I'm guessing this is the right place to post this, because I could be classed as a beginner.
I started learning magic around 6 months ago but stopped after a couple of months for various reasons. Now I want to start again but I'm not sure where to learn from. I've learned most of your basic sleights from an Illusionist video and I recently aquired the Huggard books, RRTCM and so on along with a Richard Kaufman, Basic Card Magic video.
Thanks for the help, and Merry Christmas to all!
Michael

If you can, learn from another magician. When I got back into magic I found that one of the local stores ran magic classes, so I enrolled in them. Not only do you get to learn some effects with hands-on assistance, but you alsoe get to meet other local magicians; I've learned just as much from them as I did from the lessons.

If you can't find a local shop, what about one of the magic societies, most of them will accept serious beginners.

David.

The Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic was the first book I bought and still refer to it regularly. It will show you the basics in many different areas of magic. It is also pretty inexpensive at around $20.
Bill

I'll second this recommendation. The book has recently been republished and gives a good grounding in all areas of magic. It is well written and illustrated and was more expensive when it was first released. You can't go wrong with this book. Amazon can supply.

Paul.

I just recently also had to re-learn magic. I was big into magic during the summer, but when school started up again, I slowly got preoccupied. When I wanted to start again, I just warmed up by performing simple tricks to my parents (who are so easily fooled and give good feedback), and in no time at all I was hooked agin.

Another vote for Mark Wilsons complete corse in magic. You might want to stop by a used bookstore, I was at one a while back and they had 3 or 4 of them in excellent condition for like 10 bucks.

I bought Mark Wilson's book the other day at Borders Books for $20 and would have loved to find it cheaper but I wanted it now! (Typical American spoiled brat) LOL
But at that price it is still a steal.
Also found both Bobo's coin book as well as The Royal card book under $10 each.
There is an enormous amount of excellent information here for under $40.
In my opinion these books are some of the best buys in the magic world.

Happy Holidays
Nick Zender

Thanks a lot for all the help guys!! I've ordered myself a copy of Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic and I've rooted out my RRTCM so in all, I'm looking forward to getting back into magic!

Don't forget Henry Hay's Amateur Magician's Handbook. It is available at most public libraries. This great book will not only teach you the basic sleights but also gives a brief history of Magic and tips on showmanship and management as well.
Iven