The Hobby of Magic
Posted: Wednesday, October 28, 2009
by Howard Thurston
Hijinx
If you're looking for a fun pastime that will help you develop your sense of humor, presentation skills dexterity and understanding of human psychology magic is one of the best hobbies around.
Learning how magic tricks are done has never been easier than it is today, thanks to the Internet. Right now you can view hundreds of online videos that will expose the secrets of magic, but they teach you very little else. Just watching how a trick is done doesn't mean you can do it.
One of the best books ever written for the aspiring magician is "The Amateur Magician's Handbook" by Henry Hay. Don't let the title deceive you, the material contained within this book is professional caliber. These tricks and the principles behind them are being performed by professional magicians all around the world today.
What makes this book special is Henry Hay's ability to communicate the complexities of conjuring to the beginner. He gives the reader a strong foundation of knowledge to build upon. By going through the book chapter by chapter you'll soon master dozens of maneuvers and discover how to psychologically manipulate any audience into believing you are performing real magic.
One of most important things to remember when you're learning magic is that you must be able to see the tricks you perform through the eyes of your audience. You must be able to imagine their thought processes, suspicions and assumptions. You must learn how to see your magic through the point of view of the spectator.
Another great book for learning how to perform sleight of hand and illusions is "Magic For Dummies," David Pogue. Again, don't let the title throw you. There are some really nifty tricks in this book. It will give you a solid introduction to the art of illusion.
The tricks in these books will serve you well if you are willing to practice and rehearse them. Don't rush out and try them without sufficient rehearsal. Nothing will destroy your confidence faster than messing up a trick in front of an audience. Practice over and over in front of a mirror and then video tape your rehearsals. Practice and rehearse them until you can perform all the secret moves automatically. Practice what you're going to say and think about what you'll do if something goes wrong.
Remember as long as you don't tell the audience exactly what you're planning to do they'll have no idea when you've screwed up, unless you admit it or become flustered. By having a good foundational understanding of the art of magic and a wide repertoire you can often save a failed trick acting as if it were planned and segueing into a different trick.
Magic is multifaceted. One can delve into many niches full of fascinating history, marvelous technologies, as well as beautiful collectible antiques, books and art work. By studying magic you'll learn stagecraft, comedy, acting and presentation skills. It's a wonderful world of magic.
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)Good advice, Howard. My dad had some magic props many years ago. He taught me how to use them, though I was never as good as he was. He had the color changing fan, the interlocking rings, an "empty" bag and a few other things. He was strictly amateur, but was very entertaining. It seems over the years interest in magic has decreased and unfortunately replaced by special effects on a screen instead of slight of hand. Thanks for bringing back some good memories. Welcome to SearchWarp.
Thanks Ronald! I can't wait to check out your articles.
I always enjoy seeing people do magic tricks. Thanks for sharing and welcome to Search Warp.
Couldn't agree more the art of magic is fascinating
Great books!!! I have been a practicing magician for many years now. Although I don't do shows often anymore I still practice every day I own and use these books frequently and their info is invaluable. I also would like to recommend Mark Wilson's Complete Book of Magic and Bobo's Modern Coin Magic for beginers to slight of hand. Welcome to Searchwarp I can't wait to read more from you.
Great article Howard. Fascinating. Thanks for sharing this and welcome to Searchwarp.
Hi, Welcom to searchwarp, well done with this article, it was very inresting.
Well Done Howard! As a professional magician and entertainer for many years, i find it very refreshing to see your article extoling the fascination and joy of magic.Welcome to Searchwarp.
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