For Christmas, I was wondering if I should get the Paul Harris Art of Astonishment series or The Magic of Michael Ammar or what other book would you recommend? I have a good amount of card books. I guess I'm more looking for tricks that people go, "Hey show me a trick" type of thing. Opinions much appreciated! Thanks a lot

For the cost of the Paul Harris series you can buy every book that Dover Publications has put out on magic. Check out their website. That would be a real Christmas gift for the magic you.

both of those series you mentioned are excellent. Art of Astonishment is a bit expensive but in my opinion a very good investment. Paul Harris has a lot of tricks in it that people will say "hey show me THAT ONE trick".The dover publications on the other hand are packed with knowledge for a very cheap price.So I would recommend taking a look at both and deciding for yourself.

just my two cents

Brandon

Both books are great, however, I would recommend the Michael Ammar book. (though the Dover idea is very good, too)

The Paul Harris books are loaded with good material, but the Ammar book has more than just tricks. The Ammar book also has good essay material that is very practical. The book also contains basic business advice for magicians wishing to move beyond the occasional show for friends into a real performing business.

Thanks,
Richard Green