Abracadabra: The Story of Magic Through the Ages - Tapa dura

"Fledgling magicians will be spellbound." --Booklist on Abracadabra "This offering stands out from similar books because of the amount of material it provides about various conjurers, illusionists, and mind readers. Newquist does not hesitate to give away trade secrets . . . " --School Library Journal on Abracadabra "A must-have book for every boy adventurer." --Jon Scieszka on For Boys Only "This graphically fresh and topically diverse collection should capture the imagination of its target audience." --Publishers Weekly on For Boys Only "[Newquist] seamlessly moves among exploration of history, mythology, film, literature and scientific discovery." --Kirkus Reviews on Here There Be Monsters "An attractive, informative book on an underrepresented topic." --Booklist on Here There Be Monsters "Detailed and informative . . . the hardcore science is balanced with anecdotes that will capture student interest." --School Library Journal on The Great Brain Book

Magic is a word we use to describe something amazing, awe-inspiring, or spectacular. Truly great magic makes us believe in things we know can't be real. In the hands of the greatest magicians, even a simple card trick can become truly wondrous. Now, in this nonfiction narrative of magic through the ages, HP Newquist explains how the world's most famous tricks were created. From the oracles of ancient Egypt and the wizards of medieval Europe on to the exploits of Houdini and modern practitioners like Criss Angel, this book unlocks the secrets behind centuries of magic and illusion. Fully illustrated and including step-by-step instructions for eight classic magic tricks, this book will have middle-grade readers spellbound.