Are Magic Books for Beginners?

It's time for a robust Erudite Magic discussion. 🗣️ Here are the topics we're discussing:
💥Are magic books for beginners? 📚
💥Should we tell new magicians to buy books? 🤔
💥What is the best way to encourage budding magicians to get started in today's magic environment? 🤷‍♂️
Give me your thoughts - I want to hear how we can better equip the next generation of mystery makers and magical entertainers❗💬
Oh yeah, and if you participate in this much-needed discussion, you can win John Bannon's Out of Print masterpiece: Destination Zero‼️
Full contest rules in the video, but here are the highlights: must be 18 years or older, CONUS only. Comment below with how you got started in magic and how you think the next generation should get started in magic. 👇 Is it books, videos, in-person teaching/mentoring....❓
I've launched a new Facebook page to keep the conversation going throughout the week, so be sure to stop by to drop a comment, engage in discussion, or just enjoy being part of the Erudite Magic group!💻📧👥
💫 Follow Jeff on social media:
/ eruditemagic
/ erudite.magic​
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#EruditeMagic #magicbooks #magic

[@EruditeMagic]

Thanks to @donunicycle (Don's Magic & Books usedmagic.myshopify.com ), I am going to open up the giveaway to my foreign friends as well. I'll figure out the rules to send it to you, and thanks to Don's generosity, we will ship it to you...tell your friends‼️🗣️👏

[@donunicycle]

Jeff, if someone overseas wins the Bannon book, I will cover up to $40 of the postage for you. You decide, Jeff.

[@EruditeMagic]

Wow, that's incredibly generous, Don‼️😱 Be sure to check out Don's excellent magic shop online at usedmagic.myshopify.com Thank you 👏👏👏

[@TheHatHareAcademy]

For a beginner, I always always always recommend Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic, here is why. Mark starts the course off with basic card magic sleights, a prop almost everyone has already or can obtain easily and a deck of cards is inexpensive. The language he uses is simple and not filled with jargon, so a beginner will fully understand. Every move has detailed pictures of the action being described, so if you’re a visual learner, you can look at the pic and see what needs to happen. As the course progresses, he builds on previously learned sleights, building confidence in the performers own ability. Because it’s a large book, it covers many different categories in Magic, giving the reader lots to explore...maybe cards isn’t their thing, but mentalism is! But the most important thing about the book is that it teaches you HOW to read a magic book, so that as you progress to more advanced reading, you aren’t immediately lost in the text, confused and frustrated. I started with this book, and honestly, if I were to have started with Tarbell, I would have been lost and frustrated right away. For example, I learned back palming of cards from Greater Magic, another wonderful text, and it took me weeks to decipher the words used to be able to perform a back palm. Granted I was still relatively new to Magic at that point, but it wasn’t until I really dug into Mark Wilson’s course, that I started to understand how to read a magic book. Video is great, and I have worn out many a VHS tape in my day, but video can only take you so far, it can only show you so much, whereas a book can take you further (plus you don’t need other devices to access the information, just your eyes!) In person is great to, but you are limited to only their knowledge. So again I say, start with Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic. It will build confidence by starting with simple language in the instructions, give you step by step illustration to reference and it will TEACH you how to read a magic book.

[@EruditeMagic]

Great advice! You can go a long way with the complete course. I believe this, paired with in person instruction, would be the fastest path. Thanks for sharing!

[@dustyhill9379]

I love books. I just started a year and a half ago. KZbin got me started on fun beginner stuff and maybe sparked some interest (seeing how amazing magic can look), forums are an advantage to the computer age too when a person has questions, but books 90% of the time with an occasional video has been my thing and still the best route I believe. Or starting with a fun trick deck or 2 and going from there. That's what I did.

[@EruditeMagic]

That's interesting coming from someone with 1.5 years of experience! Glad you've found your path to something that works for you - thanks for sharing 👍

[@Bozzy2000]

I thought I had commented on this Sunday but now I don't see it. I got started in magic about 6 years ago after attending a Penn & Teller show in Vegas. I was always interested but something about that show inspired me to really focus on it. I think that young people are more likely to get into magic through video format (either KZbin or downloads). It helps them see what things should really look like (well, sometimes) and how to even start thinking about the visual aspect of things. "Angles" and audience view are sometimes tough to perceive through just books. I agree that at some point people that are serious will graduate into books, even if it's just a hobby. I like the idea of the industry transitioning from "book + DVD" to "book + download" and a lot of the Vanishing Inc books lately have done that.

[@keithmitchell1374]

How should a beginner in magic, today, get started. Essential Ingredients: 1) A place to see really good magic done well. 2) A mentor or coaching mechanism. 3) Opportunity to try/perform different kinds of magic and get constructive feedback, possibly in front of online audience. 4) A roadmap to chart a destination and measure progress in moving toward that destination. 5) Age or skill level appropriate. One might think that the local magic club would provide exactly this experience. From what little I have seen of magic clubs, however, I think there could be better alternatives. Maybe the summer magic camp comes a little closer but how many adults want to go to magic camp? To foster the above ingredients I believe a Penguin Magic or Vanishing Inc could create a curated Royal Road experience for beginning magicians, maybe with a few age range targets. For a flat fee a certain number of related books, downloads, and tricks would be provided as well as blocks of time allocated for coaching and performing. In and around this might be some level of built in community. Maybe this already exists. I don't get out enough to know. It seems that Penguin and Vanishing Inc are creating wonderful projects which accomplish some of this but maybe not as targeted as I'm thinking. Keep up the great work, Jeff!

[@EruditeMagic]

A well-reasoned and thoughtful response. Thanks, Keith!!

[@paulhenryilusionista]

In some places it's hard to find a magic community that you can join but, if a beginner is lucky enough to live somewhere close to a magic circle, that would be the BEST place to start. You can watch awesome performers, learn from them, get great recommendations (of books, videos and other sources to expand your knowledge), but most important of all: you can make new friends who share the same passion as you. And that's the most valuable thing of all. That was my experience when I was young and that's what we are trying to keep on doing in our Magic Circle in Barcelona.

[@EruditeMagic]

My magic friends are some of my closest, even after moving 10 hours away for a job. Great point! 💙

[@rtdaniel]

KZbin is the best place to start. It is a free and quick way for people to get "hooked" on the art. After KZbin has given someone the bug and they have been exposed to basic slights online, it can make moving to books easier with a basic understanding of simple slights and forces, of which KZbin is full. I started on books in the 90s, but once KZbin became huge, my skills and knowledge instant grew exponentially as I could fine more material to research, hear new name to look up, etc.

[@EruditeMagic]

Thanks for sharing, Ryan!

[@dksmagic]

As you mentioned, I think it’s important for people to be inspired to perform; this means seeing a magician either in person or on TV. Being amazed by the show or intrigued by a trick, will lead to a desire to learn how it’s done. Initially, this could be online, but I think if the right book is offered, borrowed or bought the volume of material between the covers would set the hook more effectively than a DVD or social media video. To me, the best way for a beginner to learn would be a classic magic text and a well posted mentor.

[@EruditeMagic]

Do you have any suggestions for "the right book?" Thanks for sharing your opinion!

[@georgeyounts9391]

Wizzo the Wizard on Bozo’s Circus got me into it but grew up w/ a small town library of few 793.8 selections. In Junior HS Theatre took over. These last 3 years I’ve returned w/ a deep dive. Today is so opposite & over abundant in comparison to my early 70s childhood. It’s really surreal, at times. BTH, I think the best learning comes from mixing it up: books, dvds, youtube, downloads, shows & mentors. Mix it up. Currently for me right now as a theatre teacher, school is about masking, adapting, plexi-glassing, zooming, learning, accepting & social distancing. And, since a cramped scene shop (with no shows to build for) full of 20 students is a possible covid spreader? That was a no go as per my district guide lines. So…..that means my 2nd semester HS Theatre Major Elective Specialty is now Card Magic (with a bit of mentalism & other subjects) for the first 9 weeks. It has been great! And my teaching is mixing it up.

[@EruditeMagic]

That's cool - what are you using for the curriculum with your students⁉️

[@andrewqsmith]

I like the idea that Shin Lim went with in regards to his new kit. It has a booklet with card tricks, a video download with him teaching and props for a beginner to start working with. Everything a beginner could need and lots of ways to learn. A nice balance is always welcomed. Probably get it for my sons upcoming birthday.

[@EruditeMagic]

I've seen it briefly, but don't know everything it includes. Thanks for sharing, and I hope your son likes it!

[@magiclarry7688]

I started with books as well as my father did magic also. I think videos and KZbin is definitely a modern version of the books. Also magic clubs are a definite asset to the upcoming magician.

[@EruditeMagic]

What place, if any, do you feel books have (if KZbin has replaced them in today's world)? Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@gaetandelatour8732]

I believe videos are an easy way to get started with magic and more appealing to beginners. When eventually they will start being really deeply intrested in magic and its philosophy books are the way to go.

[@kcutah]

Around the age of 15, on a family vacation, I saw the Svengali pitch, and got a deck. I wasn't able to find a magic shop until a few years later. I was in Beaverton, Oregon, getting my car repaired. They said come back in an hour, and serendipitously there was a magic shop in the mall next to the auto shop. And then I started going to the shop on a regular basis. As far as starting out magic now for a 13 year old, the ideal way would be to have in-person instruction, and have a place to practice & perform. More likely though is probably through social media, whether it be an ad or a friend posting a video. "Learn how to do this cool magic trick" or also cardistry, and then the teenager posts a video of himself/herself doing it on their social media page and then get likes. And then the algorithms will likely show the teenager more magic links, and then at some point the teenager will want to learn how to get to the next level. My kids are still pretty young, so I got them the coloring book, zig zag pencil, and sponge balls. As far as magic books are concerned, in a way it is like traditional books. Kids start off with simple books learning the letters, numbers, shapes, animals, etc. Then they move on to more complex and intricate stories and theories, and then a percentage will get college text books. I also think magic can also be a tool to help teach people empathy. A magician has insider/specialized knowledge & experience and has a different viewpoint, and the laymen/spectator does not have that knowledge, which leads to different responses to seeing magic performed. Then that could hopefully be used in other areas of life where one party has special knowledge, viewpoint, and experience, and the other party does not.

[@EruditeMagic]

I like the point about the progression through books. You are right about magic being able to connect with people in different ways. Thanks for sharing your opinion!

[@TheTNRangerOfficial]

I learned from a local magician I saw perform at my school. He taught me some simple tricks, and sold me a few. He then turned me onto online magic shops. Today, I think most are getting a start from youtube. Which I’m still on the fence about.

[@EruditeMagic]

What puts you on the fence about it?

[@TheTNRangerOfficial]

@@EruditeMagic just the whole argument of is it ok to learn or expose on KZbin. I don’t think it’s a simple black or white answer. But if it gets someone truly into the art, I’m ok with them learning tricks that are free domain

[@Pugglemom]

Books are a great way to start, but a mentor is essential.

[@EruditeMagic]

How does mentorship look to you?

[@Davlavi]

Thanks for the recommendations.

[@EruditeMagic]

Sure thing

[@TheAnimatorsUnite]

I think KZbin is probably the best place to start if you direct them to a good source. Mostly because it is free and the good youtube sources direct people to other great resources. When I was a kid, I tried learning from a general children's magic book from the library, but it was so loose on details that it made me frustrated. Not even adults could get the tricks to work with the sparse details. Flash forward ten years and I was just about to graduate. I knew I would have a lot of free time on my hands and I was trying to think of a hobby to fill it with. Then that dang book popped back into my mind, I needed to know if the tricks in that book were doable, so I looked on youtube for the one that frustrated me the most(needle in balloon). I found a video of someone doing it and it sent me down a long rabbit hole of magic videos, not tutorials, just performance videos. But those videos gave me key names that I could look up and buy DVDs of. So as you can see in my case, the right way for me to start was just to start. It was a combination of all sources. DVDs may have been the place I actually learned tutorials from at first, but that quickly shifted to include books and KZbin videos.

[@EruditeMagic]

You've touched on a key point. Namely that *anything* that gets you performing is better than something that doesn't inspire you to perform. After all, this is a performing art. 🎭 Thanks for sharing!

[@DavidUng]

I feel like video is a good way to start getting an interest in magic, as it allows you to see the magic before you learn it, and seeing it helps keep you motivated. Then you move onto books for the good stuff. I started by having someone show and teach me a couple tricks, then I delved onto the internet, researched what videos and books to get and bought them, but I ended up watching more than reading. Now I'm going back and reading through everything I got before and there's so much that I've missed from books.

[@EruditeMagic]

What books are you rereading, David?

[@DavidUng]

@@EruditeMagic Carneycopia and Art of Astonishment are two "older" books I'm going through again. I'm also reading through The Boy Who Cried Magic as well. Too many books, not enough time!

[@EruditeMagic]

Ooooo. A lot of good reading ahead of you!

[@audiemuniz6445]

Ammar was the first DVD I learn coin,and then Jay sankey. after a friend show me the thump tip trick I was STONED at it! after that 10 years or more ago I got bite by the magic bug,and then came Chris Angel with coin in the soda can,Tommy wonder w cups and ball,Daryl with rope magic,the zombie ball,sponge ball and more..... what I can say love magic and still performance to my friends. Thanks Jeff! I wish I can stand a gift to say thanks for all those videos you do.

[@EruditeMagic]

Thank *you* for watching and being an Erudite Magician!

[@jakelundgren2116]

But in general, while not as readily available, I definitely think a mentor or lecturer is the best way for young people to get that hands on experience... that’s why I always push the MagiFest youth scholarship on so many people

[@EruditeMagic]

Yes! Seeing a live lecturer can be life-changing. It's how I became a mentalist: I saw Richard Osterlind lecture, which showed me how mentalism could/should look.

[@KevinGoosie]

I would almost recommend starting off with books!! I personally started off with Self-Working Card Tricks by Karl Fulves, and later picked up Encyclopedia of Card Tricks and Expert Card Technique. Later I started to pick up videos, primarily DVDs (no downloads available 27 years ago), and stayed focused in card magic. If I had to recommend material to someone today, I would recommend books with a video. I feel that having an accompanying video will help the reader better understand the material if needed. In the end I feel a book would be more useful as books are starting to become non essential to some, and you can always have a book no matter where you are!!!

[@EruditeMagic]

What books do you like that come with video? Thanks for taking time to comment!

[@KevinGoosie]

I do know that Steve Forte's latest book GSOH has some video explanation/demos. I also know that Othmarius Magic performs video explanations of pieces from Expert Card Technique on his KZbin channel - kzbin.info Although not officially affiliated with the book, but if magic retailers know about this it could be a huge help.

[@Dronak]

I realize this video is a little older, but I thought I'd reply anyway since what got me into magic now is probably rather unusual. I did some magic as a kid, probably using books as a start, but I don't really remember because I stopped after a while back then. My current interest was revived when there was a Kickstarter for a deck of cards designed for magic that included a bunch of live lectures and video teaching content. It was an amazing deal to get so much instruction for the price of one deck of cards, so I couldn't pass it up. Following that, I looked at online magic communities and available online content in addition to buying some books. Generally, I do like books and can learn well from them, but sometimes having a video is really helpful. The prices of magic books seem to lean high, so I don't have a lot right now, but including books in-transit, 6 of 10 are on your updated five-foot shelf of magic (I watched that recently), and a few more from that list are ones I've heard about and would like to get. But I guess what I'd suggest is a combination of books and video, with which is primary depending on the person and how they learn.

[@EruditeMagic]

That's great! Whatever works for you. Was the kickstarter the Conjuror Community one? 😃

[@Dronak]

@@EruditeMagic Yes, that was the one. 😀

[@evanbishop7771]

I got started seeing a magician perform at my school and getting a magic kit, which happened to have a dvd with performances of Dai Vernon, Al Flosso, Houdini, Slydini, Channing Pollock, etc. I then got Bobo’s Modern Coin Magic and the rest is history! To me, learning magic today should be like learning anything else; you don’t just rely on one medium. What’s more important is the quality of the information. It’s great that new magicians can learn so much, so quickly on KZbin, but not all teachers on KZbin are equal. We should help direct new magicians to reliable sources so they don’t develop bad habits and encourage them to explore books to learn “the real secrets” when they are ready.

[@EruditeMagic]

Thanks for sharing your opinion, Evan! 😃 Who are some of the best teachers on KZbin? You're right that quality matters more than format. But, the process of putting out a book typically means higher quality since it's not simply as easy as having a cell phone and an internet connection. 🤷‍♂️

[@evanbishop7771]

@@EruditeMagic Totally agree! To be honest, I’m not sure who the best teachers on KZbin are since I “grew up” in Magic before the KZbin revolution. I’d be interested to hear from some of the newer magicians about that though!

[@EruditeMagic]

We'll both look forward to seeing the answer 😁

[@michaeltravis4404]

I would say a book is still the best way for someone to get started in magic. Yes it is easier to learn a move watching it on a video. I have watched SO MANY cool tricks and moves on youtube and saved them into my library to watch them again. However, I rarely make it back to those videos. The saved video library just grows and grows until it is out of control and too overwhelming to use because there is no cost or investment involved in clicking SAVE. A book on the other hand, will sit on my shelf and catch my attention again and again at the most random times. I can't even tell you how many times I have picked up a book and worked on a trick when I had no intention of doing so just moments before. Another part of learning from a book vs. video that is rarely addressed is that a book is more likely to involve more of your senses. When I learn from a book, my eyes observe the words in ink, my hands FEEL the paper and the weight of the book itself. My nose smells the pages as I turn them. My ears HEAR my fingers slide over a page or turn a page. I think the combination of all these experiences make the information you learn more memorable, therefore more valuable. Just my opinion.

[@EruditeMagic]

I agree with you 💯, especially about involving multiple senses. I love pulling books off my shelf either intentionally or randomly - I always learn something! Thanks for sharing‼️

[@MexieMex]

Personally I think a mix of books and good videos (and discord The Peoples Palace of Prestidigitation too obviously LOL) is the way to go regardless of where you are in the journey. The problem with KZbin though is so much of the magic training given on it is absolutely terrible, and when you are just starting out, you aren't in a position to know what's good and what's bad.

[@danesmith50]

I think books help to better understand the complete trick or effect. Video is great to see an intended performance or help explain a slight (such as hand position etc.) but books complete the thought, intention and construction of the the effect or trick. Plus, it helps to create a foundation of muscle memory to practice. Books are essential to all magicians of all levels of experience! Thanks for the great video and channel!

[@EruditeMagic]

Thanks for watching, Dane, and taking time to comment! 👍

[@MrDSC2011]

I started with The Amateur Magicians Handbook and some kits as a kid....I studied the book...but some was a little advanced for a young kid...and not having a mentor I drifted away from magic...but some of that book stuck with me. Fast forward to my 50s...I found a magic shop in Ft Worth....then another...and another.Yes ..we have 3 shops in Ft Worth. I got inspired again...then started buying books at Half Price Books....found some incredible deals there...ordered and bought dvds....and in 2 years have 100 books( some rate and oop) and about 60 dvds.... While I like books,I find dvds can fill in gaps that are hard to get across moves(coins).... A couple days ago I got the 4 DVD Magic of Michael Ammar(actually owned by Daryl...certificate included) and also got the book of the same name since I heard they complement each other.I think many are like that....book and DVD complementing each other(Roth,Rubinstein) I feel like there are great teachers on youtube(Sankey,Pandrea,Rick Holcombe).....I think there are books such as Now You See It,Mark Wilson's book.....etc. I really think youtube has a big future for beginners....but I stand by books too.Guess it depends on the person. Having a mentor is also invaluable also.

[@EruditeMagic]

No doubt that everyone will have a slightly different path to learning magic. Sounds like you're one of the most blended responses I've seen so far. Another advantage of KZbin is that not everyone is close to a magic shop or even other magicians, so KZbin provides that connection. Plus, without other magicians to personalize recommendations on books, it can be an expensive and 'riaky' proposition to buy a more expensive book. Hence why I started this channel 😁

[@MrDSC2011]

@@EruditeMagic Yes...you actually inspired a few of my purchases.

[@EruditeMagic]

💙 so glad to help! More to come 😁

[@scottbriggs761]

My library is growing thanks to you and I would love to find this book!

[@andyY_112]

I prefer a book with a reference DVD. This though also depends on the age of the individual. Good starts would be Royal Road to Card Magic with the R. Paul Wilson dvds or the Joshua Jay Course in Magic. I have in the past given two of the Joshua Jay books and a Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic book away to kids that were interested. I always ahattached my number for them to call me about anything in the books and have done one on one with them if they wanted. So in the end I would say it really comes down to the age and reading ability of the individual. Reading gets easier the more you do it. Thanks for the video Jeff. I'll be sure to check out the Facebook page.

[@EruditeMagic]

Thanks, Andrew. I, too, have given away both books with mixed results. Only time will tell, but if we give unselfishly with no expectations of a return, I believe we'll achieve better results. Thanks for what you've done to keep spreading the magic word. See you on FB! 💬

[@Tombrassil]

I got started in magic by seeing a friend perform magic in person, and then picking up Royal Road on his recommendation. I think what you recommend to a newbie depends on the person. Teenage me would have loved magic books (especially because books offer so much more for your money than DVDs and downloads). For others a book would be a barrier early on.

[@EruditeMagic]

You're right, Tom. Everyone has different inclinations and strengths and reacts to suggestions from more seasoned members differently. How do you try to gauge the person before you make a recommendation?

[@Tombrassil]

@@EruditeMagic I guess it's partly age and partly reading level and partly how interested they are and partly what type of learner they are. E.g. a visual learner or someone who struggles with reading may well find videos an easier start. I'd agree with you that books have to play a part in the journey somewhere! In answer to your other question on the video (about beginner video resources), I found KZbinr 52Kards (Asad Choudhry) a great video teacher, and I really enjoyed his "Foundations in Card Magic" course.

[@EruditeMagic]

Cool, I'll check it out - thanks for sharing!

[@RobertBallMagician]

I love books over dvds. Wonderful review😊😊👍👍😊😊👍👍

[@EruditeMagic]

Thanks, Robert!

[@jkrjhn8]

Definitely a book guy here. I would recommend " The Annotated Royal Road to Card Magic" by Mark Lewis.

[@EruditeMagic]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@johngreen4068]

I started has a child with the traditional magic kit. I then started to read a lot of magic books from the library. Norman Hunter was a huge influence has a child with various publications. I remember reading Harry Lorayne’s The Magic Book, along with several others. There was no internet when I grew up and reading books was always a pleasure. I then started to buy several videos and DVDs to learn the timing and visual experience of sleight of hand. Having several DVDs on certain topics that interest you is a worthwhile combination to buying books. Nowadays I may have to buy certain DVDs or downloads of certain magicians that have work out there, due to the fact that they don’t publish material by the written word. I am like you Jeff, and as I have gotten older, prefer books to other media. However like I said, if I see work that interests me and the only way it is available by Dvd or download IF it is REALLY important to me then I would and do consider buying it. If I was recommending magic to a beginner I would still say that children’s magic books are the best way to start. They are easy to read and start to explain methods and theories that will stay with you forever. One book that I would highly recommend to anyone is the Complete Course in Magic by Mark Wilson. It covers all aspects of magic, and explains them with illustrations that are clear and concise. Disclaimer: I live in the U.K. and already own this book. So I am not writing this to enter the competition. I am writing to share my thoughts and experiences with yourself and the wonderful community that you are growing.

[@EruditeMagic]

Thank you, John! Those are some great thoughts, and I understand exactly where you're coming from. Mark Wilson's book is good, but getting older now. One has to wonder how much longer it will be in print, especially now that he's passed.

[@shadowpest44]

I was fortunate to have a mentor when I got my start. Between learning from him when I could get the time and be in town (I drove truck cross country) , I would supplement with VHS (pre dvd) tapes like Ammar, Daryl and Roth. I bought quite a few close-up props and got my chops doing shows in truck stops (I even pitched “svens” and “strips” after a show for a time to pay for my habit). I eventually got a local driving job and got a couple restaurant gigs every weekend for a couple years and some bar shows and birthday, graduation, summer camp, festivals... Finally, I landed full time bar magician at a local bar / comedy club. To this time, I don’t think I ever read a magic book other than glancing thru Bobo, EATCT and Expert Card Technique. This was around the time the Magic Cafe started so I joined it and that really helped since I didn’t have any other magicians close by. I ended up going back over the road again and kept up with my magic but not as much as I wanted to. Eventually, I got involved in the fracking industry hauling sand and had zero time for it for a couple years. I really missed it but was way too busy (fracking was just taking off and we were in high demand). Fast forward to Thanksgiving week 2011, I was diagnosed with cancer in my neck and lymph nodes. Did not take treatment well and spent the better part of 6 months in the hospital. This, was a blessing of sorts. I didn’t have any money to really blow on magic, but I could afford some of the magic PDF format books that were starting to be popular. I think already having the background of actually doing magic made the books easier to absorb and the magic kept me sane through it all. The big realization was that books contained so many great effects for a fraction of the price of the “trick of the week” on those online stores. You just have to put in the time to actually read, understand and practice. Since then, I was diagnosed again in 2013 but had some actual books I had purchased in the mean time and spent that time in the hospital working diligently on them. Every time following that, when I go to the Dr or the hospital for tests, I always have some PDF or Ebooks with me to read while I wait. I do have an impressive library of real books at this point (with some hard to find volumes too) and prefer learning this way. I have been disabled due to the affects on my immune system and other problems that extended from the cancer but I still do charity gigs from time to time. I also remain very active on the Magic Cafe and spend a lot of time answering PMs from those who reach out with specific questions. So, I guess I am of the mind that books might better serve you after you have the “magic bug” and want to get serious and go beyond doing the same “trick of the weeks” that everybody else is doing. Not to mention, start getting way more “bang for your bucks”. An exception would be if you are still in school and are currently doing all your learning from books. This will be a much easier transition as book learning is very fresh for you. Go ahead and get a few “instant gratification tricks” but get a couple good starter books like The “Royal Road” or “Card College” or “Corinda” (if mentalist interests you). All good starts. I know a young man who at 13 or 14 was working thru every effect in “Expert Card Technique” and I wish I had his chops at that point in my magic career. This is what made me realize that the new magicians that are still in school (even college) would benefit better from books. I think the rest of us, after school is over and careers and family take over, we lose a little edge on the reading end (unless you are an avid reader naturally) (I was not) The good news is, at 47 (first round) I was able to pick the ability to learn by reading back up and at 56, I’m doing very well with it still.

[@EruditeMagic]

Wow, what a story! I had to re-read the part about selling 'strips' in the 'truck stop' to support your 'habit', but now I understand. 😉😆 I think it's amazing the gift you gave yourself through magic during difficult seasons in your life, and how it's become a lifelong passion. Your advice is practical, empirically proven, and reasonable. Thanks for sharing - I love learning about how others discovered magic!! 😍

[@jlebowitz8325]

I think a hybrid is probably the way to go. For kids starting out, keeping it inexpensive and simple is probably the most important. Magic kits are generally not all that helpful--the quality is just not there. When you start, it's probably better to invest in a few packs of regular Bicycle cards and some regular coins (recent dollars and half dollars coins that cost face value, nothing too vintage) and buy a book like Joshua Jay's. KZbin is fine as a supplement but it's not a course of instruction and the quality of the videos are really variable. But if you want to see a basic sleight, you can look it up and probably find it. Expanding out, getting books like RRCM, Harry Lorayne's The Magic Book, ECT, and/or Bobo is probably the next step. Again, these are not always easily accessible for a beginner but they are inexpensive and they will kept and used forever. When it comes to video instruction, there's lots to choose from, I suppose. (It would be nice if folks had some recommendations.) The key would be to get a series from a quality magician that is filmed well. There are now DVDs, video downloads, and even online courses. I'd initially steer people away from buying one-off effects and sleights--this gets pricey really fast and, without knowing the basics, pretty useless. As Harry Lorayne has said, all you really need to get started is, 'a good control, a good double lift, and a good palm'and with just those you can do miracles... (sorry for being so wordy)

[@EruditeMagic]

No apology necessary! Great feedback, and I can't disagree with your approach: start with some simple videos and basic props, then advance to 'book learning' (if I understood you correctly). Thanks for sharing!

[@Papalu66]

Ultimately it boils down to purpose. If the purpose is to acquire a working vocabulary and technical know-how, books represent great value. Lectures and videos are wonderful teaching tools, too, but I find myself taking copious notes when watching them. In other words, I revert to some form of the written word. It is also the case that there is a growing convergence of book plus video. Giobbi has done so as has Michael Close and Mike Powers, among others. I think Jeff Copeland may be trying the same with his DAVE project. For beginners in particular, books and videos supplement one another, especially when seeking to master certain "moves". Once, a student has a working arsenal of techniques, I would urge him or her to study from books, and selectively choose videos of master performers to learn the "soft skills" that, in the end, differentiate the master from the move monkey. If the aim is to inspire, there is no paper proxy in the performing arts. Even if one understood a musical score and could appreciate its genius, it would still pale by comparison to hearing the piece played by a virtuoso. Genius has to be experienced. The same for wonder and astonishment. Books will give the building blocks whereas video or a live performance may inspire you to arrange them in new and novel ways.

[@EruditeMagic]

I love the analogies - they paint a clear picture! Thanks for sharing!

[@EruditeMagic]

@Papalu66, *YOU* are the random winner of John Bannon's OOP book - Destination Zero!! Send me a message to let me know your shipping address...CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[@Papalu66]

@@EruditeMagic Sent you an email.

[@philiphall2733]

Hey, really enjoy the Channel! I got started in magic in my early twenties (now 38), a guy I worked with in a bar and who remains a great friend started to learn after going into JB Magic (we live near Blackpool)...he would show me stuff he’d learned and it peaked my interest. I don’t think I immediately caught the magic bug but was exposed to some magic DVDs and was amazed by Jay Sankey originally. Don’t think a book would have grabbed me in the same way at that time. The first things I learned were moves and one handed cuts, I took to them well and it gave me pleasure for people to be impressed without having to up to them and show them a trick. I think as far as that type of thing goes you are better served by video. I’d say that might be a good way to start, it certainly made me feel like an expert when my knowledge was far from replete. Like you say, as you get older the appeal of books becomes greater and greater especially as I now enjoy performing mentalism where personal presentation is key and the gems are definitely in books. I would say that video learning has improved with the advent of lecture learning by companies like Penguin. I love a lecture and feel you get a lot of the benefits of both worlds.

[@EruditeMagic]

Hey Philip, thanks for the well-reasoned response and for sharing your story. There are many paths to magic, and I don't think any are 'wrong,' but trying to suss out what everyone else used to get to this point. Videos seem to be the top way to get started, then people move to books as they become more seasoned. Sounds like a winner to me 👍

[@audiemuniz6445]

Cool cup!

[@EruditeMagic]

Ha - thanks!

[@divyanshsingh1078]

i would recommend roberto giobbi's book and video for card magic

[@EruditeMagic]

Giobbi is great!

[@nancyanderson5320]

For someone who is visual and reflective like me I need both : books and videos or download streaming. Starting magic requires the visual to watch the performance and get the full picture first. Later as you grow in your magic, books can provide additional knowledge and is up to You to make it your own trick. Great review today on Valentine’s Day! Banon’s destination zero book has been in my library since 2018. Good luck to others.

[@EruditeMagic]

Truth be told, I owned 13 Steps early on, but I did not understand it simply from reading it. I had to see Richard Osterlind perform in person before I knew what it was supposed to look like. Then I was able to start using its contents 👌 So I totally understand needing both.

[@kevlingo]

My magical journey isn't typical. I got started later in life. For me it started with a random suggestion from YT with a Jay Sankey video. I was intrigued and started down the YT rabbit hole. I quickly realized that while learning a move on YT is possible, it didn't give the whole story...such as timing, psychology, misdirection, etc that makes a move "invisible". I was fortunate and landed in a group lead by Aaron Fisher and took his 3M course. I am now a book buying fool. In fact, buying tricks is no longer on my radar. As for a someone just getting into magic, books can be daunting, but I think it's important to steer newbies into this direction ASAP before any bad habits are created. Understanding the principles of what makes magic magical from the beginning will give you the context you need to learn the moves properly. Just my 2 cents!

[@EruditeMagic]

Thanks for sharing your story, Kevin! I think it's typical, but let's see how the other responses come in...

[@kevlingo]

@@EruditeMagic I wasn't real clear about "isn't typical". I agree that the YT path is probably typical. I didn't have a magical experience as a child that seeded my interest. Developing that love later in life (I'm 51 now and have been in love with the art for a couple years now) is what I was referring to. It may be more common than I thought. I'd love to hear from others who started their magical journey later in life!

[@EruditeMagic]

I hope we'll hear from many others to see! Glad you found your way to books and to the channel 😁👍

[@davidmurphy9049]

I have actually started teaching my wife's nieces and nephew. Showed them a few KZbin videos on how to do the basic moves, sleights and cuts. Give them a few basic self working tricks and sent them Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic. Even sent them each a bicycle deck in their favorite color along with a few other decks and a notepad for journaling what they learned. I picked up magic a few years ago to rehab my right thumb for PT was doing no good for it and I was slowly loosing use of it. A bad cortisone shot dissolved the fat layer at the bottom knuckle and damaged the tendons and muscles. A year of PT with it only getting worse really was sucking the life out of me. 16 years disabled from a busted disc and all the cortisone shots in my back put me at a low risk going in to get my thumb worked on from walking heavily with a cane. Then one day a friend who is a Physical Therapist in the Midwest said he had a client come in that had a similar situation happen about a decade ago, picked up a deck of cards, practiced springs and shuffles, sleights and one handed cuts then from there magic was the next logical step. At that point I went ahead and tried. I took to KZbin Sankey, Ramsay (this was a few months before he stopped doing magic on his channel), Spade, Pandrea and Madison were my go to. I learned some basic sleights, cuts etc.. basically anything I can do without having to look at the deck while watching tv. After a year and a half I had regained about 60 percent of my thumb. The dribble is still a basic move that eludes me for the muscles inside the thumb are really shot so my dribble is very clunky and dropping chucks. My springs are good. I then picked up my first book Expert at the Card Table and a Book and DVD combo of the Royal Road to Card Magic. I have notes scrawled all through those books along with 2 notebooks that I journal my tricks in. The biggest problem I have with books in magic is that man.. they can be quite expensive on my very limited budget. Now I have friends from KZbin and IG that critique my tricks and we talk about theory, angles etc. I still need a decent card mat for I have heard that it can really aid in some of the moves (I currently use a mousepad). Overall though, getting back on topic.. KZbin (but stay away from channels that say Here's how this magician did this trick for tv.. they don't really teach that well imo but they're insanely popular). Find beginner tricks, moves, sleights, cuts and false cuts. From there, get into books and journals. Lastly, make friends online to learn together, give and take constructive criticism, show routines, maybe learn new ways of doing a trick using a different sleight, talk theory, misdirection and the story your are telling, plus making the magic yours and not just you doing someone else's trick.

[@EruditeMagic]

This. ☝️ Great advice, IMO: start with videos for the basics, jump into books, and seek mentorships. Thanks for sharing your story. You've been through some serious challenges, but it sounds like you're using magic to help you move forward and keep making progress. Proud of you❗

[@davidmurphy9049]

@@EruditeMagic Before I busted my back up I was just a few years from becoming a Sifu in the Chinese partial art of Hung Gar. I already taught all the beginners. Loosing my ability to do that.. enjoy long distance bike rides etc was rough and it still can be some days. Then the thumb issue.. I was seeing the loss of drawing and I started to learn how to write left handed.. which co-incidentally was the same time I was teaching my daughter how to write and she's a lefty. Now I can write with both hands. Everyone has been through something, but what is most important is how you get back up. Even if it takes time. I doubt I'll ever be a big time magician considering my physical limitations for travel and the constant nerve pain I live with. Magic gave me so much... use of my thumb and the ability to make others smile and question. I love love love looking for new ways to do things and at 50 years I picked up magic.. seriously! Who does that .. well.. me.. lol. I also picked up a guitar and started to learn how to play last year to keep my creative side alive. Art is still difficult for me to do other than simple drawings. My family and I fought off Covid in January, yet in the same month I lost two friends to it. I can't and couldn't just hang up my hat. My kids and wife need to know that they can still depend on me and see that no matter what they go through, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.. the journey might change along with the destination but as long as you don't give up.. there is always something. SO I learned to really appreciate the small stuff. I try not to worry about what the future has in store for the future is never here. The past is behind me and I cannot live in it. I can teach my kids the basics of Hung, I teach my daughter magic and my son is an aspiring actor (Kevin Hart's guide to Black history if you want to see the one big thing he's done). My wife is a dedicated university teacher who does all the driving I cannot.. she's a rock. We all deal with the hands we are dealt in different ways. I hope my story can reach out to others and show that even if life gives you a 180.. as long as you are still moving and learning. Things tend to work themselves out. Hold onto the Faith, hope and love and always fight the good fight. Keep the magic alive and that child like desire to learn.

[@EruditeMagic]

💙

[@RayAtchley]

I got started extremely late. I'm 22 years old now and I was 22 when I started! Haha. For me learning basic sleigts on youtube is where I started. I ran into Chris ramsay one day on youtube and he made me rekindle my childhood love of magic that I never really thought I could get into as a kid. As an adult I'm doing the best I can to catch up to other magicians my age so I'm learning in any way I can! One of the biggest plusses for books for me is you (usually, not always) get MANY tricks and options in a book versus paying a similar amount of money for a single effect. For a beginner that's a great thing. But also if you're a visual learner like myself, dvds and downloads make things a lot easier. One way I can imagine it working really well is kind of like Andi Gladwin did. Where he has his book however you can also see him perform the effects in little videos you get as downloads with the book. Stuff like that is very modern and helps a lot (especially since the boy who cried magic is kinda difficult in some spots for a beginner)

[@EruditeMagic]

Great point about some of the Vanishing Inc. books (Principia is similar with the included video demonstrations)❗ Perhaps that's part of the 'best of both worlds' solution we seek. Don't worry about 'catching up' with others. You do you at your own pace; you'll be much happier and enjoy the journey more. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@RayAtchley]

@@EruditeMagic thanks for the reply! Also I would like to give a quick recommendation if it's not already on the schedule, I would love to see a review of Calculated Thoughts by Doug Dyment.

[@EruditeMagic]

It will be airing soon. Not next week, but I have high hopes to record it this week for playback the following 😉👍

[@evilhomersimson]

I started with books (royal road specifically) I think the next generation will learn from a combination of books and video. The basics can be learned from video, but I think advanced teaching should be from books or personal mentorship. That’s just my 2 cents though!

[@EruditeMagic]

I'll add that my $0.02 is that the advanced learning could probably be a combination of books AND personal mentorship. Thanks for chiming in, Ellis!🎐

[@evilhomersimson]

@@EruditeMagic agreed!

[@EruditeMagic]

Do you have any current mentor relationships? If so, how are those going during the pandemic? 🤷‍♂️

[@evilhomersimson]

@@EruditeMagic I’ve got a lot from informal mentorships, though I’ve taken lessons from Ladanye and others.

[@EruditeMagic]

Not to call out Ladanye, 😬 but did you feel you got more from the paid mentorships or the informal ones?

[@jakesp16]

When I was 5 my older brother used to practice magic on me, so I took it up. He stopped and I continued. But I started, like most, bought some basic effects, then got the foundation books that you mentioned, then VHS of Easy to Master..., Jeff McBride's manipulation videos...and others, and took it all in through various means. So it really was a combination of several routes to grow my knowledge in magic.

[@EruditeMagic]

That's great! Did you ever turn to books, or would you say you're still mostly videos and individual effects? No shame either way, just curious.

[@jakesp16]

@@EruditeMagic Hey Jeff, if I remember correctly, I am pretty sure when I was around 6 or 7, I started with a TT, then Sve...li Deck, and some other classics (probably a magic kit or two as well), then got Modern Coin Magic, Royal Road, Expert Card Technique, and really read through those in their entirety while learning everything in them (I can remember being in my room or at the kitchen table, with some type of weight on each side of the books to hold them open, while I practiced with my deck or coins!), then progressed to the Ammar videos, Carl Cloutier slee...ing and to...iting, then continued to purchase individual effects that looked neat. So I definitely had books as part of my foundation for sure. Probably from 10-16 I continued to read books, as well as purchased individual effects, watched more VHS, transitioned to DVDs, and then continued to purchase individual effects. But even today, and over the last 5-8 years, I have continued to buy new books that have come out as I realized how important they were. So that is why I say a combination, because it progressed from starting with effects, to reading books, to watching VHS or DVDs, then back to effects, while continuing to read book. But I would say that books gave me the grounding for where my serious knowledge came from, over everything else.

[@EruditeMagic]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@majikmyst]

I mostly learned from books, but it was the only option at the time. But these days I guess video in some form is and should be part of the mix. Thwres no magic shop to gather at and hopefully learn from. At some point books will become part of the process.

[@EruditeMagic]

What were some of the initial books from which you learned? What videos do you use as part of your mix? Thanks for commenting!

[@riverbabies]

For new magicians, the challenge is avoiding the trappings of the marketing blitz for every new gimmick or pay for download. Research of worthy materials is essential (like your channel) and books are the best investment. You get more tricks for the dollar and can refer back endlessly. My one piece of advice start with books (royal road is my recommendation) and use YT as a follow up if you need more visual follow up on individual moves)

[@EruditeMagic]

Great advice, and a low-risk proposition if you start with an inexpensive book like RRTCM. 💸 Thanks for the kind words about the channel and for taking time to opine! 🙏

[@jakelundgren2116]

This may sound counterintuitive, but videos just don’t seem to hold my attention... unless it’s a really engaging presenter I’m just kinda meh... on the other hand, books are just so relaxing to sit back and read

[@EruditeMagic]

It doesn't seem counterintuitive to me! 🤷‍♂️ I think we share a similar style of learning.😁👏

[@MrMcMaN]

I think a beginner should definitely be exposed to a couple/few of the classics or staples, even a digital copy of maybe TarBell to get started then have a few reliable real life mentors or even quality videos (KZbin/effect downloads/dvds/etc) I got started because my grandfather was a semi professional magician and my mother was an assistant at some stage in her life along with my aunt's & uncle's- she taught me a few basic key card effects, my grandfather taught me a few slight of hand methods and then it was on to kits and hand me down props from grandpa!! I always wish I had more time with him before he passed... Books are KING!

[@EruditeMagic]

Thanks for sharing. What are some of your favorite books? Sounds like your family has quite a stories history with magic 🪄 😲

[@MrMcMaN]

@@EruditeMagic I definitely love the classics;Tarbell, BoBo's, Mark Wilson's, Scarne on Card Tricks, David Regals "Approaching" & "Interpreting Magic", Aaron Fishers Paper Engine, Harry Anderson Wise Guy... Man I could go on and on haha! And yes, my mom was 1 of 7 children so each had their role at one time or another in my grandparents show, 1 Aunt went into the business full time for years as a magic clown and I did shows when I was younger and fell out of touch but it has been a front & center part of my life for the last few years (a big distraction after the loss of my mom and the a divorce) I have a deep love for Magic!

[@EruditeMagic]

Great books, all! So glad that magic has remained a passion for you in spite of some of the potential pitfalls

[@MrMcMaN]

@@EruditeMagic thank you!! Also want to say thanks for all you do with your channel!! I'm a big fan & love to get insight on books I may not know of, have overlooked or are on the fence about buying- much appreciated!!

[@EruditeMagic]

Thanks for watching! 🙏 I plan to keep on keeping on, so there's a lot more to come! 🙂

[@TheSeventhSelf]

I enjoyed the vid 👍🏻 I learn better from demonstrations, but like you, I have a book fetish, so slowly building up my collection. If someone asks me to show them how to do a trick, I show them the Charlier Cut, and go slowly go through the mechanics of it (it’s not that difficult but a little knacky) so if they persevere and come back to me and they are able to do it, I’ll show them something else, like the Gemini Twins, to get them going, and if they stick with it, I’ll show them Red Hot Mama with the DL. I usually recommend RRTCM and Expert Card Technique to get started as Card College is a big investment.

[@EruditeMagic]

"Book fetish" 💯🤣 Great job getting new people started! I usually show newcomers a simple trick, too (from Eugene Burger - what he taught as a first trick). Do your students find Expert Card Technique daunting due to the size and writing style? 🤷‍♂️

[@TheSeventhSelf]

Students!! I wish... maybe someday. I usually only ‘perform’ for friends and family, so it’s the kids that always want to know how it’s done. So I distract them with the charlier cut, which if you haven’t seen it before, is an interesting looking move. I recommend those books because they are cheap and great resources which they will always have. You raise a great point though, RRTCM seems to be timeless and expert is hard work in the beginning, but so much content, it’s an amazing book, I still just dip in now and again despite having lots of newer books.

[@MondoNifty94]

since i live in Indonesia and i can't participate in the giveaway even though i really been wanting the book , But oh well guess i'll settle to have a fun discussion lucky for me i love discussing about magic. I think that for a beginner to start immediately i won't give them books unless they have an interest to read to begin with. Because not a lot of 13 years old that i know of is a book reader especially in my own country. I did have experience of teaching and mentoring younger magician of the age 15-16 years old, I did what my mentor did as well to me by showing them that Books have a lots of hidden gems, and give them interesting stories/facts from books. Its a slow process but I do prefer them to start from any source they can get their hands on. Even though it is through KZbin, online courses, or even finding a mentor to teach you online. Then slowly lead them to the idea of how books can be a tremendous resource for them if they are truly already invested in the art.

[@EruditeMagic]

💯 - I think the path of magic discovery leads to books, regardless of where you start the journey. But I could be wrong 🤷‍♂️

[@MondoNifty94]

@@EruditeMagic i dont think you are wrong books is amazing, and probably still one of the best source for magic theories and routines. I think its better to recommend a book when they have a more solid foundation in what they do. Then books can reinforce that basic foundation and make them a better magician at least thats what i think

[@EruditeMagic]

Agreed 💯👍

[@Mythycal]

I started with books. I think in today’s world starting with KZbin/DVDs is a good way to mild their minds into what magic can look like. Then the books will help with creativity.

[@EruditeMagic]

Do you see any risk in getting into a rut with the video absorption? I generally agree with your order, though!

[@Mythycal]

@@EruditeMagic I think you can get into rut no matter what method you use to learn magic. That is an ever present risk in any hobby I believe. With every generation you’re going to see changes in how people learn. Take expert card technique for example. Braue and Hugard wrote that book writing letter to each other. Big age difference, one from Australia and one from California. That’s what they had to do. Nowadays, we have all these different avenues and sure there’s bad teachers on KZbin, but there’s bad books too. So i guess it just all depends haha. That’s the easiest way to put it. It just depends

[@EruditeMagic]

You're not wrong. Thanks for clarifying 👍

[@salomonvainstein8353]

I got started in magic because my cousin would show be tricks but would seldom teach me how they were done. So, I would go online to KZbin to learn the tricks. I was gifted one of those magic kits, but I always felt like the tricks were OK and not taught super well for a kid. One day my dad bought me a change bag, fooled me hard with it, then taught me and that became my go to. In terms of other people doing magic, my experience has been that I do a simple magic trick and then teach the kid how to do the trick to then go fool their family and friends. This could be the change bag, a simple coin trick, a simple card trick, etc. For continual self learning, I do believe it depends a lot on their age. If their young, they may not be able to extract content from books and even videos, so the best course would be to get them simple propy magic like the coloring book to play with. However, most people getting started in magic will probably be old enough to get things out of videos. For them, I would recommend MisMag822. That's where I learned a lot the card tricks that got me started in magic, from self-working to simple sleights. I would also recommend some of the other channels on KZbin that teach magic right. After learning some basics and understanding magic terminology better from videos, I think you can then start to better appreciate and learn from books, advancing your technique and theory.

[@EruditeMagic]

I'm beginning to see a common thread: starting with seeing someone in person, turning to KZbin for easy, fast, inexpensive learning. Once the magic bug fully bit them, they turned to 📚. Thanks for sharing how you got started 😎

[@salomonvainstein8353]

@@EruditeMagic yeah. Especially because it's hard to read a book without having some sort of understanding of some basic magic principles, so you can't immediately picture what the words say, even with images. Whereas in videos or in person, you can the instant POV visual.

[@EruditeMagic]

Right, you need to have a basic understanding of jargon to get the most from books

[@i.m.9381]

I live in the Netherlands, so can I join the contest if I pay my own shipping? Anyway how I started in magic was by watching the magician on tv in the Netherlands. It was a close up magician and i really loved the show. Then I got a magic kit and loved that for a while. Then on my birthday when I was about 12 I got my frist 'real' magic book, it was Magic tricks by Keith Fields translated in dutch. It was like a whole new world for me. Sadly during most of my time in high school and university I did nothing with my hobby. Years later I got into magic books and magic lectures again (don't exactly know how I got back to it) and the books where a culture clash, I was used to the beautifull book of my youth with all collor pictures and no drawings, I thought all magic books would look like that, but it was totally different. Most were with black and white drawings and lots of more tekst. I was almost ready to drop reading it because I thought they were boring. Luckely I did not, and eventually I foud the really great books. I think the best way for new people to get into magic is by watching a few tricks on youtube with good professional magic tricks from professional teachers. Then they should get a propper introductory kit in magic (not the plastic stuff, but the professional stuff) like spongeballs, a good quality deck of cards, thumb tip. and so on. In this kit there should also be a magic book (either Joshua Jay Magic: The complete course or Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic two of the best beginners books in my opinion) and a few video's (like a lecture, some small trick), so they can choose wich they like better. It would be importaint that they are introduced to as many fields in magic as possible, so they can find there niche more quickly. The kit could also include a coupon for a magic shop, so when they are ready they can go to the shop and buy somthing to preforme with.

[@EruditeMagic]

Great thoughts, and I'm so glad your journey brought you to the great books. Let me think about the shipping option, I'll get back with you 👌

[@audiemuniz6445]

Jeff,what do you think about PAUL POTASY MAGIC?

[@EruditeMagic]

I haven't actually read any of his books, but I've read about him in John Fisher's Heroes of Magic - that's where I derive most of my knowledge about him. Are you thinking of buying something by him?

[@mjmano2560]

My opinion video , books are both good because improve knowledge using books but some times some sleights explaining in the book hard to follow that time videos more useful

[@EruditeMagic]

I understand that viewpoint. I think as you get more experience, the need for a visual representation diminishes, but that's just my opinion. Thanks for sharing yours!

[@mjmano2560]

@@EruditeMagic 😊👍👍