Learn some fascinating history of Magic without having to know all the secrets!
I've picked out some great books on magic history, written by great writers. You don't have to be a full fledged "Magic Geek" to enjoy these books - but if you are, you'll be surprised at how rich and entertaining these tomes can be!
Tobias's Reading Suggestions
Curious? Interested? Check out these books!
Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear
Ever wonder where the phrase "Smoke and Mirrors" really comes from? Optical Conjuring is a relatively new invention - coming into existance in the last few centuries.
Jim Steinmeyer, magic historian and effect developer for some of the brightest stars in the field, looks into the history of optical conjuring in this well-written, marvelous-to-read book!
Some of the big names (Houdini, of course) are discussed, but also many of the lesser-known but every bit as memorable folks in the field.
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 11/07/2009) 
The Glorious Deception: The Double Life of William Robinson, aka Chung Ling Soo, the Marvelous Chinese Conjurer
Chung Ling Soo was the best known and most famous Chinese magician during the early 20th Century.
One catch: he wasn't Chinese.
Jim Steinmeyer looks into the complex, confusing, and fascinating life and times of this gentleman, along with his competitors, companions, and the trick that ended his life, the Bullet Catch.
Amazon Price: $14.92 (as of 11/07/2009)
The Magician and the Cardsharp: The Search for America's Greatest Sleight-of-Hand Artist
Suppose you're a magician in search of the Ultimate Card Move. Suppose you've heard of a fellow who can do it - somehow coax a card from the middle of the deck to where you need it, any time you need it.
Where would you go to find him? What would you do to find him?
Two men - Dai Vernon (the "Professor" of magic) and a little known small town card hustler - live entirely separate lives until their paths cross when Vernon goes on a quest for the legendary Center Deal.
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 11/07/2009)
Tommy Cooper: Always Leave Them Laughing
One of England's most famous magicians... never really did any magic tricks. At least not *right*, anyway,
Tommy Cooper became a legend with his hilariously inept "act", belying a very clever man who knew his magic, loved his magic, and did everything he could to render his audiences helpless with laughter. "Jus' like that!"
Amazon Price: $12.44 (as of 11/07/2009)
Amazon's Got Some Suggestions, Too!
Based on "Hiding the Elephant", here's what Amazon has to recommend? Do you have some recommendations? Share 'em with us!
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by theadequate
After graduating with a BA in Drama from the University of Texas at Austi... (more)
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