Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic is the finest one-volume encyclopedia of Magic available. An excellent resource, with line art showing, how each trick is performed.
Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic by Mark Wilson, Walter Gibson
Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic is a excellent, 1-volume encyclopedia of magic tricks. Bear in mind that it is not an introduction to the performance of magic, how to structure an act, the use of patter, and so on. However, as a encyclopedia of magic tricks, it is absolutely invaluable. It shows how to perform hundreds of magic tricks, using both line are and photographs to show how each trick is performed, from both the spectator’s and the performer’s point of view—something invaluable for the performance of the tricks.
Three hundred magic tricks are divided into the sections “Effect,” “Secret & Preparation,” “Method,” and “Comments & Suggestions”; and more than two thousand photographs demonstrate how to master sleight-of-hand. If I have any complaints with the book, it’s that almost half of the book is dedicated to card tricks, which is overkill (in my opinion). However, neither of these complaints overshadow the excellence of this resource.
Book Description of Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic
From one of the world’s premier practitioners of classic magic, with years of experience instructing younger readers in the magical arts, comes this new revision of his complete guide to learning and performing fantastic feats of prestidigitation. Acclaimed by the Los Angeles Times as “the text that…young magicians swear by,” it’s full of step-by-step instructions. More than 2,000 illustrations provide the know-how behind 300 techniques, from basic card tricks to advanced levitation, along with advice on planning and staging a professional-quality magic show.
About the author of Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic
Mark Wilson is first and foremost a famous magician, who the New York Times has recognized as “probably the nation’s leading authority on magic.” He is also the hugely successful author of numerous kits and books devoted to instruction in the magical arts including the newly released Complete Course in Magic (Revised Ed.). Additionally, has made countless guest appearances throughout his career on every major TV talk show in the country. Mark Wilson resides in southern California.