Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic

By Mark Wilson

50th Anniversary Edition with perfect binding.

Complete with new Forewords by Greg Wilson & Teller

Master illusionist Mark Wilson put everything he knew about teaching magic into this legendary 509-page course. Inside you’ll learn the secrets behind more than 300+ classic tricks—from simple close-up stunners to eye-popping stage illusions—explained step-by-step with hundreds of clear line drawings. 

Originally published in 1975 and still in print decades later, this is the book countless pros point to as the place they started in magic. It covers the full spectrum: card magic, coin and money magic, rope routines, silk and hank effects, mental magic, sponge balls, billiard balls, cups & balls, “bar bet” style betchas, make-at-home magic, and even full-scale illusions.

Wilson spent over two years planning and producing this course. More than 50,000 photographs of each move and routine were taken and distilled into the clean line drawings that guide you through every trick—so you’re never guessing how a grip or secret move should look.  His famous “step method” of instruction breaks each trick into:

• Effect – what the audience thinks happens
• Secret & Preparation – how to set up and what makes it work
• Method – clear, numbered steps
• Comments & Suggestions – pro tips, timing, and handling touches 
• You’ll also find short essays on practice, misdirection, and showmanship, plus brief biographies of Mark, Nani Darnell, Greg Wilson and co-authors like Walter Gibson and U.F. Grant—reminding you that you’re learning from working professionals with real-world experience. 
• Although it’s especially ideal for beginners with zero experience, many seasoned magicians still keep this on their shelf as a go-to reference. Retailers and reviewers worldwide routinely describe it as one of the best single-volume introductions to magic ever written, praised for teaching strong, practical material using normal objects and easy-to-find props. 

Format & details;

• Softcover, approx. 8½" x 11", perfect binding.
• 509 pages, with hundreds of illustrations
• Covers 300+ tricks and routines (close-up, parlor, and small illusions)
• Skill level: Beginner and up

A quick note about props (from us at Magic Methods)
The book itself does not include props. However, we’ve assembled a special low-cost “starter kit” with many of the basic items you’ll want for the routines in this course (we skip the things you can easily find around the house). It’s not currently listed on the website—just call or email us and we’ll walk you through what’s included and pricing.

If you’re buying this as your first magic book, you’re making an excellent choice. If you already perform, this is the kind of volume that quietly pays for itself in new routines, new touches, and new ways to structure your magic. Either way, you’ll be coming back to it for years.

Details: Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic

509 pages, softcovers, size: 8 1/2" by 11".