Below is a list of recommended books on illusion design and presentation.

While it is impossible to neatly organize titles into categories, the books have been categorized based on the level of difficulty and design of the illusions. Advanced books generally require the reader to have a strong fundamental understanding of illusions methods, principles and techniques.


FOR BEGINNER ILLUSIONISTS

• Complete Course in Magic - Mark Wilson
• Tarbell Course of Magic
• Victory Carton Illusions - UF Grant
• Darwin’s Inexpensive Illusions - Gary Darwin
• The Great Illusion of Magic (2 -books) - Byron G. Wells

These books offer some basic illusions with basic instructions on the construction. Great for first time builders or beginning illusionists looking to experiment in illusions. Wells' book is a good reference with very detailed plans. A lot of the designs are dated but the detailed building plans make for a good learning tool.

• So You Want to Be an Illusionist - David Seebach

David's book gives you an overview of his decades of experience as an illusionist. He has owned and worked with many illusions built by top builders. In this spiral-bound book, he shares his experience and tips on working on these illusions. There are also nuggets of information spread out throughout the book. This is a good book for beginners but I do feel his approach, style and material may be considered a bit dated for today's contemporary illusionist looking for mainstream relevance.

• Illusion Book – Andrew Mayne
• Illusion F/X – Andrew Mayne
• Illusion Tech - Andrew Mayne
• The Secret Illusion Show - Andrew Mayne
• Solo-X – Andrew Mayne

Andrew Mayne has a collection of books tha are easy to read and comprehend. He offers many ideas and solutions to illusions that can be built on a budget. Contemporary material that is a great introduction to modern illusioneering.

• Illusion Systems (Vol I – IV) - Paul Osborne
• Classic Illusions (Vol 1 - 3) – Paul Osborne
• Easy Build Illusions - Paul Osborne

Paul Osborne's Illusion Systems books were once the foundational texts for illusion builders. It covers many basic building techniques and illusions. However, many of the designs are now dated in look as well as material and finish. However, the books are still a solid reference. His more recently released books (Classic Illusions, Easy Build Illusions) have more contemporary designs and many practical illusion solutions.

• Conjuror's Optical Secrets – Sharpe
• Conjuror's Pneumatic/Hydraulic Secrets - Sharpe
• Conjuror's Mechanical Secrets - Sharpe

Sharpe's series of books provide important technical information and fundamental principles that will provide an important foundation.

• Illusions In The Round - Don Arthur

This is a collection of practical illusions that can be performed surrounded and reasonably easy to build from wood. While not as dated in design as Paul Osborne's Illusion Systems series, the illusions need to be updated in look.

FOR INTERMEDIATE ILLUSIONISTS

• Modern Art – Jim Steinmeyer
• The Complete Jarrett - Guy Jarrett, Jim Steinmeyer
• The Magic of Alan Wakeling - Jim Steinmeyer
• Art & Artifice - Jim Steinmeyer

• Conjuror's Anthology - Jim Steinmeyer
• Device & Illusion – Jim Steinmeyer

Steinmeyer's books are a must-have in any serious illusionist's library. He vast collection of books includes hundreds of illusion designs that will educate on all levels - design, method, psychology and presentation. He has created more modern illusions used by professionals worldwide than any other designer in history

• Steps & Bases - Rand Woodbury
• Illusionworks (I - III)  - Rand Woodbury
• Diversions - Rand Woodbury
• Paragons and Paradoxes - Milian Forzetting

Rand filled a void of modern illusion content in the early 1990s. His designs and concealment methods are contemporary and still hold up to this date very well. His book on steps & bases is a must-read introductory text on these essential tools. The rest of the books contain dozens of cutting edge illusion designs.

• Illusionary Departures – J C Sum
• The Black Book - Paul Osborne
• Illusions: Evolution and the Revolution of the Magic Box - Paul Osborne

Different critically acclaimed books filled with ideas to inspire and fill shows.

FOR ADVANCED ILLUSIONISTS

• Technique & Understanding - Jim Steinmeyer
  

• Urban Illusions – J C Sum
• Equilateral – J C Sum
• 4e Illusion Design – Mark Parker
• Vivify - Mark Parker
• Advanced Illusion Projects - Tim Cloutier
  

These books contain technically advanced illusion designs that will require an experienced builder to build. The techniques, methods and staging are also more sophisticated and complex.

SPECIALTY ILLUSIONS

• Walter Jeans Illusioneer by Peter Warlock - Million $ Mystery
• Magic of Yogano - Levitation Systems
• Encyclopedia of Suspensions & Levitations - Bruce Armstrong

GENERAL READING

• The Master Illusionists - Mark Walker
• Magic Of Lee Gabriel - O. Mcgill
• Ralph Adams A Lifetime in Magic book and video