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Mastering Magic: How to Hocus Pocus

Jun 21, 2010

Ever dream of doing the impossible like making people disappear, floating through the air and reading your friends’ minds? Magicians fascinate audiences by apparently doing what can’t be done by using the art of illusion. Anyone can learn how to do a few amazing tricks, but if you want to really master the art of magic here are some of the best ways to learn.

Magic TricksMagic Tricks

Buying individual magic tricks or even a magic kit is a quick way to get started, but it can be expensive. A good magic book will teach you dozens of tricks and give you the secrets to creating your own original illusions. Here are the top magic books for learning magic.

The Tarbell Course in Magic should be in every magician’s library. This incredible eight-volume set has helped launch the careers of David Blaine, Criss Angel, David Copperfield and hundreds of other magicians.

Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic has hundreds of magic tricks. It includes magic with ordinary objects and simple props you can make with things you can find around the house. You’ll even learn how to levitate and make a person vanish.

Magic for Dummies, by David Pogue; don’t let the name fool you, this is one serious magic book. It’s jammed full of amazing tricks and the powerful principles behind them. You won’t just learn a few tricks; you’ll understand why they work and how to do them so well your friends will think you’re a master magician.

Royal Road to Card Magic will show you how to become an expert in the art of sleight of hand with playing cards. Pick a card, anyone?

Modern Coin Magic by Bobo contains lots of amazing tricks you can do with just spare change. You’ll always be ready to amaze people as long as you a few coins.

101 Easy to Do Magic Tricks by Bill Tarr. This is a wonderful collection of tricks you can perform at parties, on the street or even the big stage. All the classic magic tricks are here with easy to follow instructions and clear illustrations.

You can learn the secrets of magic from these books and to take your learning to the next level sign up for classes with an expert magician. Your local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians can supply a list qualified, local magic instructors. Magic shops are also a great place to meet other experienced magicians who can give you valuable advice. According to New York magician Hijinx, “If you want to really get good at magic, study the classics, master one trick before learning another and practice as much as you can. If you want to be a great magician, never stop learning.”

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