Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Magic Tricks

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have several of the "Idiot's Guide to . . ." books and was pleasantly surprised to see one devoted to magic. The established format of these guides lends itself well to teaching not only magic tricks, but how to perform them. Nothing is worse than a boring lout who thinks he (or she) is a magician because he knows the "21 card trick." The first two parts of this guide are used to teach the art of presentation, how to handle an audience, and what to do when something goes wrong (an important subject most books never touch). The tricks cover a wide range from bar bets to skilled manipulations, and it even comes with a set of trick cards that are worth the price of the book alone. My only complaint is that all the tricks were closeup ones. After all the advice on how to perform, it would have been nice to include a few small stage to large stage effects. Other than that small observation, this is the book to get if you want to develop your interest in magic.

A great read, regardless of whether one is just starting out in magic, or is merely looking to recreate those precious moments when your taste and instincts are becoming formed. Written by the man who retired the Parlor Magician of the Year [award at Hollywood's Magic Castle™]the very first two years it was offered, this covers all aspects of the art, from theory to booking advice. And, in between, Tom presents some very nice wrinkles on standard effects. -- Gordon Bean, librarian at The Magic Castle™, from "Stacks and the Bean's Talk" column in the Magic Castle™ Newsletter, October 1999

This book relighted my interest in magic. When I was little, I had a great interest in the art of conjuring, but it went down in my elementary years. In 7th grade, I found this book in the library, and one thing led to another. Next thing you know, I'm an expert magician at 13! This book is great. It teaches you not only tricks, but basics in the art of magic. Two thumbs (and a thumb tip) up!!

Tom Ogden does a good job of introducing absolute beginners to the art of conjuring. As well theoretical background as practical tricks are included.

You can surmise from his tips and comments that Mr. Ogden has worked the field and knows what will work and what will not.

No hard Sleight-of-Hand, but it isn't avoided either.

Erik (Lord-Anacho) Arfeuille, Belgium

This book provides history into magic, the greats, basics that you can't live without and of course many, many magic effects. This is my first book in my collection and it has helped me a great deal. Every time I look back at it I am able to find something new.

This book has a lot of basic magic tricks, mostly with cards and pencils and such. Don't expect to learn the real stuff like those revealed by the Masked Magician. Biggest problem with this book is it's poorly written. A lot of procedures are a little hard to understand or follow the first couple times through.

I usually find the Idiot Books very helpful, but not this one. The only thing I found remotely useful was the last chapter about starting a "magician business". I was looking for fun tricks to use on young children, in my opinion most of these tricks are for adults. I found one "dot" card trick in the book that young kids might appreciate. There were alot of card tricks & coin tricks.