Tarbell Course in Magic

The Tarbell Course in Magic is an eight-volume encyclopedia that serves as a foundational text for magic practitioners. Originally created in 1928 as a correspondence course by Harlan Tarbell, the series began with five volumes and later expanded to include three additional books. The collection contains over one hundred comprehensive lessons covering all aspects of magic, from close-up tricks to stage illusions and mentalism. With more than 3,000 illustrations across the original five volumes, the course provides detailed technical instruction for performing specific magic effects. The series extends beyond mere trick tutorials to cover the complete art of magic performance. Topics include showmanship, marketing, magic history, ethics, presentation skills, and performance theory - creating a complete educational system for aspiring magicians. This work stands as a cornerstone text in magic literature, representing both a practical manual and a philosophical approach to the craft. Its influence on professional magic has shaped generations of performers and continues to serve as a primary reference for both beginners and experts.

Readers describe this as a comprehensive magic course that teaches fundamentals through advanced techniques. Many reviewers note they've returned to these volumes throughout their careers. Likes: - Clear progression from basic principles to complex illusions - Detailed illustrations that show exact hand positions - Psychological aspects and audience management tips - Historical background on classic effects Dislikes: - Dated language and references from the 1920s era - Some effects require props that are hard to find today - Dense text can be overwhelming for beginners - Print quality varies between different editions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (312 ratings) Notable reader comments: "The section on misdirection changed how I approach every routine" - Magic Cafe forum "Worth it for the sleight of hand illustrations alone" - Amazon review "Too academic for casual hobbyists" - Goodreads review "I still reference Volume 3 after 20 years performing" - Magic Circle forum

Modern Coin Magic by J.B. Bobo This reference contains over 200 coin sleights and 130 coin magic routines taught with step-by-step instructions and illustrations.

Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic by Mark Wilson The book presents magic instruction across categories including cards, coins, ropes, cups and balls, mentalism, and stage illusions with detailed photographs.

Expert Card Technique by Jean Hugard, Frederick Braue This text covers advanced card manipulation methods, including shifts, palms, passes, false deals, and cuts used by professional magicians.

The Royal Road to Card Magic by Jean Hugard The book builds card magic skills through progressive lessons that teach both sleight of hand techniques and complete performance routines.

Art of Astonishment by Paul Harris This three-volume work presents original close-up magic effects with cards, coins, and everyday objects through detailed technical instruction.

🎩 The original correspondence course cost $125 in 1928 (equivalent to about $2,000 today) and was marketed as "the world's most expensive magic course." 🪄 Influential magician Harry Houdini was initially slated to author the course but passed away in 1926 before the project could begin. 📚 While teaching at Chicago Art Institute, Tarbell developed innovative illustration techniques that made complex magic moves easier to understand through step-by-step diagrams. 🎭 Many of the lessons include psychological insights Tarbell gained from studying Native American medicine men and their methods of misdirection. ✨ The course's success helped establish the Tarbell System of Magic, which is still used as core curriculum in many prestigious magic schools, including the McBride Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas.