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The Art of Astonishment Trilogy by Paul Harris

Created by: Paul Harris

The Art of Astonishment Trilogy by Paul Harris is a celebrated collection of close-up magic tricks, routines, and performances that have captivated magicians and audiences alike. This trilogy compiles revised and re-edited versions of Harris's individual books from the 70s and 80s, enriched with additional content, hilarious stories, and anecdotal notes from Harris himself. It's a treasure trove for magicians looking to expand their repertoire with innovative and practical close-up magic that can be performed almost anytime, anywhere. The books are not in any particular order, allowing readers to dive into any volume based on their interests.

Key features

  • Compilation of revised and re-edited versions of Paul Harris's individual books

  • Includes additional content, stories, and notes from Paul Harris

  • Features a wide selection of close-up magic tricks and routines

  • Contributions from a variety of magicians, offering diverse material

  • Hard-bound volumes for durability and collectibility

Pros

  • Rich in content with a mix of magic, stories, and insights

  • Versatile material suitable for various performance settings

  • High-quality hard-bound editions

  • Contributions from multiple magicians add value and diversity

Cons

  • Becoming harder to find as it goes in and out of print

  • May be overwhelming for beginners due to the sheer volume of material

Effect

The Art of Astonishment Trilogy by Paul Harris presents a collection of close-up magic tricks designed to surprise and engage audiences. The effects range from card magic to impromptu routines using everyday objects. Each trick is crafted to create moments of astonishment, often blending humor and storytelling to enhance the experience.

Full Details

The trilogy compiles revised and expanded versions of Paul Harris's earlier works into three hardbound volumes. The books contain a mix of original tricks, contributions from other magicians, and personal anecdotes from Harris. The material is not arranged in a specific order, allowing performers to explore any volume based on their interests. The tricks vary in complexity, from beginner-friendly routines to advanced sleight-of-hand techniques.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trilogy is ideal for magicians who want a diverse selection of close-up magic. It suits performers who enjoy storytelling and humor in their routines. Beginners will find accessible material, while experienced magicians can explore advanced techniques. Those interested in impromptu magic will appreciate the many tricks that require minimal props.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty varies across the trilogy. Some tricks are simple and rely on clever methods, while others demand precise sleight-of-hand. Harris includes detailed explanations, making even the more challenging routines manageable with practice. The books also provide performance tips to help refine presentations.

What Magicians Say

EruditeMagic describes The Art of Astonishment Trilogy as a "modern classic," praising its mix of strong magic and entertaining storytelling. The reviewer highlights the variety of material, noting that performers can find tricks suitable for different skill levels. The inclusion of contributions from other magicians adds further depth to the collection.

The trilogy is recommended for magicians who want a well-rounded library of close-up magic. Its blend of practical effects and engaging presentation makes it a valuable resource for performers at any stage.

What people are saying about The Art of Astonishment Trilogy

EruditeMagic says...

The Art of Astonishment Trilogy by Paul Harris is considered a modern classic, offering a diverse range of close-up magic with entertaining anecdotes and insights from Harris himself. [...] You could start with any of the three they're not in any particular order and you could take a look at the table of contents to see which one most appeals to you.

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