What should I choose definitive sankey or art of astonishment

Yikes, THAT is a TOUGH question! Both are phenomenal. I would suggest this however: look at your library and see whose magic you have more of. Harris and Sankey have very different approaches as you know and both have released classics. That said, the market is flooded with a LOT of Sankey stuff whereas it seems that Paul Harris has turned to mainly producing effects from others of late so depending on your library and the number of Sankey material that is easily obtainable, I would advise AoA first.

Another suggestion:

I've seen the Art of Astonishment volumes go for ridiculously low prices here on the Café. These were at publication 45 USD each and I've seen the 3 volume set sell for as low as 65 USD for all. The Sankey books are newer and I haven't seen many of these for sale below the suggested retail price. So, if cash is not too big a deal but you can't afford both sets at full price, I would suggest getting The Definitive Sankey from Vanishing, Inc, and waiting for an AoA set to go on sale. If cash is NO problem, then you have no dilemma at all - get both. While Sankey has turned into a marketing machine, The Definitive Sankey contains GREAT magic and IMHO most of his very best. Art of Astonishment is already a classic IMHO. Either or both will give you years of study. In fact, it's almost a toss a coin proposition.

Depends on your context, what kind of magic works best for you and what magic do you need in your sets?

Thanks vlad I have taken your advice and bought AoA and with Christmas round the corner hopefully I'll get definitive sankey too

You bet! I'm sure Father Christmas will be very kind to you!

haha

You can't go wrong with either.

All that matters is your own oppinion what style you like.

Bad news, Torquay: You have listened to the wise advice of Vlad! I, too, inquired of him whether I should buy the AoA series as one of my first book purchases. That was three years ago this month. I bought that series, and then the spending never stopped! I have become a much better magician (both in knowledge and performance), and have disposed of a lot more money! Good luck to you, and have fun. I envy you seeing these books for the first time!!

:lol: Thanks Jeff - I think!! If it's any consolation, I've listened to advice and my so-called bank account definitely reveals it, but, everything has been and is priceless. Heck, you've suggested books to me, so, what goes around comes around brother!

It was definitely intended as a compliment to you! Sorry if that wasn't clear. It's been an awesome three years. Thanks for all your advice over that period! I look forward to many more years of collaboration. Let me know next time you plan to be in the Southeast of the US!

The best "value" for the current asking price would be, in my opinion, the Art of Astonishment set which I have seen sold for $65 as Vlad says. Both sets are loaded with enough varied material to keep you busy for years.