Modern Coin Magic, by J. B. Bobo
Are you interested in adding magic to your clowning? If so, bear in mind that there are two types of magicians: “finger flingers” who rely on expert manipulations, and “gadgeteers” who rely on props to appear magical. Both have their pluses and minuses. Gadgeteers can focus more on the presentation of their effects, leaving them free to inject character (read: clowning) in what they’re doing. However, if they don’t have a special prop or prepared deck of cards handy, they’re suddenly not magical.
Finger Flingers tend to have the opposite problem; some become consumed by another new way to present an illusion, which their audience will never care about, but the finger flingers always have something ready to perform their magic — something as simple as a few coins from their pocket.
This is where Mr. Bobo’s book comes in. J. B. Bobo (his grandfather spelled it Beaubeaux, by the way) has written the ‘bible’ of coin magic in one volume. Starting from the simplest of coin sleights and movements, he progresses to some truly spectacular effects. Along the way, the reader is treated to a readable, understandable, enjoyable text, and clear illustrations to show how each is done.
In short, if you’re interested in becoming a finger flinger who works with coins, you will do very well to read this excellent book..
I rate it 4 clowns on a 5-clown scale.