Mij’s Book Recommendations. Part II: For Intermediates
In offering this list of recommendations it is important to recognise that the publications written about are not in any particular order, however they are a collection of works which I believe hold great value. I have divided these titles into 4 sections: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert and Reference. ‘Reference’ simply exists as a list of books which contain knowledge for anyone interested in sleight-of-hand, theory and are willing to delve deeper into the rabbit hole of our art form.
Books for Intermediates:
If you're an intermediate magician looking to expand your foundation or refine your skills, these books are a great way to revisit the basics and solidify your understanding. Naturally these books will be slightly harder to read and understand as they are aimed at magicians with a little more knowledge and expertise, however do not let that discourage you from starting one of these books.
Dai Vernon called the following book ‘The bible of card magic’ and he might be right! This book offers so many valuable subtleties to tabled card work inparticular that I reread the book at least once per year and I have personally owned at least 6 copies of this book throughout the years. I am of course referring to….
EXPERT AT THE CARD TABLE BY ERDNASE
The Expert at the Card Table by S.W. Erdnase is one of the most influential books on card magic and sleight-of-hand ever published. Originally released in 1902, it has become a foundational text for serious card magicians. The book is a comprehensive guide to advanced card manipulation techniques, focusing primarily on the sleights and methods that create the illusion of skilful card control at the card table.
Erdnase covers a wide array of topics, including false shuffles, controls, cuts, palms, passes, and more, offering detailed instructions on how to execute them smoothly and covertly. The techniques outlined in the book are often considered to be the core of modern card magic, and mastering them provides a magician with the tools needed to perform a variety of effects and routines.
Aside from the technical sleights, The Expert at the Card Table also includes advice on presentation, psychology, and misdirection, making it more than just a manual of tricks— it’s a guide to developing a deep understanding of card magic as an art form.
While many of the sleights may be challenging for beginners, intermediate and advanced magicians will find The Expert at the Card Table to be an invaluable resource, offering a treasure trove of time-tested techniques and principles that form the backbone of modern card magic.
REVOLUTIONARY CARD TECHNIQUE BY ED MARLO
Bill Malone went on record saying that if he was stuck on an island, this would be the one magic book he would bring with him. Originally released as a series of manuscripts in the mid-20th century, it was later compiled into a single volume, providing a detailed study of advanced sleight-of-hand. Marlo’s work is known for its depth, precision, and innovative approach to card manipulation. His techniques have shaped the way modern magicians perform, and his influence continues to be felt today.
The book covers a vast range of card techniques, making it an essential resource for serious students of magic. One of the most notable sections is false dealing, where Marlo explores deceptive ways to control which card is dealt, including second deals, bottom deals, and center deals. These moves are particularly useful for gambling demonstrations and card cheating routines, requiring great skill and misdirection.
Another major area Marlo focuses on is palming, which involves secretly holding a card in the hand without the audience noticing. He explains different methods, such as top palming, bottom palming, and side steals, each designed to allow smooth and natural-looking card control. His work emphasizes making palming completely invisible through proper finger positioning and timing.
The book also provides a deep dive into shuffles and cuts, teaching false shuffles and cuts that allow the magician to maintain control of specific cards while appearing to mix the deck fairly. Techniques like the Zarrow Shuffle and various tabled cuts are covered in detail, making them valuable tools for both magic performances and gambling-style tricks.
One of the most essential skills in advanced card magic is the pass, a move that secretly moves a selected card to a desired position. Marlo explains different types of passes, including the classic pass, the Hermann pass, and variations that make the move smoother and less detectable. These are important for controlling a spectator’s chosen card without them realizing it.
Marlo also explores forcing and controlling cards, which allow magicians to influence a spectator’s selection or move a chosen card into a specific position without detection. His work on psychological forces, break controls, and tilt techniques provides magicians with a wide range of deceptive tools to guide an audience’s choices. For those interested in gambling demonstrations, the book covers stacking and cheating techniques, such as stacking the deck to ensure favourable hands, false dealing sequences, and methods for maintaining control of specific cards during a game. These techniques are not only useful for cardtricks but also for simulating real-world gambling scenarios.
Another fascinating section deals with color changes and visual transformations, where a card visibly changes from one to another in the blink of an eye. Marlo details various methods for achieving these visual effects, making them appear smooth and natural. He also covers multiple shifts and transpositions, allowing magicians to move and switch cards invisibly.
Marlo’s analytical and structured approach to magic has made this book a cornerstone of modern card magic. His work has influenced countless magicians, including legends like Dai Vernon and Richard Turner. While the book is incredibly detailed and informative, it is not meant for beginners. The techniques require dedication, patience, and significant practice to master.
For those willing to put in the effort, Revolutionary Card Technique is one of the most rewarding books in card magic. It provides a deep understanding of sleight-of-hand and deception, giving magicians the tools to elevate their skills to the highest level. Whether you are a serious card magician or someone fascinated by the mechanics of deception, this book remains an invaluable resource.
THE MAGIC WAY BY JUAN TAMARIZ
Since we are on the topic of intermediate books, I think it would be amiss of me for not including at least one book on theory. I don't believe that a magic book without tricks is any less valuable than one with tricks, in fact I think that on the whole, they are more valuable. The Magic Way by Juan Tamariz is one of the most profound and influential books on the art of deception and magical performance. Originally published in Spanish and later translated into English, this book is more than just a collection of tricks — it is a deep exploration of how to create truly astonishing magic that feels impossible to an audience. Tamariz, a legendary Spanish magician, focuses on the psychological aspects of magic, revealing the secrets behind making an illusion seem completely real and unexplainable.
At the heart of The Magic Way is Tamariz’s theory of deception, which he calls “The False Solution Path”. He explains that for a magic trick to feel truly impossible, the audience must be led through a series of logical explanations, only for each one to be systematically eliminated. By carefully structuring a performance, the magician ensures that spectators arrive at a point where they can find no possible method, leaving them with the experience of real magic. This structured approach to deception is one of the book’s most revolutionary contributions to magic theory.
Tamariz also delves into the psychology of misdirection, showing how to subtly guide an audience’s attention while reinforcing their false assumptions. He discusses the importance of natural movements, scripting, and emotional engagement, all of which help disguise the method and enhance the effect. His ideas on the magician’s attitude and character are equally important, as he emphasizes that the performer’s energy and authenticity play a huge role in making magic believable.
While the book includes practical examples and routines, its primary focusis on how to make magic stronger, more deceptive, and more impactful. Tamariz demonstrates how even simple tricks can be transformed into miracles through careful construction and psychological layering. His insights are valuable for all levels of magicians, from beginners to professionals, as they apply to any type of magic — whether close-up, parlour, or stage.
The Magic Way is considered essential reading for magicians who want to elevate their performances beyond mere tricks and into true, unforgettable moments of mystery. Tamariz’s deep understanding of audience psychology and deception makes this book one of the most valuable resources in magic theory. It is a must-read for any performer who aspires to create magic that feels truly impossible.
PRISM THE COLOR SERIES OF MENTALISM BY MAX MAVEN
One of the most influential books in the field of mentalism. Originally released as a series of five separate booklets — The Blue Book, The Red Book, The Green Book, The Yellow Book, and The Purple Book — this material was later compiled into a single volume. The book is widely regarded as a masterpiece, containing a collection of highly refined mentalism routines that showcase Maven’s deep understanding of psychological deception, audience management, and performance theory.
What sets PRISM apart is its combination of practical methods with brilliantly deceptive principles. Max Maven was known for his ability to take simple ideas and turn them into powerful, theatrical experiences. Throughout the book, he teaches routines that feel direct, clean, and impossible, while often using minimal props such as billets, playing cards, envelopes, and books. His emphasis is on structural deception, ensuring that the methods remain completely hidden, leaving the audience with no possible explanation.
A key theme in PRISM is the use of psychological forces, verbal deception, and misdirection. Maven explores various techniques that allow the performer to subtly influence or predict choices in ways that appear completely fair. Many of the effects rely on bold yet subtle strategies, proving that mentalism does not require elaborate gimmicks — just a deep understanding of human psychology and perception. He also delves into methods for secret information gathering, using techniques that allow the performer to reveal personal details, thoughts, or choices made by spectators in ways that seem utterly impossible.
Beyond the mechanics of the routines, Maven’s writing emphasises presentation, audience control, and the psychology of belief. He teaches how to deliver mentalism with conviction, making the experience feel real to the audience. His routines often blur the line between magic and true psychological influence, making them highly engaging and memorable.
Many of the effects in PRISM have become modern classics, performed by some of the best mentalists in the world today. For anyone serious about mentalism, PRISM is an essential book. Its blend of deceptive techniques, powerful routines, and deep psychological insights makes it one of the most valuable resources in the field. Max Maven’s work continues to inspire performers worldwide, and this book remains a must-read for those looking to master the art of mentalism.
Written by Mij & posted by Anna.