Is a Magic Book Better Than a Magic DVD

Both sides have convincing arguments. It’s a debate that has been raging in the magic community since the 1980’s with the appearance of the first magic video’s. How do you know which is better? Should you learn from a magic book or a DVD?

 Is a Magic book better?

 

• The magic book fans argue that you develop your own unique style and presentation from a book. Magic books teach you the techniques, but don’t turn you into a clone of the author.

• Magic books offer the best value for money. Packed full of magic tricks they can be a treasure chest of new material.

• They are easy to reference. At any time, you can dip into a magic book and learn something new.

• They look awesome on your bookcase (OK, that’s not really related to learning magic, but it’s  a real plus).

 Magic DVD better.

• A DVD shows you the full routine in detail exactly as the creator of the magic trick  performs the trick. You see the full presentation, timing, misdirection and audience control in a way a magic book simply can’t show you.

• A magic DVD can be paused, and you can jump to sections as you learn the material.

• You don’t need to keep a magic DVD propped open as you learn from it.

• They are more portable and can be backed up (copyright permitting).

• They tend to focus on fewer tricks, often just one per DVD, which helps you focus in on  learning the trick rather than jumping from new trick to a new trick.

Both sides of the argument have compelling points. Whether you decide to invest in a magic book or a DVD, will depend on your own preferred style of learning.

The team at the Merchant of Magic often suggests total beginners start with a magic DVD. They feel that seeing the trick performed helps to make it easier to learn, compared to text and illustrations only. Once the student has the basics under their control, books make a great recourse that will deepen their knowledge.

What do you think? Is a magic book better than a DVD? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below: