I recently finished reading Maximum Entertainment 2.0 by Ken Weber, and loved it. I am looking for similar magic theory books, where magic tricks can be taught, but it is not the focus.

I found it very interesting about how to be your own director, different types of reactions and magic moments, entertainment success, scripting, rehearsing, voice and language, humour, music, sound and lighting.

All these things really fascinate me, and I would love to know your favourite books similar to this one, for me to read! Thanks in advance!

Strong Magic and Scripting Magic 1&2 are fantastic!

Search this writers you will find something for you in at least one of them (if not all...)

Juan Tamariz

Derren Brown

Dariel Fitzkee

Darwyn Ortiz

Pete McCabe

Arturo de Ascanio (the mentor of Juan Tamariz)

Henning Helms

Tommy Wonder

Some good books on acting, perfomance and drama will give you lot of tools to enhance the experience that you are giving to your spectators.

And Leading with your head by Gary Kurtz, this in my opinion is a must, a lot of very useful techniques in a nutshell.

Cristóbal

-The Memory Book- Lorayne
-Secrets of Mind Power- Lorayne
Remembering People- Lorayne

Might as well mention my memoir ("rememoir" according to Mel Brooks) - Before I Forget.

To expand on previous posts ...



The Five Points in Magic, The Magic Way, and the Magic Rainbow are all mostly dedicated to theory/philosophy of magic.



Pure Effect, and Absolute Magic are his - they are out of print and expensive. His public books, Mind Tricks and Confessions of a Conjuror I believe, have some theory/philosophy in them but not much, as they're aimed at lay audiences.



Ah yes, the man who created Vegas Magic(tm). I kid - but his opinion does seem to come across as saying that magic is only interesting if it also includes music and ladies in skimpy clothes.



Strong Magic is a good book, but I am of the opinion that Maximum Entertainment is better. I haven't gotten to Designing Miracles yet but it's on the list.



Scripting Magic 1 & 2 should be read by everyone who wants to be a serious performer.



Magic of Ascanio - The Structural Conception of Magic - Excellent book. I haven't read the others are they are more geared towards tricks as I understand it.



*Nelms. Great book - basically codified what I was already thinking in regards to performance theory. Helped streamline my thinking.



Books of Wonder Vols 1 & 2 - several tricks taught, but read through and learn why he structured each routine the way he did. Brilliant thinker in that regard.

The Memory Arts by the Trustmans goes over not only the general memory systems available, but also gives many references to historic and contemporary resources for the student of memory.

Eugene Burger's books teach tricks but, like Tommy Wonder, also delve into this theories and philosophies.

Paul Brook's "Alchemical Tools" is another great book in regards to philosophy/theory. It teaches tricks but more importantly it teaches how to perform the tricks in a magical/mysterious way.

Jamy Ian Swiss' books, other than the one that's all book reviews, are a font of ideas on how to perform magic well. Vanishing Inc sells them as a collection called "The Works" I believe.

Our Magic by Maskelyne and Devant - One of the first "magic theory" books. Worth reading if only to see how little has truly changed in the magic world over time.

Robert Neale's books are good as well. He is very philosophical in his writing, and somewhat whimsical.

The Astonishing Essays (minus maybe the Prison Magician's) are also great resources for the thinking behind the show. I've enjoyed all the ones I've read so far.

Oh! A. Bandit's "A Secret Has Two Faces" is an interesting delve into the idea of magic as art. Written by Derek Delguadio and Glenn Kaino.

I think that's a pretty decent list to keep you busy for some time.

I Lie for Money by Steve Spill
https://www.amazon.com/Lie-Money-Outrage......32204924

They're not teaching any tricks and typically not even any theory but some of the magic biography books are also a fun read. One, in particular, that's like reading a novel is the John Scarne biography "Odds Against Me". It's no longer in print but can be found second-hand for a reasonable price.

I liked Dariel Fitzkee's Magic by Misdirection.

I recall appreciating Henning Nelms' book on Showmanship, as well.

If non-magic trick is a must requirement, I will put my vote on The Magic of Ascanio Vol. 1

Thanks for the Paul Brook référence I didn’t have. It looks great.

I'd recommend the following:

Transformations (Creating Magic Out Of Tricks) by Larry Hass
Inspirations: Performing Magic with Excellence by Larry Hass
The Show Doctor by Jeff McBride