I read 'Carter Beats the Devil' and enjoyed it. Can anyone recommend other books - fiction or non-fiction - that feature magicians?

TIA!

Hi Erik

There is a great novella by Clive Barker which revolves around an illusionist and features Barker's psychic detective, Harry D'Amour. It's called "The Last Illusion" and is in volume 6 of his "Books of Blood."

The story was adapted for the silver screen by Barker himself under the title "Lord of Illusions." So if you like the book, you can then watch the movie!

I think it's a fantastic story and recommend it highly. One of the main protagonists, Harry D'Amour pops up in other Barker novels and short stories. If you like Barker's work, it's great fun looking out for him.

Regards
Dave

Thanks, I'll check it out, although it is out of print. I will need to find it used...

cheers,

-erik

Hi Erik,

I don't know if you like graphic novels, but maybe you could try "Jar of Fools" by Jason Lutes. Very good...

for a (very long ) review :
http://www.rationalmagic.com/Comics/JarofFools.html

and while I was searching (google-ing ) for reviews, I also came across this site which might be useful :

http://members.aol.com/magicbooks2001/fiction.html

cheers,

Sjiwi

You can try the Merlini murder mysteries by Clayton Rawson. Fun reads. Unfortunately out of print for the most part. Try looking at the secondhand bookstores.

MAGIC by William Goldman.

Hi all,

I have just complted reading 'The Prestige' by Christopher Priest. It features a long running dispute between two (fictional) Victorian Illusionists. A very good read.

I can also heartily recommend 'Nevermore' by William Hjortsberg. This story describes Arthur Conan Doyle and Houdini's attempts to uncover fraudulent clairvoyants in 1920's New York. It is a stunningly gripping work of fiction.

Best,
Jack

Fifth Business by Robertson Davies. The book is a classic of Canadian literature, and features a magician as narrator.