The Trick Brain

by Dariel Fitzkee

2015 Reprint of the 1944 edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. This is no mere book of tricks. Fitzkee reduces all magic tricks to some nineteen general basic effects. Then, one by one, he discusses All the possible ways of accomplishing any of these general effects. He also starts suggesting ways of developing new tricks from old ones. ‘“The Trick Brain” is the finest single achievement ever brought to the magic world…. It is a necessity for the intelligent magician”—Stuart Robson “An outstanding contribution to the literature of magic… The best work on the theory of magic since Nevil Maskelyne”—Wilfred Jonson. “This work is of great value for magicians. Whether or not the book is used for producing original magic, it should be read, reread and studied by every magician for a better understanding of what magic is and what magicians can do and can seem to do…. A most valuable book and completely necessary for every student of magic.”—John Mulholland, editor THE SPRINX.

Genres: Magic

316 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1978

Reviews

[Brandon Baggett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fitzkee does a fantastic job of breaking down the mechanical aspect of magic and its world of gimmicks and props. He is able to categorize all the things that a magician would perform and talk about different ways they are done. Through this book a magician would be able to put together his own tricks.
The down side to this book is that it is very technical and dry at times. I am glad that I read it, but I now plan on using it as a reference guide only.

[MagicDave]

One of three books that I believe every magician worth his salt should study. The other two being Showmanship for Magicians and Magic by Misdirection. All by the same author: Dariel Fitzkee

I have owned a copy of this since I was young, and I learned a great deal from it. Since I am now in the winter of my years, and no longer perform, I feel that I should pass on my library of books, with some exceptions, to the up-and-coming young people just starting out. So, I have sold many books and those I still wish to possibly use in the future, I have repurchased as Kindle or PDF documents.