Here are two excellent books for the beginner interested in learning to perform magic and card tricks. Bound together in one convenient volume, both approach the art of conjuring in a business-like manner, grounding the novice in fundamentals and leading him gradually to a surprising mastery of some 80 different tricks involving cards, coins, matches, tumblers, handkerchiefs, rings, and various other articles associated with legerdemain. The art of presenting magic for the spectator’s...