A good magician that I know recommend me to have vernon's book (dai vernon book of magic, inner card trilogy, ultimate secrets of card magic) but he didn't tell if it's for beginner or not. are those books really good source on magic? is it hard for beginner to use the books?
thx

I don't consider Vernon's books beginners books at all. They can be used for intermediate work and above. If you're looking to get into cards, I would suggest Card College series to get you started. Then I would turn to Vernon.

Nothing more to say.

Magixx

So it means that the books are good for advanced magician, right?
I know from the other thread about roberto giobbi's card college, but the series is too much and the price is quite expensive (especially if I have to import it to my country!)

Even if you are a begginer, these are books you should have in your library. 10 months ago when I got away from gimmicks and started doing sleights I bought books that where ahead of me. Like Art Of astonishment. Now I am up to speed with those books, and I am glad I got them when I did. Also I believe if you have more advanced books in your library that you will work harder to get to that advanced level. Just me 2 cents.

Hmmm it's a good idea... do you have any suggestion which book should I buy first?

If you want general magic, not specifically cards only, and you still want to stick with Vernon, start with his "Dai Vernon Book of Magic."

It has cards, coins, balls, linking rings, even his famous Cups and Balls routine.

Nothing more to say.

Magixx

Can't agree more. Take a look at Steve Brook's recommendations in the very beginning of New To Magic

There's a very good book--excellent variety of Magic taught with illustrations and interesting commentary--by George B. Anderson. This book is Magic Digest and although it's out of print, it can be found fairly easily and at a relatively low price. (There's a copy on e-bay now.)

It's a great read whether you're brand new in Magic or a seasoned pro.

If you are a real beginner, for example with only one year experience with magic, it won't be too late to wait a few year before you read Dai Vernon Book of Magic. If you have more experience, you will be more impressed with the book.

Hideo Kato

Evolve629, I've read the thread, but I didn't find vernon's book, so I tried to ask here...

I'm sorry if my question is a little bit out of the topic. now I have to choose which book to buy: Dai Vernon's Book of Magic or one of Paul Harris's Art of Astonishment. Maybe both of them is advanced book, but what is the different between the two books? I mean which one is better (from the tricks, the sleight, the explanation, the picture, etc)
thx

If the Card College series is too expensive, go for Royal Road to Card Magic. Much cheaper, but written to perfection.

Yes, I've decided to buy Royal Road To Card Magic, Magic and Showmanship, and I want to buy 1 advanced book between AoA by Paul Harris and Vernon's Book of Magic...

Paul Harris is my favourite magician for his thinking. Reading his book is a pleasure and there is lots of great material in them. Vernon is just as good... classic effects, all with that Vernon touch, however, Harris has a certain touch which makes his books so enjoyable to read, you wont regret buying them. I have both sets, and I would advise getting AoA, get Vernons set if your looking to perfect your magical technique, or if your looking to get a bit more advanced. Further, for full on card finesse... Ed Marlo's Revolutionary Card Technique has a wealth of info enough for us all in a lifetime.

I have the Dai Vernon book of magic and there is some wonderful routines in there

I'm probably in the minority with this opinion, but I think "Expert Card Technique" is a better purchase than "Royal Road to Card Magic".

If you want a book between AOA and Vernon, try "Fechter" or "Marlo Without Tears". Both of those are very good.

Expert Card Technique is not really suitable for a "beginner". It's at the very least an "intermediate" learning tool. (It might actually be discouraging for someone just starting out.)

I didn't find it discouraging, myself. I felt it gave me a better grounding in card technique. The biggest problem I have with Royal Road is that it doesn't teach enough sleights and immediately follows each instruction with routines. While this is ostensibly to illustrate how to use the techniques, I find it gives a beginner the false perception that he/she is immediately ready to run out and perform these routines. While Expert Card Technique is slightly more difficult to get into, it rewards patience and practice which I think should be encouraged.

Irishguy-i like your name, my wife is part irish. But about your post, Hugard in RRTCM seems to think the point of having tricks at the end of each chapter is that the best way to learn a sleight is to use a sleight in a trick. It enforces what is learned in the chapter. I don't think it is false perception if you practice a trick or a routine until very near perfection then go and perform. That is what Hugard is saying. I do agree with you that ECT has many great jewels of sleight of hand to be found.

Thank you for all your replies here...now I've decided not to buy any vernon's book until I move into advanced...about RRTCM, some of my senior and few people on the other thread said that the book is hard to understand. so I decided to buy card college by Roberto Giobbi...