I swear I don't know how David Regal keeps coming up with new material. Is he really human? Don't know but this book does have something for everybody, cards, finger rings, mentalism, a matrix effect with rocks and even something with bread that I haven't read through yet. While you may not do EVERY item in this book you will find something you like or a method that could be applied to something else. The essays are great too. So this book is worth the wait. Disclaimer Penguin had run out after I ordered it so I had to get from another dealer. On a side note, Penguin has some of the best customer service and they are one of the few dealers I buy from without hesitation.

David Regal has done it again! There are so many strong magic effects contained within the covers of this book.

I am surprised that David Regal’s excellent book, Interpreting Magic, has generated only 1 review. This is one of my favourite books. It is well written, with clear instructions and many colour photographs. The effects are interesting and creative and will help stimulate your thinking about your own work. While some of the effects require some arts & crafts work, many do not. David’s conversations with many top magicians are great fun to read. There is something for everyone in this book - cards, coins, rings, geodes, rabbits, even the crazy cube (a $3 trick). I purchased my copy from David directly because Penguin was not carrying it at the time, but am happy to see it is now available. Just buy it!

I am not the type to write letters. But I was so amazed by this book, which I bought during the COVID pandemic, that I wrote David an email which I will use as my review:

Dear David,

I recently purchased your latest book, Interpreting Magic. I also attended your live lecture last year. I just wanted to thank you for your amazing generosity with the quality of material you have shared with the magic community. Your lecture was amazing and your book is equally amazing.

Normally, it would have taken me months to get through your book. However, as I currently do not have a commute, as we are all working from home, I am using that extra time to work my way through your book, one trick and one interview at a time. It has been an extremely pleasant relief in these stressful times. I also now have some magic arts and crafts work to do as well, thanks to you, so that will keep me busy and prevent me from annoying my family.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful gift you have given all of us with this latest work of yours. It really is magnificent and I have a hard time believing you released a single tome with effect after effect, all with such high quality. You are one incredibly creative and prolific guy.

Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.

Best Regards,

David Regal fills his books with incredible material, and this one is no different. In addition to card tricks and close-up effects, there are a number of stage/parlor tricks and wonderful essays and interviews. You are almost guaranteed to find something to perform in here in the dozens of routines explained.

I had the privilege of seeing David perform at the 2017 Genii Convention and it was amazing. He finally gives up the secrets to that routine here, along with a brutally honest essay about what was going on behind the scenes for him during that time and why that convention's performance was so important to him. David's style of writing is humorous but still deep and truthful. When he interviews the magic greats in here (including Derren Brown, Michael Weber, Simon Aronson, and many more) his questions are detailed and make each worth reading.

If you are looking for new material or even idea starters for material, you'll find it here in this book. I found two stage routines to add to my show immediately after just skimming a few pages. Another incredible book from David!