There have been a number of "introductions" to magic published, but they never seemed to hit he right note. There has always been the need for a "first book" for the newcomer--a primer, as it were. Frances Marshall put together (as her fifteenth book) a volume that will take the newness and strangeness out of the world of magic. With the aid of Jay Marshall, she arranged a glossary of words and terms that are familiar to the initiated magician, but gibberish to the newcomer to our field. The book begins when laymen (young or old) "discover" magic. Maybe they see a TV spectacular, or a big magic show, or a friend fools them with a trick. They feel the urge to "do something about it." The Primer leads them step by step into magic. It tells them what is inside the world of magic and how they can be part of it--the clubs, organizations, the many tricks, the future possible, options and possibilities are explained and discussed. There is good solid advice from professional Jay Marshall to lead the newcomer in the right path. Then "The Language of Magic", in alphabetical order, explained so it will never be foreign again. Following that, the kinds and types of tricks are explained, leading to a program for a little stand-up show--easy to do, routined, with patter ideas given. Finally a very explicit section by Bob Miller, on "Magic, The Wonder-Full Hobby." All the facts that make magic an art are there. Plus, this section could form the basis for a superlative talk on magic suitable for any group, or for a media interview at any level. Lastly, a bibliography leads the reader into the world of magic books. Nothing like The Magic Primer has ever been printed, and you dont have to be "new" to benefit by reading it! 8 1/2" x11" pages.