The Tarbell Course in Magic

[@sashamagician]

So, I’ve been in Magic for sixteen years. Over those sixteen years, I’ve diligently found my own way, philosophy and magical style. Eventually I found my school- McBride’s Magic & Mystery School. I’ve now been a professional full time magician for 6 years. After 16 years- I’ve finally started reading the Tarbell course in Magic. Even though I’ve just started- I see how incredibly enlightened and genial Dr Tarbell was - and am excited for the learning that lies ahead

[@DavidDellman]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I hope you find gold in the pages of Tarbell

[@doveboyz857]

Thank you Sir! Almost done with volume 5. I have used them as an encyclopedia in the past but, recently decided to read each one "cover-to-cover." I was recently at The Castle swamp meet and discussed this course with a friend ( a well-known magician ). He believes that if someone were to seriously study this course, a new and unique show would be developed. I agree. Thanks again!

[@DavidDellman]

I believe Fu Manchu, David Bamberg, developed his first professional act almost entirely from Tarbell.

[@doveboyz857]

@@DavidDellman It would not surprise me at all! Thanks for such insightful content 🙏❤️!

[@JosephGagnon-tq2jr]

Thank you again, David, for another book recommendation. I've been subscribing to Penguin's Dan Harlan's Tarbell Course in Magic before I viewed this blog. I followed your encouragement to purchase the book set, and found a set at a brick and mortar store, RP Magic. They're the only store in New England, located in Ludlow, Massachusetts. I'm very pleased to have it to compliment Dan Harlan's classes. It's a great help. Thank you for all you do. I value your advice.

[@DavidDellman]

Between the work of Dan Harlan and the actual books, you'll have the foundation to go anywhere you want to go in magic.

[@sncpapa]

Great video. Thank you for making it. I recently purchased all eight volumes of the Tarbell course by purchasing various volumes from different sellers - most volumes in used, but very good, condition. Three volumes have arrived so far, the rest are scheduled to arrive this week. I am very happy with the three volumes that have arrived so far.

[@DavidDellman]

I hope you enjoy the set

[@bighairmagic]

Thank you for the history lesson. I appreciate all the time to research the info for this!

[@DavidDellman]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for commenting

[@tomholbrook2948]

Sorry I missed this when first posted. My name is Tom Holbrook. I was turned onto Tarbell around the magical age of 12 after buying an original 1920's Tarbell System at a garage sale,... As I live in Illinois about 40 miles from Magic Inc I would frequent this amazing magic shop at it's original location and talk with the late great Jay Marshall. I had begun to find misc Tarbell material from various places, many magi helped including Jay. Then Vol 8 was published I sought out Steve Burton and he too was helpful. I have a pretty large collection of Tarbell material, art, painting, marketed effects, promotion, advertising,... Spanning from his days as a youth thru the service years and the Atlas he illustrated, into his work for T.S. Denison a theatrical publishing and supply company in Chicago. Most people are not aware Tarbell designed the Morton Salt Co l. Mascot Girl with the umbrella 1914. As well as punch out magic kits for Morton Salt and Kraft. Oh yes, Tarbell also designed the original Tinker You container and instructions. Tarbell also did lots of art for magic catalogs and magicians as well as "Greater Magic" as published in 1938. Kaufman published a beautiful expanded edition of Greater Magic which has all kinds of COOL material not seen before. Tarbell traced the Globe with his magic and was highly respected by his fellow Magi all around the world. Karr published a CD ROM of Tarbell material, which features material and photos from my collection. To me Tarbell is AWESOME. Tarbell's System/Course inspired perhaps millions of practicing and performing magicians over the years. One other man stands out for me as well Marshall Brodien and his fun magic sets were an inspiration and a introduction into the art of Magic for millions of youngsters for over 50 years. Your post was Big Time Fun.

[@DavidDellman]

Hi Tom, it is so nice to meet you here in this forum perhaps sometime we will meet face to face. I would love that. I enjoyed very much reading your story. I have been a Tarbell fan for many years and a Jay Marshall fan for many years as well. It is so awesome that you knew Jay. I never met him though I did see him perform live a few times. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@richardchanning168]

I Love The Tarbell Course in Magic!

[@DavidDellman]

I do too :)

[@CosmicApe2]

I just got the whole set today for $100 at The Magic Apple in Studio City in LA. They're used. All but one has stains to a degree, but the pages are all there and pristine otherwise. By no means a museum piece, but I'm glad to have my hands on them.

[@DavidDellman]

Congratulations on the purchase. Take your time with them. What you have are seeds that, once planted in your mind, can grow into full routines. Don't miss Dan Harlan's Every Trick in the Book from Penguin magic if you want to see what a person can do with this material

[@jonahberg9280]

Can you do a review of Simon aronson and his books

[@DavidDellman]

I just don't have enough of his material to do a good review.

[@jonahberg9280]

Can you review the art of astonishment by Paul Harris?

[@DavidDellman]

Hi Jonah, I would love to review The Art of Astonishment. There are three volumes, I believe, plus a DVD or downloadable instructional video. I need to locate my books, refresh my memory, and then record the review. Since I already have a number of projects in the works, it could take a few weeks before I get the review posted, but I will do it. Thanks for asking.

[@BlazeLeeDragon]

Nice! I really want this course. maybe one day.

[@niekklaij9686]

I want to thank you very much for this video! I really appreciate that you were able to help me like this. The content of the video was very interesting. I have learned a lot from it. I am speechless. Thank you, big thank you! I will definitely watch this video a few more times ....!

[@DavidDellman]

I'm glad you liked it

[@MexieMex]

There is a saying that states "If you want new magic, look in an old book" and this series certainly does nothing to disprove that

[@DavidDellman]

I live by that saying. If you want a completely "original" act, read the old books.

[@MexieMex]

@@DavidDellman Is the email listed here on KZbin good? I sent you an email, but it appears not to have gone through

[@DavidDellman]

@@MexieMex try david(at)daviddellman.com ... Thanks Mexie

[@kotkin74]

Nice video. It is unbelievable that every “new method” I come across has its roots in a trick from the Tarbell books. I love also his writing style and his lessons in theory and presentation. His way of thinking is timeless.

[@DavidDellman]

"It's In Tarbell!" LOL and it really is.

[@kotkin74]

David Dellman also the history that you provided was really clarifying. Thank you

[@RobertBallMagician]

That is some amazing history. 👍👍

[@DavidDellman]

I agree. The story of Tarbell is fascinating

[@shannonsmith1520]

Its all in there😎

[@DavidDellman]

Many people say that and I agree... Its all in there :)

[@jonahberg9280]

Are there hidden gems in Tarbell?

[@DavidDellman]

Tarbell is a treasure trove of Hidden Gems. I believe there are more hidden gems in Tarbell than in any other magic text

[@jonahberg9280]

Do you have Harry lorayne close up card magic

[@DavidDellman]

I do, but this is all I really intend to do with Lorayne material: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioenYZZjl72ll7csi=HQgmjO8XU3MkNEep

[@deanallent4831]

Great history right there. Thank you! Comparing the books with Harlan’s video lessons is like a masterclass in how to personalize an effect and make it contemporary. Good stuff!

[@DavidDellman]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Dean. Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting.

[@georgeyounts9391]

Thank you. I have a cheap printing of the original mail order & a couple of Harlan lectures. I appreciate the overview.

[@DavidDellman]

I'd love to get my hands on at least one of the original lessons

[@tomholbrook2948]

I'd be interested in trading for copies of the Tarbell lectures. Please contact me via text: 224-760- three, seven, four, seven. Hope to hear from you. Tom Holbrook

[@wittvonwitt4403]

Just ordered Volume 1. Very excited!

[@DavidDellman]

The series is something you will go back to over and over again. I hope you enjoy it

[@nikolasfilo904]

Very good work on big topic. Thank you. (Nice website 😊)

[@DavidDellman]

Thanks for commenting

[@PDeRop]

My Tarbell books arrived today :)

[@DavidDellman]

A mountain of material. Take your time, savor, and enjoy.

[@PDeRop]

@@DavidDellman it really is. Book one was mostly known.. but so great to see some variations on the tricks I knew.

[@jethro1963]

I remember getting mine (in the late 70s, early 80s) one or two at a time and having to go to the post office to get a money order to send through the mail to the late, great Morrissey Magic in Montreal (and later Toronto). For a teenage kid who was out of the toy stage it was just like Christmas going back to the post office to pick up the package. One thing different about my experience, for some reason they were often wrapped in the local French Police Gazette newspaper. Let's put it this way, there were some pretty interesting photos from the vice department. :)

[@qazmko22]

Many a Pressional Magician has told me that you can build an entire show from just Tarbell.

[@DavidDellman]

Many have. There is so much in Tarbell that no matter what kind of magic you do, you will find material in Tarbell.

[@tomholbrook2948]

Sooooo very true

[@billgreen4003]

Ps ABBOTT Magic company also has a book on all tarbell writing course in magic ps somone asked if its just one big book with all 8 volumes of tarbell course in magic books and they said no its just the writings only

[@jonahberg9280]

The jinx or the Tarbell course in magic which do you think made a more significant impact ? Cause I feel like there could be an arguement for both.

[@DavidDellman]

@@jonahberg9280 Tarbell. In my opinion Tarbell would be my preference but fortunately we don’t have to choose. We can learn from and enjoy both

[@michaelfinazzo2064]

There is a very good book of bar bets called “There’s one born every minute” by Harry Blackstone, Jr. This was given to me by my parents around the age of 12.😆 Why did they never wonder why I kept saying, “I’ll bet you a drink!”? 🍺

[@DavidDellman]

LOL!!! I have not seen that book but I will take a look for it.

[@jonahberg9280]

Is the original course In Tarbell the same thing ?

[@DavidDellman]

Yes

[@niekklaij9686]

What do you think of the one big book made by Magic Makers, called ‘the original Tarbell lessons in magic’? I have it, and it’s a big study, I’m the kind of person who doesn’t read everything but only the interesting parts like the ‘cups & balls’. But it’s Tarbell so I want to start from A to Z from page 1 to 900, but how am I gonna study this?! It’s on my shelf for months now and it looks amazing but the effects are kinda old 🤷‍♂️ from 20’s so how can I even understand it thoroughly? I’m just gonna read it I think, I don’t want to learn this stuff from video.. 🤔😬😵‍💫🥰🪄🤩😇

[@DavidDellman]

To get a feel for how Tarbell material can be updated and used by performers today, I suggest you watch a few of the Dan Harlan "Every Trick in the Book" videos from Penguin magic

[@jonahberg9280]

Do you consider Tarbell to be the most valuable collection of books you own ?

[@DavidDellman]

Hi Jonah, my friend and mentor Denny Haney used to say almost anything you want to know about magic: “It's in Tarbell!” In fact, he is so well known for saying that it’s on his tombstone, reminding us always, even into eternity, that if we want to know it, it’s probably in Tarbell. The problem is you need to know what you are looking for, where to find it in Tarbell, and, once you find it, how to recognize it for what it is and put it to use. I struggle with that. I am a highly visual person and even though Tarbell is heavily illustrated I have a hard time visualizing the effect from the illustrations provided. So, for years, Tarbell was an untapped resource that sat on my shelf. I knew what was there, but I struggled to mine it out. This was the case UNTIL Dan Harlan released his Every Trick in the Book series on Penguin Magic. Today’s generation has a resource I never had. Dan has done all the hard work for you. Watch his videos, and then go to Tarbell to refine and clarify. Now, it really is the definitive resource for everyone, even those like me who need a visual point of reference. The short answer is yes, but only if you use it, and using it is daunting, given the size and scope of the work.

[@Universaguitar]

Haha it's in Tarbell I heard that come from Denny many times :)

[@DavidDellman]

It is amazing how many “new” things are actually in Tarbell so the older I get the more I find “it’s in Tarbell”

[@Universaguitar]

@@DavidDellman I remember Denny telling me some of the older stuff might as well be completely new due to it not being seen for so long of use of new routines and young magicians just wanting the newest hottest stuff:)

[@DavidDellman]

@@Universaguitar I remember Denny saying that as well. If you want new magic read an old book

[@jonahberg9280]

Why is bascom jones magick so expensive. Like 900 dollars really.

[@DavidDellman]

I have often wondered that myself. I don't know.

[@billgreen4003]

I have tv version of buck Rogers tv shows series episodes on DVD video complete collection and there a episode where the original tv shows series episodes buck Rogers in that episode and they hint it its a good Easter eggs and they are in spaceships and they bring up football routine by talking about the Juice ps its in coding OJ

[@billgreen4003]

Plus my mom Darlene Page and my younger sister Stacey Smith and friends on Facebook and church members on Facebook and KZbin videos channels wished me a happy birthday

[@DavidDellman]

Happy Birthday Bill

[@supremekarate1]

Tarbell Course I'm sure was great during it time. But Tarbell books are close to 100 years old. Most of the material and methods have been improved upon a hundred times since it's publishing. Another old book like Greater Magic which has endless card effects would be considered outdated in comparison to the current card effects published today. Yes it may be in Tarbell but it's better to study the newer books that have vast improvements. Which are much better then the methods used 100 years ago.

[@DavidDellman]

Why not read both.

[@jethro1963]

As David already suggested check out Dan Harlan's video series on Tarbell. He took a slate trick and called them antique IPads, brilliant. You can't be spoon fed everything, some imagination is required.

[@douglasoverholt1463]

I need a teacher

[@DavidDellman]

I am available. Please tell me more about your needs.

[@douglasoverholt1463]

@@DavidDellman I'm trying to come up with a good solid exciting show tricks that are real heart stoppers you know

[@douglasoverholt1463]

I have tarbell's books five six and eight I saw him one of your videos you said you sell the whole set

[@DavidDellman]

@@douglasoverholt1463, I sell the whole set when I can get it. Lately, my supplier has been sold out.

[@DavidDellman]

@@douglasoverholt1463 Ahhhh the quest for the Holy Grail. "Heart-stopping" magic is a fusion of good base material honed over many performances and blended with your own unique personality. Watch any great and I think you'll see what I mean

[@jonahberg9280]

the only thing maybe worth more than tarbell is bascom jones magick

[@DavidDellman]

Another legendary reference work

[@jonahberg9280]

@@DavidDellman if someone offered you your entire tarbell set for a set of magick would you do it?

[@DavidDellman]

@@jonahberg9280 I find Tarbell indispensable. I perform bizarre magic and mentalism, but I also perform traditional magic, kid shows, etc. Given my needs as a performer, I would go with Tarbell.

[@billgreen4003]

Bob Scofield friend 1980s on up born again Christian brother in Christ illusionist ktm moto cross biker church member mainly orders from ABBOTT Magic Company Lewis Tannens Magic Shop ps ABBOTT Magic Company has all 8 volumes of tarbell course in magic books or you can order them separately like i did voulme 6 and bob Scofield ordered it for me 24 dollars but added taxes and mail taxes it 50 dollars per book ps my born again Christian brother in Christ David Drewry Duncan on Facebook posted Billy i have all of mine ps he took photo of all eight volumes of tarbell course in magic i let bob Scofield know that and bob said the lucky duck

[@DavidDellman]

Hi Bill, Thanks for commenting

[@billgreen4003]

Welcome buddy mr Dellman pal born again Christian brother in Christ always john3:16 you all be safe in Christ always john3:16 ps our church Goodnewsbaptist.org and everyone in Portsmouth Virginia USA and Chesapeake Virginia are starting to let up on mask wearing ps Tommy story and his special nephew Bobby story and me Bill Green are still wearing mask even though we had are Johnson one shot coved19 vaccine shot we are being carful ps i pray to Jesus everyone making the right choice

[@DavidDellman]

@@billgreen4003 I'm glad life seems to be getting back to normal

[@billgreen4003]

Yeah it sure is im just praying to Jesus there no relapses and pastor Mike Ascher prayed to Jesus for same thing no relapses ps in july our vbs week and lost boys and girls get saved in Christ and teen boys and girls born again Christians help rhe born again Christian brother and sister in Christ adults out all that week even in the skits like good News Junction big bad bart with his hole in the head i mean hole in the gang