Books and Resources to Start Strong
Learning magic requires both theory and practice. These books will teach you foundational techniques, business principles, and how to build an act that audiences actually want to watch. Start with one or two and add others as your skills develop.
Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic by Mark Wilson
This is the definitive textbook for beginners and remains essential even after years in the business. It covers card magic, coin magic, rope tricks, mentalism, and stage illusions with clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions. Every professional magician owns this book because the fundamentals never change, and Wilson’s teaching method is unusually clear.
Shop Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic on Amazon →
Royal Road to Card Magic by Jean Hugard and Frederick Braué
Card magic is the backbone of most professional magician acts because it’s portable, affordable, and works everywhere from close-up performances to stage shows. This book teaches you the essential sleights and tricks in logical order, building your skills progressively. If you plan to do any live performances, card magic is non-negotiable.
Shop Royal Road to Card Magic on Amazon →
The Business of Magic by Harlan David by Harlan David
Knowing how to perform magic is only half the battle—you also need to book gigs, price your services, and market yourself. This book focuses specifically on the business side: how magicians actually make money, how to negotiate with clients, pricing strategies for different event types, and how to build a sustainable career. Most magicians overlook the business fundamentals and struggle financially as a result.
Shop The Business of Magic on Amazon →
Scam School (Online Course) by Brian Brushwood
This free video-based resource teaches street magic and mentalism tricks with production quality that beats most paid courses. The lessons are short, practical, and taught by someone who actually performs and builds a business around magic. It’s an excellent supplement to books because you see the tricks in motion.
Shop magic instructional resources on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
Your startup equipment list depends on your specialty—street magic requires different gear than stage illusions. Start with the fundamentals that work for close-up magic and parlor tricks, then add specialized equipment as you develop your act and take on paying gigs.
Playing Cards and Card Decks
- Standard poker decks: For learning and practicing card magic, you need multiple decks. Bicycle cards are the professional standard.
- Trick decks: Marked decks, stripper decks, and other specialty cards for advanced effects.
- Card cases: To protect and carry your decks without damage.
Shop playing cards on Amazon →
Coins and Coin Magic Supplies
- Coins: Morgan dollars and half dollars are standard for coin magic because of their size and weight.
- Shell coins and gimmicked coins: For advanced tricks.
- Coin purses: Small leather or cloth pouches to keep coins organized and accessible.
Shop coins for magic on Amazon →
Rope and Silk Magic
- Magic rope: Manufactured rope designed to hold knots and work with magic techniques—not regular rope.
- Silk scarves: For color-changing, vanishing, and production effects.
- Rope bags or pouches: To store and organize your materials.
Shop rope and silk magic supplies on Amazon →
Mentalism and Mind Reading Props
- Prediction cards and envelopes: For mentalism routines.
- Force decks: Decks where all cards are the same to guarantee a prediction.
- Blank cards: For custom routines you design yourself.
Shop mentalism props on Amazon →
Stage Magic and Illusions
- Thumb tips: Small rubber covers that let you palm objects or produce items from thin air.
- Sponge balls: Soft, squeezable props for production and vanishing effects.
- Cups and balls set: One of the oldest and most effective magic effects.
- Wands: Professional magicians use wands for directing attention and performing specific tricks.
Shop stage magic props on Amazon →
Carrying and Storage
- Magic case or trunk: A professional-grade carrying case for transporting equipment to gigs.
- Drawer organizers: For keeping small items sorted at home.
- Tool belt or apron: Useful for close-up magic where you need quick access to multiple props.
What to Buy First vs Later
Your initial investment should focus on learning and performing simple, portable magic that works in almost any setting. As you build experience and start booking paid events, you can expand into specialized equipment.
- First (under $100): Mark Wilson’s book, 10-15 quality playing card decks, coin set, rope, silk scarves, and a small carrying case. This covers 80% of working magician acts.
- Months 2-3: Specialty trick decks, force decks, thumb tips, sponge balls, and a professional wand.
- After 6+ months: Larger stage illusions, cups and balls sets, mentalism props, and a high-end carrying case if you’re doing multiple gigs per month.
- Only if specializing: Large stage illusions, escape artist equipment, or live animal props. These are expensive and only worth buying if you’ve already booked gigs that specifically require them.
New vs Used Equipment
Playing cards and silks wear out and should be bought new because a worn or marked deck undermines your tricks. Most other magic equipment lasts years or decades and holds value well, making the used market a smart place to find deals.
Buy new: decks of cards, silk scarves, rope, and any gimmicked items where condition affects performance. Buy used (from magician shops, eBay, or magic forums): carrying cases, wands, coins, and basic props. Avoid buying expensive stage illusions used unless you can inspect them in person—hidden damage or missing parts can make a trick unusable. Magician forums and specialized magic shops often have used sections where you know other magicians have vetted the equipment.
Where to Buy
- Magician specialty shops: Murphy’s Magic, Penguin Magic, Vanishing Inc., and Ellusionist carry curated inventory and sell to performers, not just hobbyists. Staff can answer technical questions.
- Amazon: Convenient for standard items, but prices are sometimes higher than specialty shops. Stick to established brands like Bicycle cards.
- Used magic forums: r/Magic on Reddit and the 52Plus1 Forum have classified sections where magicians sell used equipment at fair prices.
- eBay: Good for used cases, vintage props, and specialty items. Check seller ratings carefully.
- Magic conventions and shops: If you attend a convention, you’ll find deals and can inspect props before buying. Many conventions also have used equipment swaps.
- Local magic shops: These are disappearing but worth supporting if one exists near you. Staff can teach you and make custom recommendations.