Book of Magic

Legends are rife with references to magic or the use of magic to achieve wondrous outcomes. This book restricts itself to magic 'tricks', that is, bits of magic with methods so repeatable and results so visible, awe-inspiring, and harmless that people (magicians!) travel around performing them for audiences.

Specific Tricks

By components

This section will briefly address classes of magic effects which utilize certain physical components and the role those components play in the effect(s) themselves.

• Rings (Linking Rings )

The Linking Rings is a classic performed by magicians for centuries. The "standard" set of linking rings consists of 8 rings, although some magicians perform with only two. Frequently, the linking rings are performed as part of a silent routine (with musical accompaniment), but some performers also incorporate patter (speaking) into the routine.

• Cards (Color changes, forcing)

Both in published literature as well as in manufactured effects there exists literally hundreds of millions of card tricks.

• Coins

Scores of magic effects involve the use of coins and sometimes even paper currency. The largest glut of literature in magic is devoted to using non-gimmicked coins, but the use of gimmicked coins has gained popularity in recent decades.

1. One popular (commercially-available) trick utilizing trick coins is "Scotch and Soda".

• Large scale illusions

• Other Props (balls, cups, cloths)

There millions of props magicians use when entertaining. A simple piece of rope......a rubber ball......a giant water torture chamber........all of these things can be used in a magician's performance.

By method

• Sleight of hand

• Physics (Magnets, static)

• Misdirection

• Collaboration (Planting an accomplice in the audience - frequently referred to as a confederate)