Breaking down the cost of magic books
and how to get the most out of the books you have
Welcome to this edition of The Erudite Magic Digest, where we dive deep into the art, philosophy, and hidden gems of magic literature. In this issue, I’m starting a new section designed to inspire us, tackling the ever-present question of why magic books command such high prices, and sharing strategies to help you get the most from your book collection. Plus, I’m sharing a few overlooked treasures that deserve a fresh look. Let’s get into it!
Inspiration Corner
I’ve been trying to accumulate quotes by magicians that I think are particularly relevant or inspirational, and I want to share them with you here. Here’s the first entry into this series by the incomparable Eugene Burger:
“Magic is not about fooling the eye but awakening the imagination.”
—Eugene Burger
The quote is great, but what did he mean by this? I like to think he meant that the true power of magic lies in its ability to inspire curiosity, emotions, and a sense of possibility in the audience, not just pulling off an undetectable trick.
Great magic engages our audiences on a deeper level, making them feel like they’ve witnessed the impossible. It invites them to momentarily step outside of logic and into a world where anything can happen. This perspective elevates magic from a puzzle to an art form—one that sparks imagination.
It’s the difference between a spectator or participant thinking, “How did he do that?” and feeling, “What else might be possible?” Who among us doesn’t want to give that kind of a gift to people?!
Why are magic books so expensive?
I’ve been building my magic library over the last few decades, and when I stop to think about how much I’ve spent on magical knowledge in that time, it short-circuits my brain.
Most mainstream books—novels, self-help, business guides—rarely exceed $30 in hardcover, and paperbacks often land in the $15 range. Yet, in the magic world, $50 is considered entry-level, and specialized books can easily surpass $100, $150, or even $300.
Why is this?
First, magic books are a niche market. Unlike mass-market publications that sell tens or hundreds of thousands of copies, magic books are often printed in limited runs, sometimes just a few hundred or a couple thousand copies. This means that production costs—editing, printing, and binding—are spread across far fewer buyers, naturally driving up the price per book.
Second, magic books contain exclusive knowledge. Unlike a bestseller on negotiation or productivity, which distills widely available concepts, a magic book often reveals secrets that have taken years, if not lifetimes, to develop. Some books contain entire acts or systems that could form the foundation of a professional’s career. When you consider the potential return on investment for a working magician, even a $150 book can seem like a bargain.
Third, there’s the craftsmanship. Many magic books—especially those from high-end publishers—are beautifully bound, designed to last a lifetime. These aren’t cheap, mass-produced paperbacks but durable, collector-worthy volumes meant to be studied and treasured.
That being said, the cost of magic books can be a major barrier for newcomers. For those just getting started, it can feel like an expensive buy-in, especially when compared to the instant gratification of learning from YouTube tutorials. But what those tutorials lack is depth—books offer a structured, curated path into the art, providing insights that go far beyond just the mechanics of a trick.
So while a $50 (or even $150) magic book might feel expensive at first glance, it’s worth considering what you’re really paying for: not just paper and ink, but knowledge, history, and often, a direct line to the minds of the greatest magicians in history.
How to get the most out of your library
No matter what your library cost you, you still want to ensure you’re maximizing your study time. To that end, here are some tips I’ve discovered over the years that have paid off for me, so I want to share 10 of my top tips with you:
1. Read with a Purpose
It’s easy to browse a book aimlessly, but you’ll get more value if you approach your reading with intent. Are you looking for a new opener? A closer? A specific technique? Go in with a goal, and you’ll retain more.
2. Take Notes—By Hand
Writing things down forces you to process and synthesize information. Whether it’s a dedicated notebook or annotations in the margins, taking notes helps cement ideas in your mind and makes it easier to revisit your insights later.
3. Test, Don’t Just Read
Magic books are meant to be experienced, not just read. As you go through a book, physically try the techniques and routines if they interest you. Even if something seems theoretical, running through it in your hands can reveal nuances you might otherwise miss.
4. Revisit Books Regularly
Some books will reveal new secrets at different stages of your magical journey. A book that felt beyond my skill level five years ago may now hold the exact solution to a problem I’m facing. Keep a short list of books worth revisiting.
5. Cross-Reference Your Library
Many great books reference other works (or sometimes your brain makes a connection). When you come across a trick, concept, or sleight in one book, see how it’s discussed in others. This deepens our understanding and helps us develop a better solution.
(psst, if you don’t know about Discoverie or Conjuring Archive, they’re a cheat code for this step!)
6. Apply What You Learn
Reading is just step one—true learning happens when you apply knowledge. Challenge yourself to incorporate at least one idea from each book you study into your practice or performances. It doesn’t have to be a full routine; even a subtlety or presentation tweak can be transformative.
7. Organize for Easy Access
A well-organized library saves time and makes study more efficient. Whether you categorize by subject, author, or a personal system that makes sense to you, knowing where to find what you need is crucial.
8. Create a ‘To-Do’ List for Your Books
If you come across a routine you love but aren’t ready to work on, keep a running list of effects or ideas to revisit later. This prevents great material from getting lost in the shuffle.
9. Discuss and Share
Talking about what you’re learning with other magicians can deepen your understanding. Join study groups, discuss books with friends, or even write about what you’ve learned—it forces you to process the material on a deeper level.
10. Give Your Books the Attention They Deserve
Your magic books are more than just possessions; they’re teachers and mentors. Treat them with respect, dive deep into their pages, and you’ll find that their value extends far beyond the price you paid.
Getting even more out of your library
Let’s say you’re already doing these things, or maybe you’re not. It wouldn’t hurt to get a peek into what I’m reading and the gems I’m finding, right? The rest of this newsletter shares some of the hidden gems I’ve encountered across my library. I hope you like these ideas as much as I do! In case you’re not a paid member of this Digest, I still want you to get some ideas, so go watch my video where I tipped some of my favorites on YouTube:
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