The biggest complaint I have about the current books is the teacher. Harry is one that you can certainly learn from. Dvd's that accompany the book are good to show how it should look. And for those who try to learn from YouTube tutorials, please.

Harry, I saw on your website, "The Magic Book". Looked like it was written just for me. I may just have to order that one.

@wwhokie1

I thought the same thing and will buy that one I think.

In my opinion, books on average provide more details and thus are better to grasp the details of a routine and a technique. It is also easier to learn at your own pace.
That said, DVDs are better to understand presentation and the rationale for a routine.

I prefer books, I think they are better value for money. But if you're learning a sleight or some specific routine, then seeing it done can be the most helpful thing.

In the end I would recomend a hybrid approach. Using books to get a feel for large sections of material, and how different creators think, how you like their work. Then get video to help you really focus in on what you like.

I think Ken Weber recommends the hybrid approach too.

I would rather have one good magic book than 25-30 DVDs. (And I'm an old graduate university professor who taught advertising and who also had graduate film and TV production courses.) You can spot a DVD "student" a mile away. It is a poor copy of the real thing.

At this stage of life, DVDs are only good for visiting old friends. If you actually plan to learn professional magic, buy the books! If you just want to watch a few tricks, see the DVDs. Even better, go to the lectures. At lectures you can ask questions and learn what was left out of the DVDs. A DVD seldom gets updated and improved with a follow up DVD. Lectures are the current stuff.

You can't beat a lecture. I have even seen lecturers stay after the lecture was over answering questions and showing proper handling. You can't get that from a book or dvd. Of course they are also selling their products, some at special discounted conference rates. If possible, attend a magic conference. You won't regret it.

I would agree that mentorship is the best - but even then I would supplement with DVDs, books and lectures (even recorded).

All additional to experience, of course.

I don't get that the books are valued so much more highly than DVDs. I still think there is a genuine place for both, and that a well rounded education in anything would take advantage of the full range of resources available - audio-visual; literary; personal tuition; lectures; Internet; live performances; and personal experience. All are valuable in the right way to the right person at the right time, none are to be denigrated, nor any put on a pedestal.

Hybrid all the way - everything benefits from a multi-disciplinary, multi-viewpoint, multi-learning style, multiple instructor approach to learning. Facets on a gem ...

They both are good! If you are a visual learner than you will probably do better with the DVD's. This will also help with seeing a sample presentation of each trick. Magic is about showmanship as much as the actual trick, so you need to have a good presentation.

A Mentor, how does one find a Mentor?

Luck.

Or money.

Well well so I will go with Books and DVDs then.