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The Magic Handbook: Peter Eldin


Cost: NA

This books cover a little bit of everything.
History of the great world of magic and performers, how to start in magic, even how to use the book, and equipment. That’s just the start.

Each section covers tricks from that genre and a brief history of that genre. Very informative in the history section, and very clear directions for each of the effects.

It covers, apart from what I listed already: Keep in mind these arent complete list of tricks. Though I can make one if any one cares.

Impromptu; to name a couple:
-Chink a Chink+ great classic.
-Straight Through+ a nice trick with silks

Stage; to name a couple:
-Going Up+ Sort of similar to joker tube.
-Newton Outdone+ old classic with two cups ‘levitating.’

Money; to name a couple:
-Traveling Coin+ Old effect, with a very simple method, but great effect overall.
-Coin Fold- Great effect, used to perform this a lot.

Mentalist; to name a couple:
-Living and Dead+ an inquires effect with envelopes. Really a neat effect.

Rope; to name a couple:
-Cut and Restored + The classic cut and restored rope effect, before penguins ID.
-Equal, Unequal

Close-up & A long section towards Cards: Just to name a few:
-Out of this World
-Paddle Move
-Cups and balls
-Sim Sala Bim
-Do as I do
-Si Stebbins
-Forcing

“For my next Trick…” just a section of different effects: to name a few;
-Cards Across
-Burned and Restored
-Afghan Bands

Then it moves to a chapter called “On with the Show”: it covers;
-What magicians are.
-Importance of Practice, and methods to do so.
-The Four Golden Rules.
-Magicians Image.
-Choosing your image.
-Look and Learn.
-Make and Entrance.
-Smile.
-Coping with Stage Fright.
-Putting an Act together.
-Pace and variety.
-A Family Show.
-New Tricks.
-Rules of Magic.

Then it moves into References:
-Magic Facts.
-Magic Societies.
-Magic Book List.
-Magic Dealers.

Of course it wouldn’t be complete without a “Glossary of Terms.”

This is one of my first books. Its such a nice handbook to own, as it covers more than just magic effects. I have learned quite a bit from this book on history, performance, putting a show together, etc. If you are a beginner I would really recommend this book. It will help get you on the right track in more than one way, and would answer many of your questions that you have.
It has everything to start you off, all in one book.
Its around 187 pages long, there are plenty of pictures to help out.

I would rate this book as a 10/10 for beginners, and a 9/10 for experience magicians.
ITs just a great little book to have, period.

hi dave, sounds interesting, why is the cost na? and where is it available from? thanks.

Cost: NA
Means- Not Available. I dont know the price.
I was told that it can be found on Amazon though for around $20, I was told this last night.

I bought it along time ago, So I am unable to remember the price from then.

I was told on MSN, that Murphys MAgic carries it.

http://www.murphysmagic.com/s.nl/it.A/id.1831/.f

Thank Ian.

oooh, I swear I have this book knocking around somewhere at home. Had it from years ago before I ever thought about getting into magic. I might dig it out and have a quick flick through

I have a copy of this under the title "Kingfisher Pocket Book of Magic" (1985). Mine is hardback, but I have also seen it in paperback. Both this title and "The Magic Handbook" are available at Amazon UK in Marketplace and Abebooks.com. Try searching here:
http://www.usedbooksearch.co.uk/books.htm

It's an excellent book, but some of the instructions are a bit unclear. Equal-Unequal Ropes (actually Professor's Nightmare) won't work with the measurements given, for example. Otherwise highly recommended if you can get a copy.

Barry

Great review! Sometimes you find good thing in small books and at 187 pages its not all that small. I like books with history and they give credit where credit is due. Looks like my book list got longer.
Thanks
Al

I've also got this book under "pocket book of magic", published by kingfisher. I bought it off my cousin many years ago, and I still pick it up now. I really enjoy reading the section at the end about putting a show together, coping with stage fright etc. Plus, the directions for each trick are very clear and often accompanied by pictures. I assumed that it wasn't in print any more, but It's nice to know that there are still copies doing the rounds on Amazon etc.

I have two copies, one bought in the UK and one in the US. The covers differ, but the content is the same. This book is a treasure trove of tricks! It has classics like OOTW and a great and simple Four Ace trick. Very good, solid material and very well presented. A favorite of mine and a great present to those who want an introduction in the art of conjuring.
10/10

The Pocket Book of Magic - my first really decent magic book when I was a kid. Led on to all sorts of other stuff. Brilliant. Highly recommended for newcomer to magic!

The Pocket Book of Magic was the first magic book I ever owned, it was given to me in the early 90's I believe. I must have been the only 10 year old in town with a cups and balls routine.

Now where did I put it...

Just bought a used copy for under £3 from Amazon... There are more up there.

I can't believe how good this book is. It includes OOTW, important principles including OTL and one-ahead. There's a book test, a living and dead test, graphology, a bank night method, an intro to using outs, a budget version of a master prediction-style effect.

There's torn and restored effects, false shuffles, a decent cups and balls routine and children's party magic. The cardboard box illusion is definitely do-able and would make a great opener.

Unbelievable value!

T.

This book was in our local library. I loved it so much. Out of this world and some excellent coin tricks and some much more. Fantastic. Checked this out so many times.