Magic For Dummies

I bought this for my tween daughter who wanted to do performances involving magic. This book does a wonderful job explaining how to successfully conduct each magic trick, with step by step instructions that are easy to understand. We can take this book out of the library, but she used it so much that she wanted her own copy. Definitely worth the price.

(...)If you're looking for some new magic tricks and a good laugh (Eccl. 3:4), read "Magic for Dummies" by David Pogue. Don't let the title fool you, even experienced magicians can benefit from this book.The book contains many impromptu effects--things you can do anywhere with familiar objects. For example, you're in a restaurant with your friends and the conversation lulls. You take a packet of sugar off the center of the table and pour it into your clenched fist. Give it a little squeeze and "voila!" there's no sugar to be found.You could adapt many of the tricks to a Biblical theme. For example, "The Phantom Photo" is an illusion where you assemble an empty picture frame, an audience member selects a famous movie star, and their photo appears in the frame. This same illusion and a little imagination could turn it into a lesson about the major Bible prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.Each chapter has something valuable. The effects are quite strong and unique. Many of the tricks were submitted by over 35 of the top magicians in the world. In addition to the secret, David adds tips and valuable suggested patter to the effects. The book contains several cartoons by Rich Tennant (The 5th Wave). One was especially appropriate for the Christian Conjuror and is included with this review.I found the answers provided to common questions like "How did you do that?" and things you can say when you flub a trick very helpful. Although I wish I never needed to use those lines, reality proves me wrong. It's good to be prepared. To help you become a well-rounded magician, David has also included a couple of chapters on the history of magic, describing some of the most famous magicians and incredible moments in magic.One appendix provides many places you can contact to continue with your interest in magic. There are many up-to-date internet addresses for information included as well. Unfortunately, the "Fellowship of Christian Magicians" is not listed. I've suggested this to the author for a future edition.Even if you bought the book and decided not to read it, you could always use the book as a prop in your next show. For comedy effect when a trick goes bad, pull the book out of your bag and pretend to check out the secret. It's always humbling to let your audience know that you consider yourself a "dummy" sometimes.All in all, "Magic for Dummies" is an excellent instructional book on magic for the beginner or professional. It's filled to the brim with practical illusions that you can do. David's sense of humor really makes the book fun to read. I give it a thumbs up!

This book give you insight in to the science of why Magic works and how much fun you can have knowing a few simele ticks with common everyday items. Kids and adults love Magice and you can really get their full attention to start your lessons or instructions.Pulling Quarters from kids ears only works until they turn 5, then you have to up your game.

This is a great book for the very beginning magicians out there. Lots of tricks and tips for both learning and performing in your acts.

This is an excellent introduction to the art of magic. Written for the beginner with humor, clear instructions, photo illustrations and important tips, it also contains many wonderful tricks of all types. If you know someone interested in learning magic, this is a perfect place to start. Highly recommended.

The vanishing saltshaker, rubberband jumping, bending spoons, ring off rope and the cut rope trick appear in many magic books including a few I new as a kid but also The Complete Idiot's Guide to Street Magic and WIlson's classic course on magic. But, you can present things a different way. So, in a way, even seeing the same trick gone over 3 or more times in various texts, gives you, the performer more ideas. I like this book because there are more photos than in the Street Magic book mentioned before because, your really need this to learn the magic. So, yeah, I am glad I got this. No problem with shipper.

Years ago my stepson and I worked through this book, and the skills were not only fun but I believe contributed to his successful career in law.My most recent purchase of this book was as a gift for my science and math oriented middle school nephew.

I purchased this book to share with a young man who is very intrigued with the art of magic. This book covers a wide range of topics from the psychology behind a presentation...to the delivery of actual slights! It's excellent for someone new to magic or as a refresher course for those who want to brush up on the basics!

I am just starting to learn a few magic tricks, and had bought a couple of other books of tricks - but most of those require hours of practice on your card shuffling skills, palming objects etc and a lot more dexterity than I can muster. However, in Magic for Dummies most of the tricks are self-working, and they generally don't require more than a couple of practice run throughs.The book is also strong on explaining the subtleties of your accompanying patter and misdirection e.g. don't tell your audience what the trick is trying to do (unless you're lying) so they don't know what to look out for.The other big advantage of the book is that it focuses on straightforward props (banknotes, coins, matches, string, cutlery etc). Some of them do have a US focus but you can usually substitute local items (UK coins work fine for most of the tricks and for the reviewer who didn't know what a "Lifesaver" is, it's the US version of a polo mint).I think this is a fantastic book for beginners, and it has enough tricks that some of them are bound to appeal to you.

Bought as a Christmas present for a budding magician.Untested at the moment but looks normal Dummy high standard

Easy to follow some tricks others not to well explained

My uncle got me into magic since I was a kid and now I am hooked. After reading this book I have learnt things in here that you would not believe.

NOT VERY CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS.VERY OLD BOOK I THINK