Mark Wilson's Cyclopedia Of Magic: A Complete Course [Paperback]

Mark Anthony Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 26, 1996

The world famous magician Mark Wilson reveals more than 200 classic magic tricks, from sleight of hand to levitation, accompanied by more than 1,500 illustrations. How does so much information fit in this little book? It's magic!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: Running Press (January 26, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561386138
• ISBN-13: 978-1561386130
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 4.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #863,968 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Step by step Magic, February 7, 2002

By 

M. A. Ramos (Florida USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mark Wilson's Cyclopedia Of Magic: A Complete Course (Paperback)

This is a small but very thick book, rather it was larger and thinner (be easier to handle). That being said, this is definitely THE BOOK you should get. It takes you through close-up magic through stage magic. Effects, secrets and pre-perations, how to perform all the tricks in a simple step-by-step process with diagrams, and finish's up with comments and suggestions.

A quick note: if you get this book, do not get his other book "Mark Wilson's Complete Course In Magic". You only need one of these two, the have almost the exact same information.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to magic effects!, October 13, 1998

By 

David Dathe (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mark Wilson's Cyclopedia Of Magic: A Complete Course (Paperback)

This is, truly, an encyclopedia of magic effects. Virtually all types of magic effects are covered in a systematic and comprehensive manner. Eleven chapters cover card magic and describe all the important sleights. Subsequent chapters cover money magic, rope magic, silk magic, impromptu magic, mental effects, sponge balls, and cups and balls. The final chapter describes large stage illusions that can be built at home. Frequently, after a sleight or trick is described, there follows a paragraph titled "Comments and Suggestions" which points out important ideas to remember. There is a wealth of good information contained in these small paragraphs. The text is amply illustrated with numerous drawings that help show the proper method of handling the sleight, move or effect being discussed. Certainly every aspiring magician will find the number and variety of effects sufficient to include many in his or her routine, or even to specialize in one particular area. An important work of warning. Twenty years ago I read a well-known magician's assessment of Mark Wilson. He said, "He's a brilliant buisnessman, a good entertainer, but a poor magician." This book supports that view. The effects and tricks described are great; you could develop a professional act from the material within. But the book fails to help the reader make the transition from someone who does tricks to someone who is a magician. Additional topics like how to practice, how to develop a routine, how to rehearse, how to present the tricks as entertainment, and showmanship would certainly have made this "a complete course in magic". That said, the book is outstanding in what it does do: compile and describe the wonderful variety of magical effects available. This is a very worthwhile addition to your library of magic.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Price, November 15, 2002

By 

Scott Miller (Caddo Mills, TX United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mark Wilson's Cyclopedia Of Magic: A Complete Course (Paperback)

I would say, for those seriously interested in magic, you should skip this abbridgement and get Mark Wilson's Complete Course instead, but for such a low price ($10 for the paperback, not to be confused with the expanded hard-bound edition), this book actually proves to be the best idea for those interested in magic but still testing the water before jumping in. While some neat classics have been left out, there is still plenty to keep a beginner busy for months or even years! And none of the lame tricks that rely more on good patter than sleight of hand--these are real magic tricks. I haven't seen as good a book anywhere near this price.