The best books for learning magic
There are a large number of books on the subject of magic. Christian Fechner, in his Bibliographie de la prestidigitation, lists almost 6,000 in French alone! It goes without saying that faced with this ocean of works, it is difficult for a beginner to find their way and to know which book to read to start learning magic.
In this article, we provide you with the titles of certain books based on the discipline you wish to learn. The list cannot, of course, be exhaustive, but it will help guide you somewhat in your research!
The History of Magic
Books by Robert-Houdin
If you wish to learn more about the history of our art, a great classic is all the works by Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin. Not only are his books very well written and easy to read, but you will also discover a great number of incredible anecdotes about the life of this illustrious 19th-century artist, from whom most magic clubs still borrow their name today.
Robert-Houdin details his life in his Memoirs, and explains many tricks he developed in Comment on devient sorcier (How One Becomes a Sorcerer). You will discover the secret of his fake automata, as well as the behind-the-scenes of certain experiments designed for his Théâtre des Soirées Fantastiques (Theater of Fantastic Evenings). A final, rather curious but equally interesting book concerns the priory, Robert-Houdin's last residence, about which he wrote a small work recounting how he had – ahead of his time – automated his house with electricity.
In short, truly exceptional books for their content that should be read at least once, both for general knowledge and for the tricks revealed therein. What's more, there's no excuse; nowadays, reissues of all these books can be found for less than 20 euros!
The Invisible Elephant – Jim Steinmeyer
This book is an anomaly in magic literature, but in a good way. Jim Steinmeyer recounts the lives of several renowned artists who succeeded each other, and how these men gradually perfected an illusion pushed to its paroxysm: that of making an elephant disappear. This book reads almost like a novel in its writing style, and very well describes the psychology of historical figures, their rivalry, the dirty tricks used to discover the secret of a rival's illusion, etc.
Originally released in English under the title Hiding the Elephant, this book is now available in French from Marchand de Trucs editions, and is well worth its price. You will learn a great deal about the history of magic, as well as about the evolution of tricks, particularly with mirrors. A very good book that reads itself.
Mentalism
It is always difficult to choose only a few books from the hundreds that cover the same theme. Mentalism is no exception to the rule, but we can still mention some great works that every mentalist should have in their library.
Thirteen Steps to Mentalism – Tony Corinda
THE reference in the field of mentalism, both for its exhaustiveness and for its generosity in the details explained. This work, initially published in 13 small booklets (hence the name), rarely became a bestseller, to the point that it was decided to republish it as a single book combining the 13 pamphlets. The work was subsequently reprinted and even translated into French by Magic Dream.
You will find a compendium of techniques and effects, most of which are still classics today. It discusses nail writers, methods for transmitting information to an accomplice, how to predict choices, effects with envelopes, and simulated spiritualism.
A work that all lovers of mentalism must own, and each of its 13 chapters is worth its weight in gold.
The Art of Mentalism – Robert Cassidy
Volumes 1 and 2 of this book are rich in effects and techniques that the author presented during his career. You will discover a method for the famous Russian roulette trick with pistols, as well as less dangerous effects with envelopes and many other things. These books quickly became classics in the literature of mental magic over the years.
Coin Magic
Coin Magic Treatise
Books on coin magic are not legion. Of course, coin techniques (referred to as numismagie) and coin tricks can be found in various books, but works exclusively dedicated to this theme are rarer. The undisputed reference book in this field is undoubtedly J. B. Bobo's Traité de prestidigitation des pièces de monnaie (Treatise on Coin Conjuring), affectionately known as "the Bobo"! This bible of coin magic contains over 400 techniques and routines described with more than 700 explanatory illustrations—enough to keep you busy for a few days!
Theory
The Five Magical Points
Juan Tamariz, the famous Spanish magician whose talent is beyond doubt, needs no introduction. With his unique style, he has written books that have now become references in the magic world, such as Sonata and Mnemonica. But the book we want to talk about here is titled The Five Magical Points. This small booklet, masterfully illustrated by James Hodges, is an essential work for anyone wishing to improve their tricks. A subtle and accurate analysis of the magician's movements, illustrated with numerous sketches, dissects the essential points on which every illusionist should focus: gaze, voice, hands, body, and feet.
Supporting his statements with examples, Juan Tamariz explains, for instance, how to make a change convincing and how to maximize the impact of a trick on the audience.
The True Secrets of Magic
Published in two volumes, one on theory and the other on practice, The True Secrets of Magic are a true bible of close-up magic, particularly for table magic and restaurant magic. Written by David Stone, who needs no introduction (the man behind the mask of Klek Entos), they cover absolutely all important aspects of close-up magic: stress management, magician's preparation, how to approach a table, identifying troublesome spectators, and many other invaluable tips that are the fruit of the author's long experience in practicing magic. A collection to read and reread without moderation, where every tip and trick can save you many failures and a lot of time!