Dunninger’s Complete Encyclopedia of Magic

Top Customer Reviews / All 5 Stars

A delightful, vintage guide to magic, this encyclopedia offers concise descriptions of numerous tricks, perfect for the resourceful magician eager to create their own effects. While beginners seeking quick and easy magic may not find it suitable, intermediate to advanced practitioners will discover a treasure trove of ideas worth exploring.

This classic is well-illustrated with clear explanations, making it an excellent reference for your collection. It’s a nostalgic journey into the past, providing inspiration for new techniques while refreshing foundational skills.

Having owned this book as a child, I can attest to its lasting impact. I’m thrilled to have it back in my possession after all these years.

Joseph Dunninger’s work stands as a hallmark in performance and stage magic. This extensive compilation features detailed instructions and impressive illustrations. It’s particularly beneficial for advanced performers willing to invest time in mastering intricate effects. However, even novice magicians and enthusiasts will appreciate the depth of detail. The book covers a variety of effects involving cards, coins, matches, pencils, dice, and magic wands, with solid mentalism content as well. Most importantly, it serves as a glimpse into a bygone era, with many vintage effects easily adaptable with creativity.

This book is a true gem, showcasing magic tricks across all genres. Its presentation is ideal for use at parties, public events, and various entertainment settings. Many tricks draw inspiration from traditional circus acts, and each is meticulously explained with scaled illustrations for easy replication. For example, the napkin tricks include detailed diagrams of individual folds. Additionally, there’s a comprehensive section on puppet-making, covering everything from control mechanisms to threading techniques. The author’s personal history is also richly detailed in the back of the book, making this work highly recommended.