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R. Paul Wilson on The Royal Road to Card Magic Review:

Five DVDs, hours and hours and hours of instruction on a classic/timeless magic book, R. Paul Wilson and $80 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.

Effect/Method

Royal Road to Card Magic is one of the best books for a beginner to read, but what a lot of "non-beginners" (myself included) forget is that this book is full of incredible magic. I was a bit skeptical about this DVD set. I've had it in my collection for years. I bought it before I was a reviewer. I watched it with the expectation that I would already know the material well enough to skip most of it.

To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. Saying that was an understatement is an understatement. I was not only humbled and fooled many times, but shocked at how much stuff I had forgotten since I'd last read the book.

The DVD is very clear - rightly so - about the fact that you should watch this DVD set with the book in hand. It is the equivalent of the school classroom instruction that goes with the text book. The book is, obviously, a must. However, seeing this DVD set, it is clear that the book and the DVD are a must. I've seen a few attempts at making DVD sets of classic literature. This is, by far, the best implementation of the concept.

This one book is definitely an all in one course in card magic that takes you from knowing nothing to a masters level of knowledge. That said, many people dismiss it as a beginner's book. You'd be foolish to do so. Sure, there are parts you may skip over, but I guarantee you that unless you've studied this book like Vernon studied Erdnase, you'll find "new" stuff and plenty to learn and study in this DVD and/or book.

Keep in mind that the book is sold separately, and though this is a review of the DVD set, I'm highly recommending that you purchase the book as well.

Product Quality

The DVD was very well produced. The teaching segments are well taught by Wilson. Most of the effects performed are done for a small audience of spectators surrounding a table. It follows the book very closely, and the DVD is "chaptered" well so that you can easily select the sleight, move or effect that you want to learn.

Final Thoughts

If you're new to card magic, you absolutely must get this DVD set and the book (sold separately). If you've been performing card magic for weeks, months, years, decades, etc. you must get this DVD; you probably already own the book. This is a classic in magic, and after watching the DVD set, I guarantee that you're passion for one of the greatest card magic books in history will be rekindled. I dare say that you will, very likely, (re)add some effects from the book to your repertoire.

Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM!

1 Comment

  • David Steele says:

    Since I just started my journey on the road to magic I’ve been looking for a good resource to start. After buying a bunch of DVDs hoping to learn card magic I began to get frustrated due to the lack of structure in what they were teaching. They would start out teaching me a simple move then move to a more advanced sleight and expect me to easily learn it like the basic move.
    After reading Jeff’s review I knew I had to get a copy and I’m glad I did, best $60 I’ve spent so far.
    The Royal Road to Card is designed for the beginner and realizes that small steps are needed first before you can run the marathon. Each sections shows you a simple manipulation, expands on it, and shows you some tricks that utilize the tools you just learned. One of the best aspect with the book and the DVD is that is encourages you to learn at your own pace. Practice the new material, learn it, master it, and then move of.
    The DVD’s presentation is top grade: multiple camera angles, a presentation and explanation part, nice menu setup, clear picture and sound. As for the book, feels like I’m reading Shakespeare…
    For anyone wanting to begin their road to card magic, this is a must. 5 Stars.

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