Customer Reviews

Street Magic: Great Tricks and Close-up Secrets Revealed

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I predict that this book will become a classic for both beginning and intermediate magicians. Very little of the material is new and it won't make you the next David Blaine, but it does provide excellent handlings of classic tricks which require little or no set-up. The explanations and photos are clear and helpful.

This book not only contains great tricks but it also explains them in a way easily followed, with detailed color photographs and understandable text. Highly recommended!

This is easily one of the better books for beginners. Quite a few pictures and clear instructions make this a real winner. The author does a superb job of explaining how to present each illusion which in reality is far more important than the mechanics behind the trick. This is a nice change from many of the other magic books targeted at the novice. By the way, the tricks cover a wide range (e.g. cards, coins, mentalism) and are all of high quality.

This is a top notch book of magic tricks.It would be great for anyone who wants to learn a few or dozens of magic tricks that need very few props and just a little practice.It would also be a great read for someone who is just simply interested in how some of the more common tricks are "done".Many of the tricks you see on TV or in magic performances require a lot of special props;and anywhere from a large suitcase or for a stage performance,a truckload of props.With most of the tricks in this book one can easily carry the objects to do these tricks in one's pockets.Coins,keys,spoons,a knife a hankie,pieces of paper,dice,a deck of cards,etc,are all you will need to perform most of the tricks in the book.The book is well constructed,the print is very clear,though small,but there are ample ,excellent photographs that clearly explain how each and every trick is done. Where the book shows the most strength is with a deck of cards,about half of the tricks.It also shows one how to be adept at handling the deck,cutting it with one hand,springing the cards,spreading the deck,etc.All the tricks are the type that can be performed without an assistant.
Although the tricks can be done with objects already in the home;one trick,"Smoke and Mirrors", requires a special coin that can be found in any Magic shop or from a supplier (information for such is in the book).Once you have learned the tricks in the book;and you enjoy doing them;you might even purchase a few ,simple,low cost props from such a source.
There is a lot in the way of simple,often seen magic in the book and with a little practice,you will be able to do them.That said,it won't give you enough of the needed magic secrets to be able to quit your day job and embark on a career in as a Magician;but it certainly will give you enough to have some fun.
An important part of magic is setting the stage for the trick and the book goes into that with each trick. Though some magic books include hundreds of tricks,this one has only about 50,but for most people,that is certainly enough to get started with;especially when you see how well they are explained.

There are some nice tricks.About 60 percent of the book are card tricks,which I thought were way to many.If you like doing card tricks and some illusion tricks using different objects this book is for you.Every trick is explained very well in detail.Most props that are used while performing magic tricks can be found around the house, but there are a couple of magic tricks you will need to purchace from any magic store which will cost no more than a couple of dollars.There was one trick that I recently performed that had everyone puzzled.It is wise to do a trick only once to a group.But this trick was so good that after doing it 5 times to the same group of people no one could guess how I did it.Just about everyone will ask you after performing a trick how the magic trick was done.The hard part is not telling them because they will keep asking.

Excellent book for someone who wants a few entertaining
tricks.
My Grandchildren think I'm wonderful.

"Street Magic" is just that. Sleights of hand that require a minimum of preparation (if any, other than practice), and can be done almost anywhere and usually within arms reach of the spectator.

Paul Zenon starts with an introduction which included some history of magic and performance that I hadn't heard before. This is followed with a clear and thorough discussion of the practical aspects of working an audience, and conduct of an illusionist in general (and there is more to it than "a magician never reveals his secrets"). He then goes directly into over forty tricks. Most require no preparation other than practice, and the props for all of them would fit in a single pocket of a day pack, and only one or two (that I recall) need to be bought at a magicians's supply shop. Coin tricks, card tricks, and trick with tableware like cups and spoons are the order of the day.

All the tricks are clearly explained and well illustrated.

This book should provide any amateur sleight of hand artist with a great foundation, and provides some interesting background and discussion for more experienced illusionists.

E. M. Van Court

The content is quite good, but the typeface is very small, about 6 point. If you have any eyesight problems at all, you will have problems reading this book.

This is for my grandson, aged 13, and I think it will be perfect for him. The ability to buy this was pleasant, the price right and received in good condition.

This book has it all. From simple, self-working tricks, to slick card handling, to magic "gimmicks" you can make or buy, you'll find everything you need to put together a fine performance. It covers coin magic, card tricks, mentalism, and classic hustles like the 3 card monte.
This book shows you how to do lots of the fundamentals (french drop, finger palm, double lift, undercuts, breaks, injogs, etc.) and gives you some nice routines to perform using these techniques. Definitely one of the best in my collection.