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Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic by Mark Wilson

Created by: Mark Wilson

Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic is a comprehensive guide to magic, covering a wide range of tricks and techniques suitable for beginners and intermediate magicians. This book is a treasure trove of magic, featuring over 300 tricks and more than 2,000 hand-drawn illustrations derived from 50,000 photographs. It includes everything from card and coin magic to mentalism, rope tricks, and even stage illusions. Each trick is meticulously explained with clear instructions, making it an ideal resource for anyone looking to learn magic from the ground up. The book is organized into sections that detail the effect, secret, preparation, method, and additional thoughts for each trick, ensuring a thorough understanding. Whether you're a hobbyist or aspiring professional, this book provides a solid foundation in magic.

Where to buy

Complete Course in Magic by Mark Wilson from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicComplete Course in Magic by Mark Wilson£26.00
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Key features

  • Over 300 tricks and techniques

  • More than 2,000 hand-drawn illustrations

  • Covers a wide range of magic types (cards, coins, mentalism, etc.)

  • Detailed instructions for each trick

  • Suitable for beginners and intermediate magicians

  • Hardbound and widely available

Pros

  • Comprehensive and detailed

  • Great for beginners

  • Wide variety of tricks

  • Clear and easy-to-follow instructions

  • Affordable and accessible

Cons

  • Some tricks may feel outdated

  • Large size can be cumbersome

Effect

Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic is a comprehensive guide that teaches a wide range of magic tricks, from close-up card and coin effects to stage illusions. The book is designed to help beginners and experienced magicians alike learn and perform magic with clear instructions and detailed illustrations.

Full Details

Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic is a nearly 500-page book containing over 300 tricks and sleights. It covers various categories, including:

  • Card Magic – Fundamental sleights and routines.
  • Coin Magic – Vanishes, productions, and transformations.
  • Mentalism – Mind-reading and prediction effects.
  • Stage Illusions – Large-scale magic for performances.
  • Rope and Silk Magic – Classic routines with everyday objects.

Each trick is structured with:

  • Effect – What the audience sees.
  • Secret – The underlying principle.
  • Preparation – What you need before performing.
  • Method – Step-by-step instructions.
  • Additional Thoughts – Tips for presentation and variations.

The book includes over 2,000 hand-drawn illustrations derived from photographs to ensure clarity.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This book is ideal for:

  • Beginners – It provides a structured introduction to magic.
  • Intermediate Magicians – Offers a broad range of material to expand skills.
  • Performers – Includes stage and close-up magic suitable for different venues.
  • Collectors – A classic reference in magic literature.

Difficulty Level

The book is designed to be accessible, with tricks ranging from simple self-working effects to more advanced sleight-of-hand techniques. The difficulty varies, but the clear instructions make learning manageable.

What Magicians Say

  • EruditeMagic calls it "a beginner's dream with its detailed instructions and illustrations" and notes that it remains widely available despite being 50 years old.
  • AlakazamMagicUK mentions it as a "grown-up version" of childhood magic books, praising its depth and variety.
  • Andy Nyman (via AlakazamMagicUK) considers it an essential book, recalling how it was one of his first serious magic resources.

Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic is a timeless resource that continues to be recommended by magicians for its thoroughness and practical approach to learning magic.

What people are saying about Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic is a decent starting point. [...] It's a massive tome just shy of 500 pages with about 300 different things taught.

Andy Nyman says...

Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic is the grown-up version of my childhood book, equally absorbing with plenty of make-at-home effects and a wealth of information for research as well as tricks to learn and perform.

EruditeMagic says...

Mark Wilson's 'Complete Course in Magic' is a beginner's dream with its detailed instructions and illustrations. [...] For $8, it's pretty hard to go wrong with this.

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