The New Greater Magic by Walter B. Gibson and Jean Hugard
Created by: Walter B. Gibson, Jean Hugard
Key features
Comprehensive collection of classic magic tricks and routines
Emphasis on iterative refinement and deep study for mastery
Focus on effect-first decisions and cutting procedural clutter
Includes routines from renowned magicians like Dai Vernon and René Lavand
Suitable for various skill levels, from beginners to advanced performers
Promotes a philosophy of audience engagement and honest timing
Pros
Provides a curriculum in magical thinking with well-explained routines
Encourages long-term practice and mastery through structured learning
Enhances performance by focusing on audience experience and clear effects
Includes rare tricks like Breadcrumbs with detailed reconstructions
Cons
May require significant time investment for full comprehension and practice
Some routines could be complex for absolute beginners without prior knowledge
Effect
The New Greater Magic is a book that teaches magic tricks. It contains detailed instructions for classic routines. Readers learn methods for making objects appear, disappear, and change. The effects are direct and visual for the audience.
Full details
The New Greater Magic is a comprehensive magic book. It includes explanations for many foundational tricks. R. Paul Wilson selected it as his desert island book. This indicates its lasting value and depth of content. The book covers a wide range of magic principles and routines. It serves as a complete curriculum for magical thinking. The material is structured to build a magician's skill over time.
Who should consider the trick
This book is for magicians who want to study classic magic. It is suitable for those who value deep study over shortcuts. R. Paul Wilson's endorsement suggests it is for performers seeking powerful, refined routines. It is ideal for magicians who want to build a strong foundation in magic. The book helps magicians who aim to make their audience care about the magic.
Information on how difficult it is to perform
The difficulty of the tricks varies. The book contains material for different skill levels. Learning from it requires commitment and practice. R. Paul Wilson emphasizes that real work makes magic powerful. He compares the learning process to mastering a musical instrument. This structured practice is necessary for competence and confidence. The book encourages magicians to refine their techniques through iteration.
What magicians say
R. Paul Wilson recommends The New Greater Magic for its comprehensive content. He states it is a key resource for his magical philosophy. Wilson argues against procedural clutter and for clear effects. He believes the book helps create conditions where the spectator feels the miracle. His approach involves tightening language and cutting unnecessary steps. Wilson uses the book to teach how to make routines land with an audience. He promotes deep study and refinement of the material inside.
What people are saying about The New Greater Magic
AlakazamMagicUK says...
The real work is what makes magic powerful, with clear effects, honest timing, and an audience that subconsciously edits your performance in real-time. [...] Relentless iteration and refinement transform a trick from merely doable to devastatingly effective.
Other videos
R Paul Wilson's Desert Island Tricks
AlakazamMagicUK mentioned this magic trick in this video.