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MikeJRogers Veteran user Australia 354 Posts |
Hi guys,
I was just wondering what everyone thinks are “must have” illusion books. By this I mean books for beginners in illusions that are looking to learn the basics. I'm looking to compile a list and take the top 2 or 3 so I can purchase them. Thanks for your time, Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers Illusion Design - Australia - http://www.mikerogers.com.au
"Nothings impossible, the impossible just takes longer" - Dan Brown novel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
ricker Special user Tampa, FL 914 Posts |
By far, Illusion Systems Book 1 is the best book to start with. Talks about the basics of building and includes references to good woodworking books.
One thing I have learned is that you need to learn basic woodworking skills. Getting those books also will teach you how to use the tools correctly, as well as the skills you will need to build your own. I also watch The New Yankee Workshop on PBS, and have picked up a lot of good ideas from Norm Abrams for using in magic. Wonder how he'd feel if he knew his program helps magicians too!! The illusion works videos are pretty good too, but you need the basic woodworking skills to be able to take advantage of the information. All in all, be careful, after all, it's tough to do finger palms if you cut off your fingers with a band or table saw!! |
ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
The book I recommend to everyone is "Professional Illusion Building for the Home Craftsman" by Dick Gustafson. It is, by far, the best book I have ever read on the subject of beginning illusion building. Material, techniques, finishing - it's all covered.
Unfortunately, it is out of print, but copies come up for sale fairly regularly on eBay. Amos McCormick
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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magictim Veteran user Lake Charles, LA 396 Posts |
Victory Cartons by UF Grant… great for beginners. Has cheap but effective cardboard illusions.
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Paul Hughes Regular user UK 123 Posts |
I'd recommend Rand Woodbury's first IllusionWorks book for learning about "modern" base construction, Steinmeyer's Device and Illusion, just to get a take on how the world's greatest illusion designer thinks, and the early Osbourne Illusion Systems books.
All the best, Paulie. |
MikeJRogers Veteran user Australia 354 Posts |
Thanks for the responses guys. I will certainly look into them.
It seems Rand Woodbury's IllusionWorks book #1 is out of print. Do you know of any dealers who have one lying around? If not is there any place I could purchase it other than ebay? Thanks, Mike.
Mike Rogers Illusion Design - Australia - http://www.mikerogers.com.au
"Nothings impossible, the impossible just takes longer" - Dan Brown novel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
I have been looking for it for years, but I am not willing to pay the outrageous price that sometimes is associated with it. I also don't check ebay regularly.
I have the IllusionWorks videos and they are very informative for the home craftsman. Many facts on carpentry are common knowledge stuff, however, the deception techniques are worthy of these tapes, if one is unfamiliar with them. I have heard Illusion Works Book 2 is much more in-depth stuff with dimension sizes for common bases, but I don't have that book either. I do have Dick Gufuston’s book and I enjoyed it. He is a regular member of our SAM and IBM Club. I also have Paul Osborn Books on Plans. I purchased my books from Denny and Lee. He will give you great advice in this area if you call him.
Dennis Michael
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mikeB New user UK 84 Posts |
Hi,
Professional Illusion Building for the Home Craftsman is available from Abbotts at $15 and is well worth the money. Also have some of the Osborne Illusion Systems books, which also cover a wide range of topics. Where can I get the IllusionWorks videos from?
Cheers
Mike Your Reality Is A Figment Of My Imagination |
StageDor990 New user 8 Posts |
The IllusionWorks series coupled with the Osborne plans will give you a great base. HIGHLY recommended for learning the basics of stage illusion.
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Ty Argo Special user Columbus, Ohio 525 Posts |
“Device and Illusion” by Jim Steinmeyer. One of my favorite illusion/stage books that I own. Great stuff.
Dyslexics UNTIE!!
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Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
Don't forget Ken Griffin's classic, "Illusion Show Know-how." Everything you need to know about traveling with a small illusion show.
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skilusion New user 49 Posts |
I you are truly interested in illusions I would say any book you can find on illusions would be a good one since there are very few out there and some are of the more beginner books are becoming more difficult to get. But I agree that the illusion works book 1 and 2 by Paul Osborn are really good.
skilusion
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RiserMagic Veteran user 361 Posts |
James Riser's suggested books for those interested in illusions (in no special order):
Thurston's Work Books 1 & 2 Harbin's Book Illusions for Princes and Paupers Genii Illusions Jack Hughes World of Magic 1, 2, 3 The Magic of Alan Wakeling Osborne: Black Book Evolution and Revolution of the Magic Box Illusion Systems 1, 2, 3, 4 Haunted Illusions Woodbury's Illusionworks 1, 2, 3 The Complete Jarrett Paragons and Paradoxes Great Illusions of Magic Keep the wheels turning... Goldston Locked Books Hull's Encyclopedia of Illusions |
HighVolt29 New user 85 Posts |
Quote:
Hi, I have seen the illusion works videos from Murphy’s magic supplies. You can call them up and they will give you a local or online magic dealer that carries them! |
ricker Special user Tampa, FL 914 Posts |
I got Illusionworks book on Ebay last week for $36.00. Every once in a while, a good deal can be had there.
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magictim Veteran user Lake Charles, LA 396 Posts |
Some of the Illusionworks videos on Ebay are pirated copies. Be careful. I sold my copies to an illusionist in Florida. They have good stuff but I didn't need them any more. I mainly recommend volume 1 from the series though.
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ricker Special user Tampa, FL 914 Posts |
I bought the videos from Daytona Magic, so I know that they are legit. The books I got from Ebay.
I write software for a living, I hate that people steal others IP for profit. Sigh. Ethics! |
magictim Veteran user Lake Charles, LA 396 Posts |
I know. There was a magician in Vegas selling Illusionworks videos. Every ad said they were his last copy obtained from a magic shop out of business and I heard a lot of complaints over that one.
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ricker Special user Tampa, FL 914 Posts |
I hope that doesn't (or hasn't) discouraged Rand from updating the books and doing some more videos. There is next to no information available on bases (just the Osborne book one). Even Rand's 'Base book', which I heard is VERY good, is out of print. I'm sure he's made more performing than off the videos and books.
I'm also waiting for my copy of The Magic of Alan Wakeling to arrive, another must have book (to stay on topic). Hopefully, they will show today and I'll have some good reading for the rest of my vacation. |
mikeB New user UK 84 Posts |
Ricker,
Many thanks just ordered my copies from Daytona Magic. With the current exchange rate ordering from the States is cheaper than from within the UK (including shipping). Looking forward to spending some time watching them.
Cheers
Mike Your Reality Is A Figment Of My Imagination |
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