Mark Wilson's Complete Course In Magic

Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic

Cover of 1988 edition.
Author Mark Wilson
Illustrator Julia Laughlin; Manny Katz
Cover artist Weaver Lilly; Tony Schmidt
Country USA
Language English
Subject Magic (illusion)
Genre Non-fiction
Publisher Courage Books: Running Press Book Publishers
Publication date
 1988
Pages 472 pages
ISBN 0-89471-623-9
OCLC 17805952
793.8 19
LC Class GV1547 .W763 1988
Preceded by 1975, 1981 editions
Followed by 2003 edition

Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic is a book on magic written by Mark Wilson, the stage magician.[1][2] The book is a popular reference for magicians and has been in print since its first issue in 1975.

Description of Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic

This description is based on the 1988 edition.

The book is organized into sections; each devoted to a particular topic, as follows:

Introductory sections

Biographies

Misdirection

Wilson's exposition on the basics of misdirection.

Acknowledgements and Credits

Course Coordinator: Larry Anderson
Assistant Course Coordinator: Don Wayne [3]

Illusions (Tricks)

The main body of the book comprises tricks (Wilson's term) and prerequisite techniques and skills required to perform them. The key elements are illustrated with line drawings and explained in detail in the accompanying text.

Each trick is divided into logical sub-sections:

Card Magic

The section on card effects is divided into classes of tricks; each class contains multiple individual techniques and tricks, as follows:

  • Card Magic
  • Self-Working Card Tricks
  • The Hindu Shuffle
  • Overhand Shuffle
  • Forcing A Card
  • The Double Lift
  • The Glide
  • Double-Backed Card
  • Double-Faced Card
  • The Short Card
  • Giant Cards
  • Special Card Tricks
  • Flourishes
  • Genii Cards

Money Magic

As with Card Magic, the section on money effects is divided into classes of tricks; each class comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks, as follows:

Rope Magic

The section on rope effects is not divided, but comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks.

Silk & Handkerchief Magic

This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks.

Impromptu Magic

This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks, mainly with household objects readily at hand.

Mental Magic

This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks.

Betchas

This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks of the kind which the magician might bet he can do something the spectator cannot: "I'll bet you."

Make At Home Magic

This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks, requiring apparatus which can be constructed as build-it-yourself projects.

Sponge Ball Magic

This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks, requiring compressible balls as props.

Billiard Ball Magic

This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks with incompressible balls.

Cups & Balls

Perhaps the first illusions performed; definitely the first recorded in writing (in ancient Egypt). This section comprises multiple individual techniques and tricks.

Magical Illusions

"In magical terms an "Illusion" is any trick or effect involving a human being." (p. 435) This section comprises multiple individual illusions, according to the quoted definition.

Your Future In Magic

Wilson and co-authors' parting words of encouragement to their readers and students.

References

  1. ↑ Wilson, Mark (1975). Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic. Courage Books. ISBN 0-89471-623-9.
  2. ↑ Wilson, Mark (2003) [1975]. Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic (Paperback ed.). Running Press Books. ISBN 978-0-7624-1455-0.
  3. ↑ Wilson, Mark (1975). Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic. Ottenheimer Publishers. p. 16. ISBN 0-89471-623-9.
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