Every great stage magician had to start somewhere, and that is exactly what this book is about. Chris Stone presents more than 40 standard illusions and sleight of hand tricks that any magician should master, including card tricks, coin tricks, safety pin tricks, rope and knot tricks, and general illusions, all cleverly illustrated in the style of old fashioned engravings. Stone offers important advice on how to present your tricks and the pitfalls that good magicians avoid, as well as sidebars on topics like magical stage names, famous magicians (with a particular spotlight on Harry Houdini), magical words and places, and eight great magic tricks to aspire to.