I can't say it enough: Everybody should study these books. Regardless of the kind of magic you do
(close-up ,stage, mentalism) you will find something extremely useful and enlightening in Tommy
Wonder's work. Not only the material is extremely strong, well thought-out and constructed, and
original but also the theoretical ideas present in the essays will take your magic to a different
level. Tommy Wonder was an extraordinary performer and a genial thinker and that is what you will
find in the Books of Wonder.
11 of 11 magicians found this helpful.
These are a fantastic set of books to own and you will learn a lot about the magic of Tommy Wonder.
You may have some trouble finding the props described in these books and some are very hard to build
yourself, some are not. There are many tricks to be learned but much more on presentation and
psychology of magic. If you are serious about your magic and want to learn from a legend these are a
great set of books to have in your library. Add to cart.
8 of 8 magicians found this helpful.
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!
5 of 5 magicians found this helpful.
If I was to list the Top 5 Magicians (Alive or Dead) I'd like to meet in my life, Tommy Wonder would
be at the top of that list. I know this will be a cliché statement, but there truly is something
for everyone in these two volumes. There's cards, coins, mentalism or what I'd call the "staples".
But there's so much more: The books will appeal to the magic theorist. And those who like to
"tinker" with DIY projects will have a field day. There are also original sleights. For the card
worker, you'll love the Wonder Reverse, and it's applications.
IMHO, if you get one thing from
a book, you've got your money's worth. The amount of material you will have acquired with these 2
volumes will give pay unsurpassed dividends. If you are a true student of magic, you should already
have these books. Get them.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
There are essential thinkers in magic. Tommy Wonder is one of them. When you're interested in having
the best Magic books in your library these should be there.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
These books are wonderful (pun intended). Any magician who takes his/her craft seriously should own
these books. Also, Penguin is amazing. My country's customs probably ripped one of the outer book
jackets when inspecting the package. Penguin sent a replacement jacket free of charge.
Good
books, good customer service, good everything.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
Tommy Wonder was a great, great magician. These books are considered very important books in
magic-they detail his amazing tricks and his thoughts on what makes magic so effective. I personally
love his Ring, Wallet, Watch routine- it's quite possibly one of my favourite tricks in close-up
magic!
4 of 8 magicians found this helpful.
I cannot wait to see what kind of magic, mystery and clever methods that I am going to discover!
Tommy Wonder is on another level that I have yet to reach, but I intend to!
I know, an obvious pun. I am a sucker for books about magic and these two, a set, are stunning and
chock full of useful information. A treat to page through, dip into, learn from.
It's exciting to learn from one of the greats and "The Books of Wonder" deliver! Great material and
essays.