This is a walkthrough for basic magic skills as well as tricks. I grew up with a magician father so I've always had inside knowledge but some things even he didn't tell me! I would recommend this for basic learning for teens but could help an adult get started too.

Magic is hardly effortless, but it should still look that way. Expert magician Jake Banfield takes readers through the steps of crafting a magic show that will impress even the most hardened of critics, from rehearsing the tricks to marketing the event.

For anyone looking to get started in magic, it's important to find guidance— it's hardly a skill someone just falls into. Fortunately, Banfield has funneled his experiences into a personable, engaging guide for young magicians. He demonstrates multiple tricks, breaking them into easy-to-follow steps with a simple pictorial guide for each. They're also categorized, with suggestions on which tricks to use at the beginning of an act, the middle, and at the close. There's a good variety of tricks, with special emphasis on card work, and all utilize items easily found at home.

But it's not all just about the sleight of hand. Banfield has broadened the scope of the traditional magic book by including sections on structuring a show, marketing, and even PR. These unique features heighten the material, really stressing that magic is a special hobby that's intended to be shared with audiences.

Informative step-by-step instructions and a solid focus on creating a well-rounded performance make this a wonderful book for beginning magicians or even those looking for a refresher on the basics.

Learned several magic tricks from reading this book and of course learned "tricks" to several more. Great illustrations and performance tips.

This is a fun book! I requested this book because my son is interested in magic right now. It was fun to try out a few of the tricks with him! This book goes over much more than just the tricks. It also includes how to design your show, how to professionally market the show so people show up, and also what to wear. This is a very comprehensive book for those looking to start doing magic shows!