Magic Tricks

This two volume set of books is an absolute wealth of information. Its not just the fantastic tricks that are fully explained, either. This set goes into great depth on many topics that are so blatantly missing in many magic books. Subjects such as creating tension and relaxation, misdirection (or more aptly, attention direction), and thoughts on presentation, are all expertly discussed. Basically, these books teach the reader how to think and act like a professional magician.
I've been performing magic since the early 1980's, and had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Wonder lecture when I was just a teen. Admittedly, at the time, I was not capable of performing many of the effects he taught that evening. However, I was quite inspired by his professionalism, kindness, and the astounding magic that he performed! Even a newbie can recognize when they are in the presence of greatness, and I was thankful for the experience. I got to re-live that feeling when I opened the books and found several of the tricks from that lecture, fully explained and just as amazing as I remembered them to be. The real gems, though, were the essays that accompanied the tricks and gave insight into Mr. Wonder's brilliant thinking.
I was given a (second edition) set of The Tarbell Course at about the same time and for many years, they were my "magic foundation". Since then, the library has grown tremendously, but I would rank this set among the very, very best, without question. The performance tips, the "why's" as well as the " hows", and the thoughtful advice contained within the pages of this set are just superb! You CANNOT go wrong with this outstanding work of magical wisdom!