jam-packed with every little factoid possible.

UFO Research and Investigation: How much do you really know about the crash of '47? This section starts off with you as an FBI agent, being tested on how much you know about the crash, and the suspects living in Roswell. Better study hard, or you'll end up with a desk job!

The Real Investigation: More questions about the different characters. Are you as informed as Nasedo, or are you as in the dark as Kyle?

Friends, Lovers, and Enemies: Do you know what the terms Candygirl, Dreamgirl, and Stargazer refer to? If not, you'll be in trouble in this section!

Do You Remember When?: How good are you with dates? This section covers dates ranging from the UFO crash in 1947 to Liz's first diary entry.

Episode Highlights: If you missed any episodes from season 1, this chapter could be tough. It asks questions about each season 1 episode--fill in the blank!

Grand Total: This is the section where all your totals are calculated! Are you a True Believer, or just a Tourist? I didn't do very well the first time I took the quiz, but I've done better each time I've taken it. I'm definitely a True Believer! This book is a must-have for any Roswell obsessive! As an added bonus, there are also color photos of each main member of the season one cast.

See how well you know ROSWELL
I love this book it really let me see how much I actually knew about ROSWELL and I knew alot more than I thought I did Great for any Roswell Lover like myself to see if your obssessed or just a fan. I found out that I am DEFINETLY OBSSESSED.... ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Brilliant.
I got this book for my 9th birthday and I love it. It's full of really cool tricks and now I know how my best freind does all those tricks. A really good book. If you like magic, you'll like this book. ... Read more

Book Description

This is NanaBanana's version of Lewis Carroll's tale, published in London in 1865.The entire story is told in a condensed version that is easy for children ages 4+ to begin to read and understand. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

best book ever written
When I first read this as a child I didn't understand it and I didn't really like it. Later I rediscovered it through quotes in "the massage is the message" by McLuhan. I read it again and discovered new meaninings, new dimensions. It is amazing how many different readings this masterpiece of surrealism may have. BUT ... first of all it is a real pleasure reading it. Attractive illustrations and funny poems make it equally accessible to children. My all time favourite and definetely the smartest book written for children! ... Read more

Book Description

Houdini was an illusionist and escape artist who drew colossal crowds and awed them. His incredible feats seemed impossible, yet no one was ever able to debunk him. How did he escape from locked jail cells? How did he emerge after diving into stormy rivers with chains locked around his body? Although Clinton Cox exposes the secrets behind many of Houdini's tricks, readers will learn it was Houdini's brilliancy, his physical dexterity, and his wild imagination that made him a true master of illusion. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Houdini: The Greatest Magician Ever?
This book is a concise biography of Erich Weiss also known as Harry Houdini "the king of locks". This book will tell you about his poverty stricken childhood until his death. This book describes the many escapes and illusions Houdini would perform such as the milk can escape, the disapearing elephant, the walk through the wall trick, and metamorphis. it also displays his movie career and how he became the most unbelievable magician ever. After reading this book you will also think that Houdini is the greatest magician ever.

Houdini: The Greatest Magician Ever?
This book is a very concise biography of Harry Houdini. The book begins at his child hood and continues to his death. This book has great descriptions of Houdini's life. It displays the ways that he completed his stunts and tricks of illusions. this book is fun to read and easy to read. Also if you enjoy magic, this is the book for you.

Houdini Master of illusions
This book was the best books I have ever read! It shows how Houdini did his stunts and what happened in his life. The book started out with Houdini as a boy who wanted to be a magician. As he got older he learned how to pick locks and master locks. Then he was able to pick any lock that was thrown on his wrists. Soon he was named "Houdini King of locks." If you want to know how magicians do their tricks you should read this book.

An excellent biography of Houdini's magic
Clinton Cox's Houdini provides an excellent biography of Houdini's magic. Chapters are filled with insights on how he developed his skills.

Harry Houdini: Man of No Fear
Harry Houdini, the master of all escape artists, walked through walls, released himself from straightjackets while hanging upside down from tall buildings, jumped into rivers while bound by handcuffs and chains, and once escaped from the stomach of a large animal! Clinton Cox has done a thorough job of researching Houdini's career and personal life. He reveals an unbiased view of the unusual and often shocking feats of Houdini, also known as Erich Weiss, and his eccentricities. The book contains several photographs of Houdini performing escapes, with family members, and poster ads for his shows and movies. Reveals fascinating information about Houdini's venture into exposing spiritualist mediums as frauds. Easy-to-read for juveniles, but intriguing enough for adults. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Overall good, but could use some work.
Dear fellow magicians. This is a good book for the beginner and some for the ametaur. The best trick in the book would be the production box. He gives instructions, but no dimensions or measurments. He could have done a better job on the trick selection and maybe done some more advanced tricks(just incase your advanced). But he did do a good job. If your a begginner looking for a good book to learn patter or some fairly good tricks, than this is the book for you. ... Read more