Magic by Theory by Daniel Skahen

As the title suggests, this is a pure work about theory, but not old and dusty thoughts, instead a fresh and new look by Daniel Tyler. Certainly you will find topics which are as old as magic, such as 'the merit of gimmicks' and 'misdirection', but you will also find a chapter dealing with 'where to shop', which is up-to-date and includes places on the internet. This chapter alone can save you a multiple of the price of this ebook. Or what about 'getting the girl' or 'how to admire Blaine, but be yourself' - all topics that Daniel discusses. You might be shocked to hear that Daniel is just eighteen years old. If he wouldn't mention this fact in his introduction you would expect the author to be about twice as old. His thoughts and comments are very well presented and argued. You will learn something new. Don't pass this very readable ebook up.

2nd edition, 2004.

INTRODUCTION
PART ONE: THE MAGICIAN'S TRANSITION
FIRST SHIFT IN THINKING
MAKING IT COUNT
FINDING YOUR STYLE
HOW TO ADMIRE BLAINE, BUT BE YOURSELF
THE MERIT OF GIMMICKS
FLOURISHES
PART TWO: THE UNDERLYING SKILLS
WHERE TO SHOP
PRACTICING
ROUTINING
ROUTINING II
CREATING MAGIC
PART THREE: ALL ABOUT LAYMEN
THE SPECTATORS
SWITCHING GEARS
GETTING THE GIRL
DEALING WITH HECKLERS
PART FOUR: THE PERFORMING ART
PATTER
IMPROVISATION
MISDIRECTION
ANTICIPATION
ALL ABOUT HUMOR
PART FIVE: IN THE FIELD
GETTING YOURSELF PAID
COOLING THE NERVES
THE PUBLIC APPROACH
CLOSING THOUGHTS