"My aim was to produce a practical handbook that would guide the beginner in card magic through the basic handling of the cards to the successful production of the tricks."
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All Together Now by Stuart Lee Trafford Publishing
book review by Jenifer Kimble
This book is a must have reference for all those, young and old, looking to entertain friends and family with a multitude of card tricks. It is the fourth in a series which also includes, Old Wine in a New Bottle, Magic Aces and Out of the Box. The thirty or so card tricks that this newest book from Lee outlines includes methodically written instruction presented in simple text that anyone can follow. The book begins with must-have definitions of things like packet, deck, side, end etc. The author outlines intricate details to make a homegrown, card-based magic show a success. He gives hints for distracting your spectators so that you can perform a sleigh-of-hand though warns against employing this tactic too much as spectators easily become skeptical. The author even recommends certain decks and colors for certain tricks to enhance the experience.
The instructions for the tricks are well-thought out and include an introduction called "Effect" that tells the magician what the end game is. This proceeds numbered instruction for the "Performance." In some cases, Lee offers up adaptations and alternatives based on whether one is performing for an audience of one or several. The good news for beginners is that while some of the card tricks are enhanced by sleights-of-hand, Lee outlines the tricks using minimum manipulation to ensure that regardless of skill level, the performer can put on a great show. With this book, a couple decks of regular and miniature-sized cards, some patience, lots of practice and of course, a willing audience, one would be well on their way to a magical sideshow of fun.