Magic Theory Resources

Where do I start?

Learning magic theory gives you a new lens to view magic with. Whether you are a hobbyist, performer, or creator, learning why magic works will elevate your magic.

• Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz

• Designing Miracles by Darwin Ortiz

• Magic and Showmanship by Henning Nelms - This book gives you the tools to formulate a routine and develop your performance character.

• The Magic Rainbow by Juan Tamariz

• Magic and Meaning By Eugene Burger and Robert E Neale

• Mastering the Art of Magic by Eugene Burger

• Magic Matters by Robert Neale and Larry Hass

• The Books of Wonder by Tommy Wonder

• Shattering Illusions by Jamy Ian Swiss

• Devious Standards by Jamy Ian Swiss

• Neo-Magic Artistry by S.H. Sharpe

• Art and Magic by S.H. Sharpe

• Our Magic by Nevil Maskelyne & David Devant

• Sleights of Mind by Stephen Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde

• Beyond Deception, Vol. 1: The Theory and Practice of Creating Original Magic by Tobias Beckwith

• Beyond Deception, Volume 2: From the Wizard's Corner by Tobias Beckwith

• Foundations: Art of Stage Magic by Eberhard Riese

• Find the Stuff That's You by Chris Carey

• Performing Magic by Tony Middleton

• The Five Points in Magic by Juan Tamariz

• The Magic Way by Juan Tamariz

• Showmanship for Magicians by Dariel Fitzkee

• The Trick Brain by Dariel Fitzkee

• Magic by Misdirection by Dariel Fitzkee

• Transformations by Lawrence Hass

• Stand-up: A Professional Guide to Comedy Magic by Ian Keable

• Principles of Magic by Richard Osterlind

• Principles of Mentalism by Richard Osterlind

• The Osterlind Trilogy by Richard Osterlind

• Audience Management by Gay Ljungberg

• Leading With Your Head by Gary Kurtz

• Don't Look Now: The Smart Slant on Misdirection by Al Leech

• Principles and Deceptions by Arthur Buckley

• The Magic of Ascanio by Etchverry

• Anatomy of Misdirection by Joe Bruno

• Carney Knowledge by John Carney

• Conjuror's Psychological Secrets by S. H. Sharpe

• The Performance of Close Up Magic by Eugene Burger

• The Magic of Michael Ammar by Michael Ammar

• Card College Vol 2 by Roberto Giobbi - This book specifically has a great section on theory.

• Brain Food by David Parr

• Magic in Theory by Peter Lamont and Richard Wiseman

• Scripting Magic by Pete McCabe

• Magic by Design by John Carney

• Theatrical Magic by John Pyka

• The Theory and Practice of Magic Deception by Al Schneider