Ok, this is my first review here so be kind
The Book
Paul Gordon's Card Collective
Cost
£20 most magic websites (£13.20 at Amazon)
Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
This book teaches material that ranges from 2 to about 4
Review
I was actually given this book as a present for Christmas '07 by my brother-in-law and was very pleasantly surprised by how good the book is. Before reading this book I was unfamiliar with any of Paul Gordon's work so didn't know what to expect.
What I got was a great little book with 51 card 'miracles', there are a few effects that I have seen before but then I do have quite a good collection of books and videos, however most of the effects that I have seen before either have a new (and easier) handling or contain a nice twist. I also enjoyed the style and humour that Paul Gordon put into this book.
The way the effects are explained is clear and easy to follow, and has used some well placed pictures to help you just where you need it, you are also provided with Paul Gordon's witty style and patter to accompany these effects.
The author assumes that you already have a fairly good grasp of some of the fundamental sleights (elmsley count, double and triple lifts, false cuts and shuffles, a pass etc) and knowledge of various magical terms and names for various grips and sleights.
As a result of this I wouldn't recommend this book to a complete beginner, I think it would be ideally suited to an advanced beginner or intermediate level magician. If you've read something like "The Royal Road to Card Magic" and can perform the majority of sleights in there you should have no issues with this book and will find it an excellent source of ideas and additions to your routines.
I have learned a couple of great effects from this book that have been received very well when performed.
Overall
9/10
