Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #70123 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 322 pages

Customer Reviews

Essential reading for all magicians
This book actually deserves 5 stars. It deals with the psycology and performance of magic, not the tricks themselves. Many magicians simply perform tricks, and spectators dismiss what they see as tricks. But Nelms shows that magic must have meaning, and explains the psychology and showmanship that makes great magicians like Robert-Houdin and Houdini great.

This book really is essential for all types of magicians, whether stage, close-up, mentalist - really all types. Nelms, trained as both an actor and magician, explains stagecraft for those not experienced in acting. Though the book takes a while to get into, Nelms writes well and is not hindered where his language has dated. Though the book contains tricks, these are to illustrate Nelms' ideas.

All magicians must read this book. If you are a magician, my advice is to make this a priority above all the tricks you are considering to buy. If you are not a magician, but would like to become one, then buy this, and read it before anything else. It contains invaluable advice.

A Must Have for all Magicians
This book is one that you must have in your collection. Not only does it contain many great illusions and ideas, but it is one of the few books that actually tells you how to present yourself in front of an audience. It mixes the art of theatre with magic to brilliant effect!

You need this book!!
This book is fantastic,it's a history lesson, pschology lesson and a damn fine read all in one book. I found this book to be easy and useful to use. There are ideas in this book that I already knew but refreshed and also made me look at them in a new way. Very good,I can't recommend it enough.