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I know for a fact they're going to be good, but it would be nice if any one who owns them could give a few opinions?

I've just started reading Volume 1 and haven't really got far enough to give a thorough review. However my initial thoughts are that it reminds me very much of Absolute Magic by Derren Brown (highly recommended if you haven't already read it). The Books of Wonder are referenced in Absolute Magic which is what inspired me to seek them out in the first place.

I seem to be getting through it at a snails pace as I read a paragraph then realise I've been gazing off into space daydreaming about how I can apply what I've just read to a particular routine. I blink a few times, refocus on the page, take in another nugget and I'm off again, staring at the wall, jaw slightly slack.

The most recent section I've read, focuses on misdirection or rather 'direction' as he prefers to refer to it. He suggests that direction can be used to tell a story (not necessarily literally an actual tale) ie. highlighting moments for an audience, avoiding clutter in presentation. It's about using continuous direction in the same sense as theatre. He talks about different types of direction - broad and focused, the pros and cons of each, how to bring the attention back. It's just occurred to me that a lot of what Derren Brown says in Devil's Picture Book, particularly in the three card routine, may have been heavily influenced by this book. Creating moments of tension and relaxation etc.

One big difference between Books of Wonder and Absolute Magic is that they feature actual tricks. I haven't got to any of these yet so can't comment. I'll let you know what I think when I do. May take some time yet as I calculate that I average at least 25 minutes of eyes unfocused, wall staring per page...

They're 25 minutes of wallstaring per page I am willing to sacrifice! I've heard they're a pretty good investment too, sell em in a couple of a years and profit is to be made! I doubt if and when I buy them I will be able to bring myself to sell them though!

Thanks for you thoughts.

Ahhhh....The Books Of Wonder

I spent my College years reading and digesting this both Volume
it is one of the Classic now......I learn that Mr.Wonder Stubborness that lead into his perfection for every Routine and Performing Piece

I used to do few routine in this Book to learn more of the great Depth of Mr.Wonder thinking....this is before the era of Mr.Wonder DVD Set

back in the days, my close up set is consisting of few mr Wonder Effect:

-the Tamed Card
-The Cups and Balls
-Elizabeth IV
-Presention in Silver
-Diminishing Cards (yes I make them just like in the Book)
-Deja Reverse
-Card Trough Handkerchief
-Ambitious Card plus Ring Box

bu that was long long time ago before I turn Pro.....but Mr.Wonder Thinking influence me heavily on how I approach my performance now

Before Tommy Wonder DVD Set is out....the first VHS Performance that I saw Mr.Wonder was when he gave a lecture somwhere in Britain

Learning the Effect from a Book really need 100% Focus and many Footnoted....at that moment I try to figure it out if the moves for his Cups and Balls is exactly the Right move that Mr.Wonder do....Imagination takes place

Now as a Hypnotist/Suggestionist.......only Mr.Wonder Thinking that still apply to my performance....and Yes "Absolute Magic" often refer to "Books of Wonder"

since Mr.Brown "Absolute Magic" pick ups where "Books of Wonder" left out

now I working on my "Pickpocket" Act....I'm still woking on to include Mr.Wonder "Ring, Money and Watch" in to this act...but with my own takes

Heck for the sake of BIG FANS to Mr.Wonder.....lately I just bought "Egg, Lemon, Orange, and Canary" made by Malloy.....I never use this in my performance since its arrive.....I use this as a sentimental Value of how in the past..."The Books of Wonder" has inspire me......and shape my way of Thinking

....

It has been an age and a half since I have read them. Thats because I always carried them in the shop so I never purchased them. And now my life has led me in other directions. But these are well worth the purchase. Just his thinking is worth the price of the books.

The two effects I dispise the most are Linking Rings and the Zombie. I'm still no fan of the Linking Rings but after seeing Tommy Wonder and his Zombie I'm not so unwilling to watch a zombie routine anymore and its all right there in the books.