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The Books of Wonder by Tommy Wonder (2 Volume Set)


An uncompromising manifesto. A masterpiece. A legacy. And as heavily studied and beloved as these books are, they still contain hidden secrets waiting for you to unlock. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER.
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"By far, two of the most valuable books in my library. His magic is truly exceptional, original, awe inspiring." -Johnny Thompson

"Tommy Wonder was, quite simply, one of the greatest magicians of all time. He was a superb performer, a diabolical creator, and a profound philosopher. If you want to make your magic better, read these books." -Max Maven

"If you study these books diligently, you will find answers to questions you didn't know existed." -Roberto Giobbi

"The perfect blend of superb magic, and amazing philosophical insight that can make everyone a better magician." -David Ben

"The Books of Wonder changed my life." -Larry Haas

"If you want deep original thinking on magic, there's nothing better than the books of wonder. Tommy Wonder came up with ideas that no one else had seen before. New ways of thinking about magic, and ways to perfect your magic that fools audiences and magicians alike." -Paul Draper

Never has there been a more articulate manifesto declaring magic a true art. And never has one man offered a more detailed and coherent plan for achieving art by the practice of magic.

Through a series of tricks, routines and essays, Tommy Wonder provides a clear blueprint for an uncompromising brand of magical theater. Along the way he explains his professional routines for Close-up. Stand-up, Walk-around and Stage.

Among them are...The Updated Two Cup Routine; Watch in Nest of Boxes, 3 methods; Wild Card Tamed; The Watch, the Ring & the Wallet; The Well-tempered Birdcage; and 50 other card tricks, routines and sleights.

The Books of Wonder is a set of two luxuriously produced, matched volumes, each containing approximately 340 pages of extraordinary material with 630 professional illustrations by Kelly Lyles.

Nominee Book of the Year Penguin Magic Awards 2020

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Everybody should study these books Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on April 2nd, 2010
I can't say it enough: Everybody should study these books. Regardless of the kind of magic you do (close-up ,stage, mentalism) you will find something extremely useful and enlightening in Tommy Wonder's work. Not only the material is extremely strong, well thought-out and constructed, and original but also the theoretical ideas present in the essays will take your magic to a different level. Tommy Wonder was an extraordinary performer and a genial thinker and that is what you will find in the Books of Wonder.
11 of 11 magicians found this helpful.
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Fantastic Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on April 6th, 2010
These are a fantastic set of books to own and you will learn a lot about the magic of Tommy Wonder. You may have some trouble finding the props described in these books and some are very hard to build yourself, some are not. There are many tricks to be learned but much more on presentation and psychology of magic. If you are serious about your magic and want to learn from a legend these are a great set of books to have in your library. Add to cart.
8 of 8 magicians found this helpful.
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Outstanding! Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on September 26th, 2018
This two volume set of books is an absolute wealth of information. Its not just the fantastic tricks that are fully explained, either. This set goes into great depth on many topics that are so blatantly missing in many magic books. Subjects such as creating tension and relaxation, misdirection (or more aptly, attention direction), and thoughts on presentation, are all expertly discussed. Basically, these books teach the reader how to think and act like a professional magician.
I've been performing magic since the early 1980's, and had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Wonder lecture when I was just a teen. Admittedly, at the time, I was not capable of performing many of the effects he taught that evening. However, I was quite inspired by his professionalism, kindness, and the astounding magic that he performed! Even a newbie can recognize when they are in the presence of greatness, and I was thankful for the experience. I got to re-live that feeling when I opened the books and found several of the tricks from that lecture, fully explained and just as amazing as I remembered them to be. The real gems, though, were the essays that accompanied the tricks and gave insight into Mr. Wonder's brilliant thinking.
I was given a (second edition) set of The Tarbell Course at about the same time and for many years, they were my "magic foundation". Since then, the library has grown tremendously, but I would rank this set among the very, very best, without question. The performance tips, the "why's" as well as the " hows", and the thoughtful advice contained within the pages of this set are just superb! You CANNOT go wrong with this outstanding work of magical wisdom!
5 of 5 magicians found this helpful.
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The Books Of Wonder Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on January 6th, 2020
If I was to list the Top 5 Magicians (Alive or Dead) I'd like to meet in my life, Tommy Wonder would be at the top of that list. I know this will be a cliché statement, but there truly is something for everyone in these two volumes. There's cards, coins, mentalism or what I'd call the "staples". But there's so much more: The books will appeal to the magic theorist. And those who like to "tinker" with DIY projects will have a field day. There are also original sleights. For the card worker, you'll love the Wonder Reverse, and it's applications.
IMHO, if you get one thing from a book, you've got your money's worth. The amount of material you will have acquired with these 2 volumes will give pay unsurpassed dividends. If you are a true student of magic, you should already have these books. Get them.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
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Essential Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on July 28th, 2018
There are essential thinkers in magic. Tommy Wonder is one of them. When you're interested in having the best Magic books in your library these should be there.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
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Wonderful Books Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on November 29th, 2019
These books are wonderful (pun intended). Any magician who takes his/her craft seriously should own these books. Also, Penguin is amazing. My country's customs probably ripped one of the outer book jackets when inspecting the package. Penguin sent a replacement jacket free of charge.

Good books, good customer service, good everything.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
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Great. Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on April 6th, 2010
Tommy Wonder was a great, great magician. These books are considered very important books in magic-they detail his amazing tricks and his thoughts on what makes magic so effective. I personally love his Ring, Wallet, Watch routine- it's quite possibly one of my favourite tricks in close-up magic!
4 of 8 magicians found this helpful.
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I can't wait to DIVE IN!!! Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on April 4th, 2023
I cannot wait to see what kind of magic, mystery and clever methods that I am going to discover! Tommy Wonder is on another level that I have yet to reach, but I intend to!
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Wonderful Books Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on March 21st, 2023
I know, an obvious pun. I am a sucker for books about magic and these two, a set, are stunning and chock full of useful information. A treat to page through, dip into, learn from.
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Webb Review Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on April 23rd, 2022
It's exciting to learn from one of the greats and "The Books of Wonder" deliver! Great material and essays.
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