I am an old school learner (i.e., I read books), but I must say that seeing Dan actually do the tricks in Tarbell is a fantastic addition to reading this foundational set. I believe that it adds to the learning experience for several reasons:
1. Dan has added some really important elements, thus improving most of the effects.
2. Dan brings the tricks up to date.
3. Dan has some really good "patter" (I hate the word but it seems appropriate here) that brings the tricks to life.
All in all, these are an incredible bargain and I have found them a wonderful purchase. Much, much more useful than many other items that I have paid a great deal more money for.
A great idea, a great teacher, a great buy!

Dan nailed it. Magic's greatest tome brought to life on video by one of the magic world's greatest creators/practitioners, Dan Harlan.

I grew up with the Tarbell course in the 70's and I learned things from this download.

The teaching, filming, production quality, all excellent.

Having owned the Tarbell Volume 1 for years, it was great seeing some nice updating of the routines in lesson 4. Found several that I think will be a good addition to my act.

I know several have complained about outdated information with this series, but seeing it is "every trick in the book" that includes everything. The updates in this lesson are great!

Dissolving Coin is highly changed from the original, incorporating some modern principles... and I think it stinks. Harlan's routine is a bunch of half-ideas that obscure the core of the trick. And the trick now requires a special gimmick to be purchased, which wasn't required in Tarbell's time.

Vanishing coin in hankie: a trick that was in a kit I had as a kid, slightly updated in method. Harlan gives good advice on presentation that is more useful than the actual trick.

Coin through hankie: a justified classic. Even if hankies aren't common any more, there are enough applications for the principle that it is still useful. Excellently taught.

Pencil/coin: I think there's a bit of double-misdirection in Harlan's performance that doesn't work. If you direct attention to your left hand then reveal there's nothing in it, then produce something from your left hand, the spectator will think it was hidden in the hand all along.

This is an AMAZING download! The "Vanishing coin in glass" was one of the
first illusions that I both learned, and performed at the age of 12, and I am
now pushing 60. Dan Harlan has taken this to a professional presentation! I
would regret not sharing a couple of tips on this wonderful "real world" worker
piece of magic.
First, in regards to the gaffs needed. There is a magic piece called "Ice Coins".
GET IT!!! It comes with FOUR half dollar, or dollar sized gimmicks that are of
high quality, and will last a lifetime. It also include a 3"coin gaff that you could
use in a parlor, or stage show. I researched the internet, and had to purchase
mine from England, but it was well worth the wait!!
Second, when you get the gaffs, go to your local thrift shop, and find the correct size juice glasses. I know that Dan suggested votive candle glasses,
but the juice glasses look much more authentic. I went to two Goodwill thrift
shops, and bought 16 glasses that worked PERFECTLY, and you can pour ALL
of the water out of the glass with no worries. (No disrespect meant to Dan, this
is just something that I found works a little better) This ONE illusion is worth
five times the price of this download! Dan is simply a genius! Get this download. You will be glad you did!

I was doing the vanishing coin in glass when I was 12 yrs old. I was a runaway
boy, riding a bus from Benson, Az to Georgia. I went seat to seat, earning tips
to eat on. It was a KILLER EFFECT then, and Dan has made it what is sure to be a classic all over again! That bus ride was 48 yrs ago, and I cant wait to re-
Introduce this with Dan's new version. Dan, you are re-writing history! Do yourself a favor....BUY THIS!!!

WHY DAN! Why release some effects that have been hidden away in text for almost 100 years??

J/K I'm not mad, instead I really respect what you are doing. You are taking on one HELL of a task, and really showcasing the effects that SHOULD be showcased. They can be performed at a table in a restaurant or a stage and are really fun.

I cannot wait to see each lessons and the little things you add into it each week. This is something EVERY magician should keep an eye on.

While you are at it, actually GET the Tarbell books and follow along. While Dan is giving a lot, there is still a little more tucked away in the text.

Dan is just a natural at teaching. He is the mentor that I wish was
around 50 yrs ago, and I would have made a career of it. GREAT
job Dan!!!

Super! Dan you did a great job with Penguin to bring back to life Tarbell Book. It is a great addition for people who want to learn or to practice what they forgot and give some great foundation in magic! It is an excellent idea, and I wish you carry out with Tarbell and bring more of our forgotten magicians some “life” like Tarbell!.

I have the Tarbell books and have looked through them. Actually reading through the course and completing it like it was originally done was probably never going to happen. With this video series I have the book out and look at each trick and item as written and as Dan Harlen is often saying that he is changing and/or updating some of the things to bring them up to date or make them more relevant.
So far this is making it enjoyable and I hope to make it through the entire course. Although I may never do many of the effects, it is also a good lesson in the history of magic and a step in time of how things once were.