The Best Places Online to Buy Magic Books

 

If you're a magician looking to build your library or level up your sleight-of-hand, mentalism, or performance theory, then you already know: books are the real treasure troves of magic. Unlike video downloads or flashy gimmicks, magic books offer deep dives into techniques, performance psychology, and routines that stand the test of time.

But where should you go online to find the best magic books—at great prices, with reliable shipping, and unique selections?

I’ve put together a detailed list of the best online sources for magic books, whether you're looking for beginner materials, rare collectibles, or fresh ideas for your act. At the end, I’ll also introduce you to a game-changing new magic book concept you’ve never seen before.

🪄 1. Vanishing Inc.

Website: vanishingincmagic.com

Why It’s Great: Vanishing Inc. is one of the most respected online magic stores in the world. Founded by magicians Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin, their book selection is not only vast—it’s curated. Whether you’re looking for beginner guides, advanced sleight-of-hand, or limited-edition tomes, you’ll find them here, often accompanied by excellent customer reviews and bonus content. The print quality of their books is also second to none.

🪄 2. Penguin Magic

Website: penguinmagic.com

Why It’s Great: Known for its deep catalog of magic tricks, Penguin Magic also has an excellent book section. Many titles come with live demo videos, reviews, and user ratings, making it easy to choose what fits your level and interests. Their frequent sales and downloadable e-books make it a go-to for budget-conscious magicians.

🪄 3. Lybrary.com

Website: lybrary.com

Why It’s Great: Specializing in digital downloads, Lybrary.com offers thousands of magic e-books—from modern publications to scanned copies of rare out-of-print material. It's one of the most affordable and comprehensive sources of magic literature online, with specialties in card magic, mentalism, and historical texts.

🪄 4. Amazon

Website: amazon.com

Why It’s Great: While not a dedicated magic retailer, Amazon is a convenient place to find mainstream magic books—especially classics like Royal Road to Card Magic, Modern Coin Magic, and anything by Karl Fulves or Martin Gardner. Prime shipping and used book options make this a practical option for quickly building your magic repertoire without breaking the bank.

🪄 5. Dover Publications

Website: store.doverpublications.com

Why It’s Great: Dover is known for publishing affordable reprints of public domain and classic magic books. Their editions are no-frills, but the price is unbeatable. Look here for titles like Practical Mental Magic, Expert at the Card Table, and Mathematics, Magic, and Mystery.

🪄 6. Hocus Pocus Magic

Website: hocus-pocus.com

Why It’s Great: A trusted supplier in the magic community, Hocus Pocus offers a wide array of products—including a solid collection of instructional books. From beginner tricks to full routines used by working pros, this shop is known for service, stock variety, and fast shipping.

🪄 7. Conjuring Arts Research Center / Miracle Factory

Websites:

·      conjuringarts.org

·      miraclefactory.net

Why They’re Great: These two sources are gold mines for collectors, researchers, and serious students of magic. The Conjuring Arts Research Center offers rare manuscripts and reprints of obscure titles, while Miracle Factory publishes premium editions of magic classics, often with beautiful hardcover binding and bonus commentary.

🪄 8. The Magic Warehouse

Website: magicwarehouse.com

Why It’s Great: A solid all-around magic shop with a clean interface and a good selection of books for all skill levels. The Magic Warehouse often features discounts and carries both classics and newer releases. A reliable choice for U.S.-based shoppers.

🪄 9. Theory11

Website: theory11.com

Why It’s Great: Known for high-end playing cards and sleek branding, Theory11 also carries select magic books—especially limited-edition releases and collector’s items. Their materials are beautifully produced and ideal for magicians who value aesthetics and presentation.

🪄 10. Tannen’s Magic

Website: tannens.com

Why It’s Great: As one of the oldest magic shops in the U.S., Tannen’s has deep roots in the magic community. Their book section includes many trusted classics and often features signed or hard-to-find editions. Also a great spot for updates on conventions and magic camp info.

🪄 11. eBay (for Rare and Used Magic Books)

Website: ebay.com

Why It’s Great: A haven for bargain hunters and collectors alike, eBay offers used and vintage books that may no longer be in print. It’s one of the few places to find first editions, obscure manuscripts, and sometimes incredible deals if you know what to search for.

🪄 12. Alibris & AbeBooks

Websites:

·      alibris.com

·      abebooks.com

Why They’re Great: Both are excellent for used and out-of-print magic books. If you’re hunting down old Dover editions or rare titles, these marketplaces can yield gold at discount prices. Many listings come from used bookstores, helping keep the cost low.

🪄 BONUS: dpmagicbooks.com

Website: dpmagicbooks.com

Why It’s a Game-Changer: Unlike any other resource on this list, DP Magic Books blends fictional storytelling with original magic instruction—a concept never before seen in the magic community. Each volume in the series tells a thrilling narrative set in a secret magical world, where the main character Declan Pierce takes you deeper into his magical mystery adventures and then finishes it off by teaching you some powerful original magic effects.

The tricks focus on card magic and mentalism, many of which introduce entirely new methods or reimagine classic sleights and principles for the modern performer. These books are perfect for magicians looking to expand not just their techniques—but their creativity, character, and presentation.

Better yet, they’re highly affordable, making them accessible for performers at every level.

👉 Check out the current series at www.dpmagicbooks.com

✨ Final Thoughts

Whether you're a beginner building your library or an expert seeking rare gems, the magic book world is more alive than ever—especially online. From classics at Dover to collectible reprints at Conjuring Arts to the immersive innovation of DP Magic Books, there’s never been a better time to learn, collect, and perform magic from the page.

Start building your library today—and discover the real secrets of magic.