The Definitive Guide to Magic How to do Magic Tricks: Optical Illusions, Coin Magic, Sleight of Hand, Conjuration, Fire Eating and More

The Definitive Guide to Magic How to do Magic Tricks: Optical Illusions, Coin Magic, Sleight of Hand, Conjuration, Fire Eating and More

by Charles G. Wright
The Definitive Guide to Magic How to do Magic Tricks: Optical Illusions, Coin Magic, Sleight of Hand, Conjuration, Fire Eating and More

The Definitive Guide to Magic How to do Magic Tricks: Optical Illusions, Coin Magic, Sleight of Hand, Conjuration, Fire Eating and More

by Charles G. Wright

eBook

$5.98 

Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
WANT A NOOK?  Explore Now

Related collections and offers

LEND ME® See Details

Overview

This superb guide to magic tricks uncovers and teaches the secrets behind many of the most popular magic routines and stage illusions ever invented.

Perfect for beginners and fans of casual performance and stage magic, The Definitive Guide to Magic is an illustrated guidebook which examines and unveils the methods behind magic tricks, optical illusions, conjuring, coin magic and sleight of hand - to highlight just some of this epic book's topics. Revelatory in tone, each trick is explained clearly with accompanying pictures. Indeed, this guide is designed for both the general interested reader and the aspiring professional magician.

Stage magic and street magic performances continues to fascinate and entrance countless numbers of interested spectators every year. The bedazzling displays put on by professional magicians remain a popular family occasion, with the simple appeal of the mystical and unusual continuing in force as great entertainment.

In addition to stage magic, sleight of hand tricks and conjuration, this book intensely examines the circus and street performance arts of fire eating, sword swallowing and juggling. Completing this impressive guide is an examination of ventriloquy and shadowgraphy - the art of making shapes and animals appear as shadows of your hand.

Theatrical magic shows have ensued and endured for over a century, impressing and enrapturing audiences with their flamboyancy and apparent display of the impossible. Little wonder too, being as the departure from the norm of routine characterises much of what we term entertainment. Street and casual performances of magic meanwhile have gone on for much longer, stunning those fortunate enough to bear witness for aeons.

The mission for this primer is multipurpose: the author's first desire to elevate the knowledge of tricks among the general spectator. His intention is not to upset the entertainment value magic no doubt offers, but to make its cunning and technical mastery all the more worthy of observation and admiration. What can be more impressive than seeing a magician who has, in all likelihood, practiced and performed tricks thousands of times do so with a genuine and preserved passion as a thrilled crowd looks on?

Other than enlightening people, this guide's second purpose is its intention to motivate the aspirant magician. The pages are something of a test: if the reader finds the descriptions to be a 'spoiler' of sorts, then perhaps you are better involved with magic as a spectator, not a performer. If your reaction is different - as mine was many years ago as I was shown the workings of my first few staple magic tricks – and you are curious or eager, or even have ideas to improve or elaborate on what's written, then you may have the makings of a musician inside of you.

The third and final motive is perhaps a little idealistic, but essentially has the benefit of all at heart. To the author, the wrapping of magic tricks in arcane secrecy is counterproductive; they should be unveiled for others to learn and be all the more fascinated. As for professional musicians who jealously guard their craft? They should invent new and even greater tricks – for the limit is only the imagination – and leave the foundations readily accessible by the interested public.

This book was composed by professional magician and performer of over 20 years experience Charles G. Wright, so rest assured that you are in good (and dexterous) hands throughout the explanations, and will emerge knowledgeable.

Product Details

BN ID: 2940158132353
Publisher: Triangle Circle Square
Publication date: 05/24/2016
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 260
File size: 10 MB

About the Author

Charles G. Wright was brought up in rural New York State, spending much of his early childhood playing pranks on friends and foes alike. His ability to set up convincing tricks to cleverly deceive soon found a new and more positive outlet in magic. After high school, Charles spent much of the 1990s and early 2000s touring and performing magic in circus, theatre and vaudeville shows. Through these years, Charles would hone, train and perfect the repertoire of stage magic tricks showcased in this book, impressing crowds with an experienced finesse.

Starting a family meant Charles had to settle down, choosing the Deep South with its rich heritage in magic performance as his base. The passion he held for magic remained undimmed – between raising his own family, Charles moved into entertaining at children’s birthday parties and family functions, with his conjuration and disappearing tricks proving popular with smaller crowds keen to witness disappearing acts. Today, Charles is keen to pass more than two decades of magic to the next generation, and set about compiling this book to explain the secrets behind the many tricks he learned.
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews