Magic Tricks

I bought my copies of the Art of Astonishment series (one at a time) almost 30 years ago. I remember wowing my classmates in my Junior year of high school with performances of Immaculate Connection and Overkill. Once, I even performed Hot Chocolate for a girl I had a crush on which led to one of the most singularly awkward moments of my life, up to that point. In all the nearly 900 pages and 222 effects though, the real value of this set isn't measured necessarily in the quantity or quality of the effects. There are few writers and inventors of magic who are capable of imbuing their writing with their own essence. Paul Harris has put so much of himself in these pages, the books feel equal parts instruction manual and good natured mentor. It's been a long time since I've actively performed magic, and yet I still return to these books, year after year, having read them so many times already, to revisit with an old friend. Much the same way that people will read a treasured novel time and again to reconnect with the characters. If there is one word to describe all three of these books in aggregate, that word is "character." These books helped to shape and transform my life at the critical juncture of pressing from my teens into early adulthood. I would not be who I am without them. So, I would encourage anyone who is interested with magic, or magical thinking to pick these books up without further delay. You'll get a full repertoire of professional, high octane effects and making a lifelong friend at the same time.