Book of Wonder Vol 1 by Tommy Wonders

I got really interested in Tommy Wonder's materials after attending his lectures during IF Magic. I really liked the way he thinks and the way he handles attention misdirection (or direction as he explains it), and the way he plans the routines and climaxes. Actually, i wasn't too sure if his performance style is something that is suitable for me but I went ahead and got this book anyway. Man, is it money well spent. B)

This has got to be one of the best read I've read, and defintely the best investment I've made in any of my magic related purchases. It is hardcover, well written and thoughtful, even humourous (without being silly) while staying quite serious and on track.
I have to confess, I haven't read a great amount of magic literature (but I have read a few books, thou mostly techniques focused), but I don't think I can go very wrong by saying that this is probably one of the best reads on close up magic.

There are quite a few effects (27 of them) taught in the book of no specific genre, quite a few cards, a few coins, a few hybrid, and some misc. The effects are not taught in the typical Effect, Preperation/Setup, Method break down that's commonly used to teach magic but starts with a short description before diving right into the secrets. But the teaching is done in the way of a "lecture" with comments and side notes along the way taking you along as he explains the reasons behind and the techniques with equal details.
But what i really liked about the book are the essays explaining his philosophies and thinking process. They are all very thought provoking and honest in dealing with all aspects of magicial peformances, from misdirection to audience management to routining to effects creation, usually following effects which illustrates a particular point that he is trying to make.
He does not present his ideas and theories as (somewhat cliche) "rules" that were taught in many books (e.g. ask a question if u want a spec to look at your eyes, point after doing a false transfer, etc ). In fact, he challenges many of the traditional "rules of thumb" that have been over (mis)quoted by magicians. But he gives the full explaination behind his theories and handlings, sparing no effort in going in extensive details about how he arrives at them and his reasoning, giving the reader room to analysis and re-think everything for themselves and choose to agree or not.
This is a man who puts A LOT of thought into his routine. Every single action and gesture and expression has a reason. His grip on misdirection is really inspirational (as anyone who saw his 2-cup cups and balls during the IF Magic lecture can tell you, he got a lot of us fooled even when he was EXPLAINING the method). His thinking process and creative process, all very generously explained and disected, most accompanied by effects which illustrates the particular theory at work. The theories and philosophies essays are really the gems. The book would still have been worth it if it didn't have a single routine taught but just the subtlities and principles taught. If you liked his lectures, you are gonna love this book to bits.

It's not difficult to tell that i'm now quite a fan B) I only regret not getting his autographed lecture notes and Wonder Vision DVD set which he was selling at IF Magic.
Defintely a must read for serious close up magicians, in my (currently biased) humble opinion. :g:

Having raved about all that, I would like to say this book is maybe not for the beginner magician. Not because the effects/methods/sleights are too difficult or that the explainations are not sufficient. But I think a beginner will not appriciate enough the theory parts of it, which i think is where the real good stuff is. A certain amount of knowledge, experience and maturity is required to really get the good stuff out of it. I doubt I have yet able to appriciate little more than 60% of knowledge impartation from it at this point. I think I will be able to learn more from it as I learn more about my own magic. Will be getting Vol 2 as soon as I've sufficiently read thru this.

Rating: 10/10 B)

I got this from the little magic shop for SGD$81.

wow... thanx for sharing with us the review. It surely sounds interesting yeah its good to know more on the theory side of magic rather than just on how to perform. B)

Hi,

I read some articles and reviews some times ago and heard that in this Tommy's book, some of the gimmicks that required to build for that effect is not easy, right?????

But, overall, I read quite a number of reviews that this book is awesome to read and explore its contents. ^_^

Andrew

Yup... it comes in an awesome hardcopy copy- beautiful work of art with precious gems in there. I met Tommy Wonder during the International Festival of Magic convention in SG some time back... he really is a wonder! ^_^

This is a book I'd highly recommend.

I've seen Tommy Wonder's DVD #1....and his stuff are really incredible...
however he has lots of preparations and setups before he can do a trick...
Is this the case with the book too??

But i must agree...yes, his thinking and theories are brilliant!

I just feel like bringing back up this old review from more than 1 year ago.

Highly recommended stuff for all. Even if you have his DVD set, you should still get the books.

I got Ning to put in an order for Book Two yesterday, a little over 1 year from the 1st book, and, in a strange twist of fate, just before Tommy Wonder passed away.

Very much looking forward to it arriving now.