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Could anyone reccommend a book, not on magic tricks...but on philosophy and psychology of performing. I would like to learn more about social interaction incorperated with magic. I'd like to get tips on being natural with my posture and tone of voice...that sort of thing. Im really new to magic and I want to learn everything I can. I know Dai Vernon said "Why run when no one is chasing you?" (love that) Is that from one of his books? If so which one? I"d like to pick that up asap

nategician wrote:Vernon said "Why run when no one is chasing you?" (love that) Is that from one of his books? If so which one? I"d like to pick that up asap

I do believe that's a Marlo quote.

Anyway, at what level of magic are you at?

Further reading on the subject would depend entirely on what you wish to gain from it, as the books of which you speak are usually quite hard going.

Magic and Showmanship by Henning Nelms is worth reading. You can get it for under a tenner on Amazon. It's not just a book of effects, it's more about how they are presented and how you present yourself.

Thats a good(and rarely or never asked) question. Hmm..
I dont really know what to suggest. The only book which I have that sounds anything like what you want is Derren Brown's 'Absolute Magic' which is a fantastic, if quite heavy-going, read. If you dont have that I would definitely reccomend getting it but it's out of print( ) so it could be slightly tricky.
Anyway, good luck with your search.

seige wrote:

nategician wrote:Vernon said "Why run when no one is chasing you?" (love that) Is that from one of his books? If so which one? I"d like to pick that up asap

I do believe that's a Marlo qoute

Actually I think it was Al Bkaer who said it. And people just used it.

...and back to topic we go...

I can thoroughly recommend Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz, but, as has been said already, books on performance are very hard going - I own both Derren's books, Darwin's Strogn Magic and Henning Nelms' Showmanship - if you're a beginner, then buy the Nelms book - if you like that, then reach deep into your wallet and buy one of the others - they're £30 a piece, or thereabouts.

I find Sankeys book Beyond secrets a good book and that deals with not only showmanship but lots of other stuff on how to improve your performacne.

The book "Maximum Entertainment" by Ken Weber, is worth considering.
Personally I also like a book like "Magic and Meaning" by Eugine Burger and Robert Neale, but some might find it too intellectual and highbrow. I like it and it has affected my way of thinking about magic. I think Derren Brown in pure effect as give credit to Eugine Burger, but I might be mistaken and I am currently on holiday away from my magic library.

Markdini wrote:I find Sankeys book Beyond secrets a good book and that deals with not only showmanship but lots of other stuff on how to improve your performacne.

Yep, that's just what I was about to say.
That's the book you're after nategician.

wow thanks a lot. Im a beginner magician and im going on my hunt today for those books. Please keep the book recommendations coming.

Nategician: The Ortiz 'Strong Magic' is a must BUT it is a long time study. One chapter at a time. Put that into use first.
The Henning Nelms book is often recommened but most magicians find it a bit 'theatrical technical' except for the routines. I have yet to meet any magician who has [ut into practice, the 'ballroom footsteps' instructions.
Maximum Entertainment is absolutely straightforward and an easy read.
The early published 'Showmanship & Presentation For Magicians' by Edward Maurice,( a very polished magician in the Birmingham area in the late 40's and the 50's), although written from a theatre cum cabaret point of view still has valueable and practical advice. It is a modest book of 45 pages about $4. Ignore the chapter on stage makeup. Totally out of date.
There is also much to learn in Magic By Misdirection by Dariel Fitzkee.
Look at Close Up Presentation by John F. Mendoza, if you can locate a copy. Then there's Real World Magic by Jerry MacGregor. This has 120 pages of very practical advice and 173 pages of Real World routines.
Allen Tipton

I also recomend beyond secrets, I think its a good place to start with, not too heavy and covers everything you requested and more.

As a relative newbie to magic I found magic and showmanship and strong magic a little heavy and hard to follow (probally just me being simply).

Chris

Lord Freddie wrote:Magic and Showmanship by Henning Nelms is worth reading. You can get it for under a tenner on Amazon. It's not just a book of effects, it's more about how they are presented and how you present yourself.

I'm reading that one right now, and I agree that it's well worth reading. It's very enlightening in a 'I knew that already... but hadn't really given it much thought... but now that you mention it... wow' kind of way.

Pete

I have just read Win The Crowd by Steve Cohen which I recommend highly. You can get it on Amazon.