This book is an amazing read for any magician! Not only are the effects fantastic, but mixed in within the effects are short essays on magic and astonishment and many jokes. I laugh one page, marvel at the next, ponder about the next, etc. Paul Harris has contributed alot to magic with these books. I would recommend getting the entire series with this book.

NOTE: A lot of people say that this volume is the weakest volume of the three, but weakest doesn't mean that this book is bad. By no means! Although 1 and 3 have a bit more applicable material, this book is needed in the series as much as the other two. Make sure to get all three of these books!

Paul Harris Art of astonishment series is a collection of books he'd written in the 70's, 80's and early 90's that reshaped close up magic. Volume 2 is considered the weakest book in the art of astonishment series and it contains Immaculate connection performed by David Copperfield and twilight by Doug henning on national television specials so that should tell you something about the quality of magic you'll find in these books. Paul's magic is very attainable. Difficulty varies from trick to trick but the hardest stuff tends to be the flourishes, like the betz poker roll which is included in this book. I've been doing Paul's magic since I was 12 years old with a basic introduction to card magic behind me. The Immaculate connection is one of my all time favorite pieces of magic to watch and to perform. Don't overlook Osmosis another linking card effect like no other. Cellophane Surprise is something I've used often to great effect. Hiccup and The Altman maneuver which are two very powerful card transposition effects. Double Decker can knock people over. McGimmick, Fizzmaster are really powerful pieces of impromptu magic you can do with borrowed items while you're out to lunch with co-workers or at a barbecue. Give the Floating deck and How to pop a floating deck a try for someone. You might be surprised at how strong the effects are. Don't overlook flutter, it's a killer. PDQ#2 is a very easy coins across routine that looks great. england's penetration is a gem. These are just a few things I use often. Volume 1 is a masterpiece and volume 3 is close behind but there are more than a few heavy hitters in this volume as well. I bought a set back in 1997 and Bought a new set from penguin recently because these are books I want to have for the rest of my life.

Paul Harris is on of the most amazing magicians out there today. This book is a collection of some of his amazing tricks. The tricks in the book range from beginner to advanced. Not everything in here is great but most of it is. Some of the best tricks are:

Hiccup: A double transposition of cards that happens right in the spectators hands

Flapjack: A cool four jack revelation

Fantasy Aces: An even cooler four ace revelation

I would recommend picking up all three books in the set if you are really serious about doing magic.

This is one of my favorite sets of books. You will learn a lot of magic and technique in these books. you will also learn a lot of psychology and presentations. There are so many close up tricks in this book you will wonder where to start. This is a book you will refer back to time and time again. Add to cart and prepare to get busy. If you liked book 1 this is a must have.

This is a must-have for any street performer. This series of books is loaded with professional routines. You can easily adapt many of the moves you learn in this book to your own routine. This is a book that will help magicians become good magicians and good magicians become great magicians.

What can be said about Paul Harris's Art of Astonishment set? Imagine a set of books that cater to most every magician's needs!! These books contain amazing effects, and within them, you will find a number of effects for most any setting. The three volumes are comprised of the best of Paul's books, as well as new material. So many people rushed to get the True Astinishments dvd set when it came out, but how many have not checked out where it began?
For me, this was an incredible investment. I got superb card material - re-set, las vegas leaper, bizarre twist, galaxy; some brilliant mentalism routines - deep thought, angel case as well as some excellent pieces of astonishment - shape of astonishment, counterfeit spectator, fizz master, twilight. Talk about bang for your buck!!
I don't think I could give this set any higher of a recommendation.

I have all three of Paul's books ... It isn't the magic in them that makes them so great because there are a lot of super effets out there ... it's Paul. The first book taught me the difference between entertaining an audience and the importance of Astonishing them. Teaching people that it is OK to know its a trick and still have those few seconds of WOW!!!! before they remember that.

I have tried to use Pauls attitude in my work more than his effects since reading these books. It has also helped me enjoy the magic of others more by allowing myself to be Ashtonished!

Best investment to date in Magic. Best deal on the net? Penguin of course! Love you guys.