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There are constant requests on MagicTalk about how one begins learning the art of magic. This page can serve as a short guide to sources for magic, books, supplies, etc. (My thanks to Doug Atkinson for this idea and information.)

This small guide is designed as a jumping point for the beginner in magic. It provides some suggestions for books, videos, and information on tricks that will help you get started. It does not list every good book in magic, nor even every good beginner's book in magic.

Magic is more than just "tricks". The real magic is in the presentation. Two magicians can perform the same trick and get totally different results from the audience. Try to keep this foremost in your mind as you begin your journey.

Table of Contents:

Getting Started:

In most cases, you don't have to buy anything to get started in magic. Most public libraries will have many books on magic that you should read. These books will give you a good introduction, and will help you decide if an
investment in other resources is warranted. Also, sometimes the effects you will find in library books are very, very good!

Books vs. Videos vs. Tricks:

Books provide the most value for your money. You can receive dozens (if not hundreds) of effects in a book. The only downside is that they are not "demonstrated" as in a video.

 

When you purchase an individual trick, you get one effect for, let's say $30, versus 25 effects in a book for the same price. However, some magic tricks are pieces of apparatus that would take so long for you to make (or consist of material that you may not have access to) that the price you pay is well worth it!

 

Don't try to do too much at once, take time to read, read, and read some more. Your challenge will be to find the two or three magic effects that you want to do. (More than that, at the beginning, will be too much.) Visit the MagicTalk Bookstore for ordering information!

 

Videos provide a great advantage in that you can see what is often hard to describe in print. They are especially helpful with cards and other sleight of hand effects. While they could be a good vehicle for learning presentation style, many videos fall short in this area. Try to buy
recommended videos, as they are relatively expensive (approx. $49 for six or seven effects), and it is easy to be disappointed.

Tricks: Try to avoid buying lots of tricks when you first start. It is best to read and practice tricks using everyday objects before purchasing magic. When you do buy, try to see the effect demonstrated first, as the advertisements are misleading and are meant to sell, not to describe.

 

Don't avoid purchasing individual magic tricks. Even though it's the most expensive way to go ... it's the most fun!

Magic Magazines and Organizations:

Magazines: There are several magic magazines available by subscription. They are generally not available at the newsstand, but you may find them at your local magic shop. Two of the most popular are Genii and MAGIC magazines. A subscription is not really needed for the beginner unless you really feel the bug. They are a good place to learn the "insides" of the magic community.

Magic Organizations: The two largest magical fraternities in the world are the I.B.M. (International Brotherhood of Magicians), and the S.A.M. (Society of American Magicians). You probably live near a city that may have one (or both) organizations represented. Visit the MagicTalk Magic Links Page and click on the two links.

When you visit the I.B.M. or the S.A.M. sites, find out if a meeting is held near you. If they don't or you can't find one, just e-mail the organization and they'll send you some information.

Other good resources for you are Magic & Illusion and The White Rabbit "Gatherings" Page. There, you will find many links to local I.B.M. Rings, S.A.M. Assemblies, and several smaller magic clubs.

Don't feel obligated to join a club; ask if you may attend two or three meetings to see if you like it. National membership is quite inexpensive, usually $30 a year or so (and that includes a monthly publication that generally is worth more than your membership fee). Local clubs will also have a nominal fee to attend their meetings (to pay for the room, refreshments, etc.). It's a great way to meet other fellow magicians, learn some new magic, attend lectures, and buy magic. You'll have fun.

Recommended Books (prices are approximate):

"The Tarbell Course in Magic" 8-volume course in magic. A valuable
investment with lots of good material. I still refer to this set! Best purchased one at a time, in order. $20-$30 each.

 

"The Magic of Michael Ammar" by Michael Ammar. $40. Theory and Magic. Excellent material. You cannot go wrong with anything by Michael. 

"Stars of Magic" — 39 different effects by the real Stars in Magic!

Performance:
"The Five Points in Magic" by Juan Tamariz (Editorial Frakson)

"Magic and Meaning" by Eugene Burger & Robert E. Neale
(Hermetic Press)

"Magic & Misdirection" by Fitzkee

"Magic and Showmanship" by Henning Nelms (Dover)

"Strong Magic" by Darwin Ortiz (Kaufman & Greenberg)

Video Tapes:

Video tapes offer the advantage of seeing what the magic should look like. Videos are more expensive (about $45-$75) and may teach about 6 to 8 tricks.

Recommended Videos:

"Mark Wilson's Video Course in Magic" - Vols. 1-4. Excellent general
magic from one of my favorite magicians. $30 each by L&L Publishing.

Where and How to Buy Magic:

The best place to purchase magic books, videos, and effects is at a local magic shop. Magic shops have a larger overhead in keeping up a store front, so often you will pay a little more than you would from mail order dealers. However, the benefit obtained from the local magic shop is well worth the small extra cost.

The local dealer will be able to show you things, can tailor advice for your skill level, and can tell you what is good and what is not. You may be able to browse selected books and possibly view portions of videos, as well. It is still good to check prices before you shop, however, as some places have been known to actually mark prices higher than the retail value.

If you do not have a local shop or if your local shop is not honorable, then you can find many dealers on the web. Two excellent starting points are Magic & Illusion and The White Rabbit Linking Page. There you will find links to dealers, magazines, and more!

So, visit your favorite magic shop in your town or on the web. The Magic Channel and All Magic Guide on the MagicTalk Magic Links Page has many, many sources for you to purchase magic. And, you can visit the MagicTalk Bookstore for additional information!

Be sure to ask if they offer a 100% money-back guarantee! Buying magic is an experience all to itself; what you get is not always what you *thought* it was going to be! But, don't just buy something, learn it's secrets, and return it. That would be wrong, and if it becomes known, you may have a very hard time purchasing magic in the future.

Magic is an expensive hobby. Learn your art by investing in it. Eventually, it'll pay you back, and not always in a monetary fashion!

If you have any questions about this subject, feel free to post them on the MagicTalk Message Board and visit the MagicTalk Chat Room, too!

Yours in Magic,
Bryan Dean

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