Magic: a word that evokes a sense of wonder, an idea that natural laws can be suspended, and that one brief moment the magician can conjure the impossible. This is what initially draws one into becoming a magician (or performing magic tricks). Readers looking for instructions on how to perform magic tricks will not find it in this book. The bulk of this book spotlights magicians. A two-page spread is dedicated to each magician. The spread lists basic facts in sidebars (years they performed, where, and their most significant contribution to magic). The main narrative provides a brief biography and a description of their most innovative trick. The other pages explore qualities of a magician, magic societies, the role of a magician’s assistance, general classifications of magic tricks, and other such topics.
The narrative flows easily and the illustrations (mostly framed by a stage) are both pleasing and attractive. Areas where how a trick is performed are written upside down. In other areas, the double-page is in portrait format (requiring the reader to turn the book sideways). The criteria for keeping the pages in standard (landscape) format or sideways (portrait) format are opaque. Overall, a good introductory book on magic for younger budding magicians or hobbyists.
