Magic and Showmanship: A Handbook for Conjurers (Dover Magic Books) Paperback – Illustrated, 28 March 2003

First read his work over 30 years ago and to this day think it is the best written book for magicians. Have owned many other books by many fine authors with great insights, but think this should stand in the center. It is not a book of tricks, though some are used to illustrate concepts and should be seen as such.I appreciate (and have pursued) acts of skill and juggling, but this book is about what truly entertains on the deepest levels. It depends on what you are shooting for. Is it to impress people with your skill? Is your performance about you or your audience? Polite applause or thunder? The words in this book only reach to the depth inside of you. Different level of dramatic impact and effect have valid places in this world, but magic could use more from this approach.

Il n'y a rien de comparable en langue française. Editeurs qu'attendez-vous pour une traduction ? L'auteur est de plus très connu pour avoir publié des ouvrages du type Crimes commis en chambres closes.

Fantastic book ,great amount of knowledge to be gained by studying this book , highly recommend this study guide... 5 stars

Being barely 60 pages in I'm staggered as to how thought provoking and informative this book is. Yes, many Illusions and small tricks are included, but they're insignificant compared to the guidance on performance. If you rehash work by others, or use out of the box tricks it's not a terribly useful book. However if you're an able illusionist with a desire to frame your self made effects, or elevate that single crowning creative glory, this book will give you what you need to formulate raw genius.

Caveat Emptor! This is NOT a book of tricks or illusions. This is for the serious performing magician. This is, as the title clearly states, a book on Showmanship - this is a book on how to entertain, not just do tricks or illusions. This a book on the psychology of performing, of winning an audience, and is a very well written book on the subject as well. Lots of magicians do tricks. This book is about stagecraft, not street magic (although many of the principles will work just as well for the casual performer). If you know your tricks, this book will improve your presentation. If you're good at your craft, this book will enable you to give a better, more polished performance. But as first mentioned, this is for the serious performing magician. It's a good book for the right audience.