Hocus Pocus: A Tale of Magnificent Magicians

This books makes a great gift for a youngster who is interested in magic. The story is great and introduces the reader to magic history (which is rich and exciting) and the tricks are well-chosen and taught. I don't know how Scholastic manages to publish such a quality book at this price point, but I do know that the young girl I gave a copy to was thrilled with this book.

Paul Kieve has given those interested in the performance and history of magic a fascinating read. The book, although written for a pre-teen audience, is packed with intimate factual information about the great magicians from magic's golden age, 1890 - 1930. Alexander, Chung Ling Soo, Lafayette, Talma, Ionia, and, of course, Houdini, leap from the pages to tell their stories and reveal a few performing secrets. Those just beginning their journey into the world of magic will learn enough basic magic tricks to create their own show with house-hold items. Those steeped in the knowledge of magic history will delight in the vintage magic posters that come alive to reveal the glory of each performer's show. For those in the know, imagine a lighter mix of the following classics in magic, Milbourne Christopher's Illustrated History of Magic, Charles and Regina Reynolds' One Hundred Years of Magic Posters, and Bruce Elliot's Classic Secrets of Magic. Paul has created a fresh classic at the start of the 21st century. Well done Paul! Hocus Pocus, Chung Ling Soo, The Man of Mystery, Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear, The Illustrated History of Magic