Frequently Asked Questions on Illusion Books by Illusionist and Illusion Designer J C Sum

You have quite a few different books? Which one should I get?

Here is a run-down of the books:

The professional level illusion books are "Illusionary Departures", "Equilateral" and "Urban Illusions". The "Ultimate Illusion Collection" is a compilation of these three books.

My latest book, "Pack Flat Illusions for Kids & Family Shows", is a collection of material that is highly practical for the working performer and especially the new or part-time illusionist.

"The Event Illusionist" is not an illusion design book but has been highly regarded as the best book on the subject of building and marketing a stage magic show to the special events industry.

"Beyond the Stage" is a set of lecture notes that does not teach illusion designs but is full of valuable information for the aspiring performer and commercial magician.

What is the difference between the original "Urban Illusions" book that you sold for US$150 and the 2011 version that I can buy at any good magic dealer for US$90?

"Urban Illusions" was first released in Jan 2009 and was only available direct through me. In Jul 2011, Murphy's Magic Supplies produced and distributed a mass-release edition to the international magic community. To make it more accessible, the price was agreed to be lowered. However, this mass-release edition does not include my "Impossible 50-storey in 5 seconds" teleportation mega illusion. So, it contains 10 illusions instead of 11.

Which is the most value-for-money book?

The "Ultimate Illusion Collection" will be the most value for money in terms of price as it is a compilation of all three of my professional illusion design books into one. It also contains the method for my "Impossible 50-storey in 5 seconds" teleportation that is not available in the 2011 mass edition version of "Urban Illusions". The book is very big and heavy but if you order if, we pay for shipping worldwide, so that is big savings!

Are the illusions difficult to build?

The books which contain the easiest to build illusions are "Pack Flat Illusions for Kids & Family Show" and "Illusionary Departures".

Most of the illusions in "Equilateral" and "Urban Illusions" require an experienced builder who is familiar working with wood and metal.

I'm new to illusions. Which book bests suits me?

I would recommend "Pack Flat Illusions for Kids & Family Shows". These are professional level illusions but are designed to be easier and more inexpensive to build. It is also a great introduction to illusion techiques and methods.

You can then consider "Illusionary Departures" as it contains many different kinds of illusions, stage routines and presentations that are also not highly complex. It also contains my Approach to Base Work that details my design, philosophy and original building techniques to a modern base.

I'm still undecided which books I want as different ones in different books seem to appeal to me.

You can then consider just ordering the digitial plans for the illusions that you want specifically. This would be the most cost effective way, especially, if you know which ones you want.