Customer Reviews: Read 16 more reviews...
 Amaze some people with this!! December 21, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book has some amazing stuff! Although I am an introvert, and certainly not one to be in the spotlight, I have really amazed some friends and relatives with some of the tricks (illusions) I have learned from this book. And it's been fabulous fun!!
Each time I learned a trick from this book, I thought, "Will someone really believe this trick, it's so simple?" But guess what?? Their jaws dropped open, and they asked, "How DID you do that??" (NEVER tell!!)
This book goes beyond just doing a trick, it goes into the psychology and illusion involved, which seems to make a great difference. Have a ball!
 Magic for Dummies August 23, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
It was helpful. I am writing a script that requires a small amout of simple magic. I needed the book for helpful hints.
satisfied customer March 29, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
the recipient enjoyed this gift. however, some of the illustrations are hard to follow. aside from that, it is a good first magic book.. or even for seasoned magicians to brush up on some old tricks
Good fun and easy November 10, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book provides the secrets behing some good fun and very easy to perform magic. The tricks are well described and if you are new to magic this is a great introduction.
"Magic for Dummies"-- A review of a new magic book released July 1998 August 8, 2005
17 out of 20 found this review helpful
(...)
If you're looking for some new magic tricks and a good laugh (Eccl. 3:4), read "Magic for Dummies" by David Pogue. Don't let the title fool you, even experienced magicians can benefit from this book.
The book contains many impromptu effects--things you can do anywhere with familiar objects. For example, you're in a restaurant with your friends and the conversation lulls. You take a packet of sugar off the center of the table and pour it into your clenched fist. Give it a little squeeze and "voila!" there's no sugar to be found.
You could adapt many of the tricks to a Biblical theme. For example, "The Phantom Photo" is an illusion where you assemble an empty picture frame, an audience member selects a famous movie star, and their photo appears in the frame. This same illusion and a little imagination could turn it into a lesson about the major Bible prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
Each chapter has something valuable. The effects are quite strong and unique. Many of the tricks were submitted by over 35 of the top magicians in the world. In addition to the secret, David adds tips and valuable suggested patter to the effects. The book contains several cartoons by Rich Tennant (The 5th Wave). One was especially appropriate for the Christian Conjuror and is included with this review.
I found the answers provided to common questions like "How did you do that?" and things you can say when you flub a trick very helpful. Although I wish I never needed to use those lines, reality proves me wrong. It's good to be prepared. To help you become a well-rounded magician, David has also included a couple of chapters on the history of magic, describing some of the most famous magicians and incredible moments in magic.
One appendix provides many places you can contact to continue with your interest in magic. There are many up-to-date internet addresses for information included as well. Unfortunately, the "Fellowship of Christian Magicians" is not listed. I've suggested this to the author for a future edition.
Even if you bought the book and decided not to read it, you could always use the book as a prop in your next show. For comedy effect when a trick goes bad, pull the book out of your bag and pretend to check out the secret. It's always humbling to let your audience know that you consider yourself a "dummy" sometimes.
All in all, "Magic for Dummies" is an excellent instructional book on magic for the beginner or professional. It's filled to the brim with practical illusions that you can do. David's sense of humor really makes the book fun to read. I give it a thumbs up!
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