Mark Wilson's Complete Course In Magic
| File:Mark wilsons complete course in magic.png Cover of 1988 edition. | |
| Author | Mark Wilson |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Julia Laughlin; Manny Katz |
| Cover artist | Weaver Lilly; Tony Schmidt |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Magic |
| Genre | Non-fiction |
| Publisher | Courage Books: Running Press Book Publishers |
Publication date | 1975 |
| Publication place | USA |
| Pages | 472 pages |
| ISBN | Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value). |
| OCLC | 17805952 |
| 793.8 19 | |
| LC Class | GV1547.W763 1988 |
Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic is a book on magic written by magician Mark Wilson.[1][2] The book is a popular reference for magicians and has been in print since its first issue in 1975.
Description of Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic
[edit | edit source]- This description is based on the 1988 edition.
The book is organized into sections; each devoted to a particular topic, as follows:
Introductory sections
[edit | edit source]- Table of Contents
- Listing of all sections and effects with page numbers.
- This volume contains no index.
- Dedication
- Introductory Letter
- Mark Wilson addresses his reader as "Dear Student," and expounds on his views of the basics of performance magic.
- Throughout, Wilson refers to illusions as "tricks."
Biographies
[edit | edit source]- Mark Wilson
- Nani Darnell Wilson (his wife and magician's assistant)
- Greg Wilson (their son)
- Walter Gibson, co-author
- U.F. "Gen" Grant, co-author
- Larry Anderson, co-author
- Rakesh Menon, budding magician
Practice Makes Perfect
[edit | edit source]Misdirection
[edit | edit source]Wilson's exposition on the basics of misdirection.
Acknowledgements and Credits
[edit | edit source]Course Coordinator: Larry Anderson
Assistant Course Coordinator: Don Wayne[3]
Illusions (Tricks)
[edit | edit source]The main body of the book comprises tricks (Wilson's term)[4] and prerequisite techniques and skills required to perform them. The key elements are illustrated with line drawings and explained in detail in the accompanying text.
Each trick is divided into logical sub-sections:
- Effect
- What the audience is intended to see
- Secret and Preparation
- Setting up the props, and how they work.
- Method
- How the performer achieves the effect, step by step.
- Comments and Suggestions
- Tips, pointers, and hard-won experience from the authors.
Card Magic
[edit | edit source]The section on card effects is divided into classes of tricks; each class contains multiple individual techniques and tricks, as follows:
- Card Magic
- Self-Working Card Tricks
- The Hindu Shuffle
- Overhand Shuffle
- Forcing A Card
- The Double Lift
- The Glide
- Double-Backed Card
- Double-Faced Card
- The Short Card
- Giant Cards
- Special Card Tricks
- Flourishes
- Genii Cards
Money Magic
[edit | edit source]As with Card Magic, the section on money effects is divided into classes of tricks; each class comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks, as follows:
- Money Magic
- Money Magic — Bills
Rope Magic
[edit | edit source]The section on rope effects is not divided, but comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks.
Silk & Handkerchief Magic
[edit | edit source]This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks.
Impromptu Magic
[edit | edit source]This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks, mainly with household objects readily at hand.
Mental Magic
[edit | edit source]This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks.
Betchas
[edit | edit source]This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks of the kind which the magician might bet he can do something the spectator cannot: "I'll bet you."
Make At Home Magic
[edit | edit source]This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks, requiring apparatus which can be constructed as build-it-yourself projects.
Sponge Ball Magic
[edit | edit source]This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks, requiring compressible balls as props.
Billiard Ball Magic
[edit | edit source]This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks with incompressible balls.
Cups & Balls
[edit | edit source]Perhaps the first illusions performed; definitely the first recorded in writing (in ancient Egypt). This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks.
Magical Illusions
[edit | edit source]"In magical terms an "Illusion" is any trick or effect involving a human being." (p. 435) This section comprises multiple individual illusions, according to the quoted definition.
Your Future In Magic
[edit | edit source]Wilson and co-authors' parting words of encouragement to their readers and students.
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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