The Illusionworks CD's are just fine but not great in my opinion.

*******

Personal taste maybe.

Hi Green,

If I remember right now there's only one volume of the Illusionworks book out. I believe there's a video version too of all four books. One is called THE BASE BOOK and deals with bases and steps. I'm sorry I don't know more about it. Bye.

Nick,

Let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Richard

The only Randy Woodbury book that is still in print is 'Diversions', which is a good book to have in your collection.

Illusionsworks 1, 2 and 3 are out of print, as is The Base Book (it was published before the Illusionworks books), but show up on eBay quite often.

All 4 of the Illusionworks videos are still available from your favorite magic dealer.

Rick

Okay, I just got the Illusionworks tapes in today...and had a marathon video session in which I watched every one from beginning to end all in a row. I was very impressed with all of them. The first one outlines some of the basic materials that will be needed as well as how to construct your own base and set of stairs step by step. The second, more or less, walks you through 4 of his illusions, including their methods but also some information on how they were built. Video three was filled with general and specific tips for illusion builders (a lot of time is spent on attaching vinyl/naughahyde/felt to illusions properly). Video four takes you on a tour of Bill Smith and Douglas Wayne's shops. Toward the end of video four, some more general tips are given out. I got lucky and found all four videos on ebay and was able to get them for a fraction of what they would normally cost.

The [royalty-free] music CD is okay, but not spectacular. If you need music you can probably work with it, but in general it's just not MY cup of tea.

Nick Fox

PS: John, regarding the "thought process" I would have to go with what a few have already said: Go with Jim Steinmeyer. His books are second to none. If beginning to build becomes your "thing" check Paul Osborne's stuff out.

I have been convinced. I ordered Jim Steinmeyer's book "Device and Illusion" off his website because it looks like it has some great illusions plans in it and everyone raves about it. I ordered it 9 days ago and have not recieved it yet, and Jim has not returned my emails. I will tell you what I think when I get it.

Bobo, you will not be disappointed! Just remember that Jim is a very busy man, I'm sure he'll get it out to you as quickly as possible.

Nick Fox

I find Andrew Mayne illusions to be great and suitable for the "one-man-performer". He has illusion plans that are fairly easy to make but not that expensive.

Not only is Jim Steinmeyer a very busy man, but his operation is not a company as we think of most magic dealers (Stevens, Hank Lee, et al). There is no clerk or demonstrator to reply to emails if Jim isn't there. He's pretty much a one-man show last I knew.
An incredibly prolific one... but still just one guy!