Here are the finest books that we have reviewed. They are well worth adding to any magic library.
1. Power Plays-Mike Powers
Murphy's Magic
In "Power Plays," Mike Powers offers an excellent and comprehensive collection of close-up effects that use cards, coins, bills, rings, rubber bands, straws and more-some 58 effects in all. While the emphasis is on cards, Powers has created and compiled an impressive assortment of tricks that are visual, commercial and stunning. Don't miss this one.
2. Ken Weber's Maximum Entertainment
Far more important than the slickest new card move or latest stage effect is our ability as magicians to entertain. For this, Ken Weber’s Maximum Entertainment offers solid advice for improving one’s show and is must reading for anyone who performs magic.3. Bringing Magic to Life
If you believe that presentation makes a trick and creates the magic, and you should, you’ll find lots to like in Dr. Jay Ungar’s "Bringing Magic to Life." Ungar offers his first rate presentations for lots of well known effects. Almost any performer can benefit from reading Ungar’s ideas and angles.4. World-Famous Bowl Routine
Combine a great close-up routine with an exceptional teaching tool, and you have a winner. Lance Pierce’s "The World-Famous Bowl Routine" explains a powerful “bill in lemon” act that provides a climactic moment to a strong “Benson Bowl” segment. Every move and word has evolved over thousands of performances, and Pierce thoroughly explains his routine in its entirety.5. Scripting Magic by Pete McCabe
Murphy's Magic
Scripting works well in theater, television and movie production, so why not in magic? Pete McCabe drives this home in his excellent "Scripting Magic," a thorough and thoughtful 450-page book that offers scripts for well known effects by skilled magicians and insightful interviews and essays.
6. Theatrical Magic by John Pyka
Murphy's Magic
John Pyka not only knows magic, he knows theater. And his book, “Theatrical Magic” will make you think about the magic that you perform and inspire you to add meaning to it. I got a lot out of reading this book.
7. Uncovered (Secrets For The Serious Magician) - John Luka
Murphy's Magic
John Luka's "Uncovered" offers a strong compilation of first class card magic and a few non-card items that will appeal to serious and commercially-oriented magicians. The effects in this book are visual and have a strong impact on spectators and Lukas serves excellent and detailed instructions. And despite the power of his routines, none are "knuckle busters."
8. Essential Robert-Houdin
Murphy's Magic
I've been reading this weighty, 600-plus page book for weeks. While I wasn't initially sure how much this book would appeal to those who aren't magic historians, I found it to be a fascinating read. And what really surprised me was the fact that Robert-Houdin's writings and advice from some 150 years ago are still relevant today.
