Penn and Teller's Cruel Tricks for Dear Friends / Book and Trick Packet Paperback – 1 Oct. 1990

This product wasn't really what I was expecting. I bought it as a gift for my other half, and was actually a little embarrassed after he commented on the small size of the text. I hadn't actually looked at the book before opening the parcel as I had intended it as a christmas gift (but didn't account for Christmas postal delays) and so I just gave it to him as a surprise on the spot when the delivery arrived.When I actually looked at the pages of the book, I saw what he meant. The text is so tiny. Like, what is this? A book for ants? How can we be expected to teach magic tricks to Kids Who Can’t Read Good ? It needs to be at LEAST 3 times bigger.But seriously, the text is tiny. Before I ordered the book I noticed another review mentioning it was a 'complicated book'. I didn't understand what they mean't - it's not that the tricks are complicated, it's that it's complicated to read. For us it's as good as unreadable and consequently I couldn't say if the tricks are any good.Lastly, I returned here to review the product (obv) now having already received the book. This time, I saw a second review that I didn't read at the time because it had given 5 stars. This reviewer stated that there's a trick packet and without having that the book is "useless". The listing title states it's for a book AND trick packet, and seeing that a 'like new' used one was a fraction of the cost I bought it without thinking. It should have occurred to me at the time but it it didn't so just in case it doesn't for others either: If you buy one second hand you're more than likely just getting the book and not the trick packet, which is obviously why it's so much cheaper. Rookie mistake.

A strange book indeed but exactly as expected from this mischievous magical duo.If you want to get more of an insight into the complex mind-set of the evergreen Penn & Teller, whilst at the same time learning a few stunts to perform, then this is the book for you.But patience is needed as you may find yourself puzzled at the somewhat mutli-directional layout of the book.Enough said. Just get the book & read it front, back, sideways - or anyway you wish. It really isn't expensive & may prove a sort of collectors' item one day.

Just brilliant from the easy to the elaborate set ;this is a joy to read ( plus the book has one of the funniest gags ever - MAGIC MIRROR )

Great product at a great price. Thanks.

Couldn't make head nor tail of this. Extremely complicated book. Good luck!

This book is highly recommended to all P & T fans but the trick packet is essential otherwise it's worse than useless. If I told more I would spoil it!

This book is full of lovely anecdotes, randomn thoughts and magic tricks that work. All written with a great sense of humour and a relaxed outlook on life. You want to have a good read AND make your teenage children happy? Buy this book!

This is a tremendously compelling book of practical jokes to play on your friends and family- ranging in tone from the slightly cruel to the downright malicious. Yesterday my son Horace handed me his copy to look through and I quite literally could not put it down (until he finally agreed to drive to the supermarket and fetch a bottle of solvent-based nail polish remover- in order to break down the industrial strength adhesive!).