alt.magic FAQ part 1/4
Mike Kamlet
Last-modified: Sept. 4, 1993
Frequently asked questions in alt.magic/part1 (of 4)
Last modified: Sept. 4, 1993
Please send suggested corrections and additions to: mi...@vpnet.chi.il.us
Topics:
Part 1
I. GUIDELINES/ETIQUETTE FOR POSTING
II. MAGICIANS WHO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS GROUP
III. MAGICAL EVENTS
IV. MAGIC ORGANIZATIONS
Part 2
V. BOOKS ON MAGIC
Part 3
VI. OTHER MAGIC REFERENCES
VI-A. MAGAZINES
VI-B. VIDEOS
Part 4
VII. LIST OF DEALERS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. GUIDELINES/ETIQUETTE FOR POSTING
Q) What is the purpose of this group?
A) This group is for the discussion of magic as entertainment, including
but not limited to close-up, sleight of hand, platform, stage, and
illusion magic. For discussions of pagan, occult, and spiritual magic
try alt.magick (note the "k"), alt.paranormal, alt.divination, or
alt.pagan.
Q) Why not alt.conjuring, alt.prestidigitation, or alt.magic.tricks?
A) Because escape artists are magicians who don't partake in "conjuring".
Illusionists don't partake in prestidigitation (sleight of hand). And
many magicians (myself inluded) don't like to refer to magic as tricks
or trickery because of the negative connotation that you are out to
"get" the audience. The emphasis should be on entertainment, not merely
a puzzle, etc. (From: pre...@bach.udel.edu (Jason Y Nocks))
Q) What topics should -not- be discussed in this group?
A) Since this is a public forum some of us would prefer not to openly
discuss the secrets behind the workings of magical effects. The
following are some of the reasons given to support this policy:
1) You ruin the illusion for others.
2) Magic as an art only exists when the performance appears impossible.
Focusing on "how it is done" reduces the art to a puzzle.
3) Magic as an art exists to entertain. To allow an audience to focus
on the performance and not the gimmick is the ENTIRE REASON for the
performance. The curiosity you feel when you're fooled by magic is
part of the entertainment. When the curiosity is removed, so is some
of the entertainment.
4) Although the public thinks it wants to know what we are doing they
are disappointed when they find out.
5) Some folks count on the elements of surprise and subtlety in their
techniques to feed their kids and pay rent.
6) The point is not to stop genuinely interested people from reading
about magic, the point is to stop hecklers from getting more
ammunition and ruining someone else's performance.
7) The secrets are not yours to give. There are very, very few truly
original secrets of magic. The vast majority have been guarded and
passed down, some for thousands of years.
Q) What topics should be discussed in this group?
A) All the other aspects of magic. For example,
1) Magic as entertainment
1a) Showmanship
1b) Delivery
1c) Presentation
1d) Philosophy
2) The performance of magic
2a) Embarrassing moments and how to handle them
2b) Views on borrowing/imitating
2c) Putting together a show
3) Magic performances
3a) Upcomming
3b) Performances you may have seen
4) Favorite effects
5) Magicians
5a) Favorite magicians
5b) Yourself and your performances
6) Where to learn more
6a) People willing to teach
6b) Books, tapes, magazines, clubs
6c) Magic dealers
7) Magic as a business
7a) Booking
7b) How to advertise
7c) Openings
Q) What other sources are available on-line to find out more about magic?
A1) Some of the subscribers to this list are willing to further discuss
magic via e-mail. See section II of this FAQ.
A2) Bruce Barnett maintains a magic mailing list as a place magicians can
freely exchange information without the public listening in. Send mail
to magic-...@maillist.crd.ge.com for more details. If that doesn't
work, try the following in order...
magic-...@crdras.ge.com
magic-...@crdgw1.ge.com (crdgw1 is now gone, but is aliased)
bar...@crd.ge.com ( last resort :-)
A3) Jeff Isozaki (jt...@duts.ccc.amdahl.com) posts a monthly list of "Magic
in Movies" indicating movies, actors, and scenes in which magic
appears.
A4) Mofo, Penn & Teller's BBS. If you try to call the old NY number (the
one in the Cruel Tricks book) you won't be able to get in. They've
moved the bbs to Delphi Systems (a Compuserve/Prodigy/etc type system).
To subscribe to Delphi, dial 1-800-695-4002, hit enter twice and type
the password, mofo. I'm not sure of the cost.
A5) Don Martin (mar...@biostat.washington.edu) has begun assembling a list
of mystery stories where the detective or a major character is a
magician.
A6) Russ Sage (rs...@magic.taligent.com) has begun assembling a list of
stage hypnosis performers.
Q) Is there a possibility this news group could be altered in some way so
that people wouldn't accidently keep posting things that belong in
alt.magicK?
A) It is easiest to just ignore these articles. Many newsreaders have a
feature called a "kill-file" which will mark articles containing certain
patterns as having been read or delete the article. Here are the
patterns for some newsreaders. Check with your local documentation of
system administrator for more information.
News reader: Kill-file pattern:
------------ -----------------
rn /magick/h:j
gnus (gnus-kill "xref" "magick")
Q) Hasn't it been proven that most of magicK is actually magic?
A) Many magicians have become involved in debunking charlatans who claim to
have supernatural powers, most notably Houdini and more recently The
Amazing Randi.
Magicians can duplicate almost any miracle. There is a branch of magic
that has blossomed in the last 20 years that uses occult science as a
theme. Some of the material is strong enough to start a new religion.
Here is one effect that gives you an example....
It is an occult alter. A young novice wearing a robe steps up to the
magi. Several occult steps are performed. After building up to a climax,
the magi takes a ceremonial dagger and raises it high in the air. He
quickly plunges the dagger down, and the novice screams. The robe then
falls to the floor, empty. The novice has vanished. If you were at a
coven meeting and saw this, you would certainly be affected.
Smaller/simpler miracles are much easier - of course. When someone
describes a paranormal event, a magician knows how trivial it is to fool
someone. Of course he/she is skeptical.
(Example from: Bruce Barnett <bar...@crd.ge.com> uunet!crdgw1!barnett)
See also alt.skeptic.
Q) Whatever happened to ...
A) Doug Henning From: Bernie Cosell cos...@world.std.com
From promotional material for Maharishi Veda Land, a theme park
planned for construction in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The park,
which is the creation of magician Doug Henning "under the
guidande of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi," is expected to open by
1996. A press release states that the $1.5 billion park, on
1,400 acres, will "combine enlightenment, knowledge, and
entertainment."
The Maharishi Veda Land Theme Park --- "The Pride of Canada" --- will
bring enlightenment to visitors as they experience higher states of
consciousness. Each of the park's attractions will expand visitors'
appreciation of their own infinite potential. They will experience reality
and illusion, immortality and change, unity in diversity, infinity within
a point, and the universe within the self.
There will be thirty-three original rides and shows, including:
* Magic Flying Chariot Ride --- Take a ride deep inside the molecular
structure of a rose.
* Corridor of Time --- Fly down through history from the beginning of
of creation to the end of the universe.
* Courtyard of Illusion --- See the world's only levitating building,
which floats fifteen feet above water, and discover that there is
more to reality than your sense can perceive.
* Veda Vision --- Experience a spectacular vision of the totality of
life as images appear in midair.
* Seven Steps to Enlightenment --- Feel enlightened as you visit seven
wondrous pavilions radiating out like the spokes of a wheel. Your
path has been carefully designed to lead you, in an entertaining
way, step-by-step to enlightenment.
The park's attractions will answer those eternal questions in the
minds of men: "What is my connection to the infinitely expanding
universe? Where is the stream of life flowing as we spiral down
the corridor of time? Who am I?"
---From the August issue of Harper's
Q) Can experienced magicians give some tips on how to read a magic catalog?
How can we spot tricks that are over advertised?
A) It's amazing what people will say for money. The trouble is that you'll
find a lot of misleading but correct ads in a strict legal way. Look
for reviews of the items before you buy. Go and watch a demo, and then,
if the demo looked wonderful, you need to have someone tell you whether
this can be done by someone at your skill level.
Suggested questions: Do you really need this item? Is it useful in more
than one way? Or is it limited to the effect described? Will it gain in
value over the years? Is it a limited edition? Will it help you in
your act? Do you plan to USE it?
Q) Do you believe that it is detrimental to the art of magic to post
"insider" information pertaining to the methods used to achieve a
magical effect?
A) POLLING RESULTS: compiled by Hans Masing.(HCM...@PSUVM.psu.edu)
There were 48 responses within the allotted polling time. 35 were
magicians, 13 were laypersons.
The average age of magicians in the poll is 32.2 (mean of 26). The
typical layperson is 31.7 (mean of 27).
For magicians, the average experience is 12.9 years, however there were
a few outliers with more than 30 years that skewed the results.
Eliminating these outliers, the average experience drops to 2 years.
*****
Of the 35 magicians who responded, 46% of you say that methods should
not be revealed, 43% say that they should, and 11% are undecided.
Not surprisingly, of the 13 laypeople who responded, 33% said that it is
detrimental, 54% said it is not detrimental, with 13% undecided.
*****
Remarks AGAINST revealing secrets:
**Layperson, age 44:
"It is one thing to be the artist or the craftsperson discussing the
skills needed, it is another to be the layperson intent on taking the
illusion away. ANYONE can access this newsgroup. So even though I
would enjoy reading the secrets of the craft and might even attempt to
execute one, I know that there are other resources for that. This
newsgroup is like a cafe - public and private at the same time. I
wouldn't expect a real magician to be demonstrating the "how it's done"
in a cafe."
*****
Remarks FOR revealing secrets:
**"Easy" magician, age 20, "12 or so" years experience:
"Information is not just for people who can afford it. The main reason
I haven't been able to go from half-magician to magician is because I
cannot afford to. This would be a great forum to help young (and broke)
half-magicians"
**Close-up magician, age 29, 2 years experience:
"An adult, through common sense realizes that a coin cannot be pulled
from a persons ear without being palmed. They know it's being palmed.
As a result, the art is to present the illusion in such a way that they
don't see the palming."
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II. MAGICIANS WHO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS GROUP
Q) WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE, ANYWAYS? What magicians subscribe to this group,
what is their status, i.e. illusionist, pocket-magic, and what is their
level of expertise i.e. professional, beginner.
A) Interestingly enough, there is a very wide readership on ALT.MAGIC. The
majority are from North America, but there are many of you from Europe
and Australia, and even a few readers from the Orient. Below are
biographies of some of the readers. If you would like to be included
here please drop a note to mi...@vpnet.chi.il.us along with a brief
biography . Unlike other material in the FAQ, this is not lifted from
the postings, but rather, based on e-mail submissions because I consider
this of a personal nature. Please contribute.
******
From: Paul Nielsen <nie...@crd.ge.com>
First a shameless plug about myself:
I've been interested in magic since I was 9. I am a performer and
collector with previous experience as a demonstrator, teacher, and manager
in a magic shop. Working in a magic shop gave me exposure to a broad range
of experience with effects I otherwise would not have been able to afford
and gave constant practice. I've performed for large audiences (over 5,000
people), on local television, and at fairs. I build and refinish many of
my own props including small illusions. Currently, I don't perform as much
as I used to, since a PhD in computer science pays better, but I like to
remain active and support other's efforts.
Paul Nielsen
(nie...@crd.ge.com)
*****
To contact Penn & Teller: mja...@casbah.acns.nwu.edu (Margaret Jamroz)
will forward any questions or comments you might have directly to Penn.
If you would like to send e-mail to Penn and Teller and don't want to go
through Margaret Jamroz, you no longer need to. Just send messages to:
mo...@delphi.com
Colin Summers, their personal hacker, will make sure the messages get to
them. At least now you don't have to subscribe to Delphi to get mail to
them. However, the Mofo (P&T fan club BBS) is there, and if you're
interested in that, you'll still have to join Delphi.
*****
From: Shaene M. Steinauer <dulc...@cwis.unomaha.edu>
I'm a half-magician with most of my experience in close-up magic for small
groups of friends or kids. I'd be willing to discuss any type of magic;
however, my knowledge is limited.
My e-mail address is below.
Thanks for listening.
--Dulcinea
(Shaene M. Steinauer)
(dulc...@cwis.unomaha.edu)
*****
Name: Steve Silverman <silv...@kelvin.Jpl.Nasa.Gov>
City: Los Angeles
Bio: Professional level magician. Regular member, Magic Castle, Hollywood.
Enjoy mostly close-up but have performed stand-up comedy magic and silent
stage manips. No illusions. Worked clubs, restaurants, private parties
in the So. Cal area and performed close-up at the Magic Castle. Living in
Los Anegeles area provides me with the fortunate opportunity to hang out at
the Magic Castle and to have become acquainted with and share ideas with the
likes of Larry Jennings, Martin A. Nash, Bruce Cervon, Darryl, John Carney
just to name a few. I even had the pleasure of being yelled at by Dai
Vernon (15 years ago) as he watched me learn how to execute a top palm. He
predictably urged me to read Erdanse. I strongly urge any magicians
visiting the Los Angeles area to arrange to visit the Magic Castle either by
calling ahead of time or contacting a member.
*****
From: Jason Y Nocks <pre...@chopin.udel.edu>
A Senior Electrical Engineering major at the U. of Delaware, Jason
has performed two full-scale stage productions in addition to countless
shows in a parlor magic surrounding. Specializing in escapes, Jason also
loves to read about and discuss the psychology behind the magic.
--
| pre...@brahms.udel.edu | A senior E.E. at the U of D with a side order
| pre...@freezer.cns.udel.edu | of stage and close-up magic. The views
| no...@snow-white.ee.udel.edu | expressed are exclusively my own (etc).
*****
From: go...@ucscb.UCSC.EDU (William Maloney)
I am a student at University of California, Santa Cruz. I started
performing card magic three years ago and perform only for friends/
relatives.
I have been reading alt.magic for about a month and a half now (Feb 93),
and have found the discussions enlightening and entertaining.
Bill
*****
From: h...@unity.ncsu.edu
Henry Schaffer
amateur, 15 year IBM member
closeup, mostly rope magic
have judged stage magic contests at several IBM International Conventions
--henry
*****
Name: Hans C. Masing (Sleight of Hans)
EMail: HCM...@PSUVM.PSU.EDU (For about 95% of the year)
Main interest: Sleight of Hand Magic, close-up work.
I have been performing magic professionally for about 3.5 years. I had a
great teacher, and started working just six months after I learned my first
sleight. I feel that my strongest ability isn't in the technical side of
magic, it's in the ability to capture an audience and entertain them! I'm
a clown by nature, so it's easy for me to pick up and go in front of an
audience.
Favorite magicians: Penn & Teller, simply for their irreverent attitude.
Close second would have to be Dave Williamson, who is probably in a tie
with Daryl Martinez.
Current interest: I am concentrating hard and long on my ability with
coins.
Most requested effect: Vacuum Packed by John Bannon. I am CONSTANTLY being
asked to perform this coin-in-bottle routine. If you don't know it, check
it out. It's in his Smoke and Mirrors book. It's simple, and with a few
modifications in the handling, repeatable! :-)
Where I want to be in 10 years: Either doing research in Artificial
Intelligence or performing magic full time. Either way, I'll be happy.
Best piece of advice: Forget the technical side of magic. If you truly
want to understand the ART of magic, you need to get into the mind of the
audience. Some of my most popular material has been blatantly stolen from
childrens magic books you can find in the library. But properly presented,
even the lame tricks can dazzle and entertain. The art of magic is the art
misdirection, not the art of tricks or sleights. The typical layperson
(readers of alt.magic excluded!!) doesn't give a rat's behind about how
difficult a certain move is or whether you know 45 different coin
acquitments, they want to see something that they haven't seen before and
something that they will talk about during the drive home. Concentrate on
the basics. (1) Entertainment, (2) consistency of performance levels, and
(3) naturalness of your sleights.
*****
From: ji...@netcom.com
Name: Jill "GIGGLES" Marci
Professional Entertainer, I perform under the register servicemark of
"Giggles The Magical Clown"
Will correspond with people interested in performing for children, on
television, at fairs, etc. Anyone wanting a copy of my book (The Art of
Clowning), or wanting to hire me for a lecture etc.
You can contact me at: P.O. Box 2519, Santa Clara, CA 95055-2519
*****
From: Bruno.De...@CSELT.STET.IT
My name is Bruno Degiovanni (bruno.de...@cselt.stet.IT) and I'm an
Italian close-up fanatic. I'm VERY happy to find out a way of exchanging
ideas, suggestions or simply book references in order to improve my
technique. I'm an electronic engineer with a 15 years experience in
close-up magic. I'm member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians
(just another IBM!) and my favourite routines are with cards and coins.
*****
From: ro...@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu
Status: Very good amateur
Style: Close up and platform - manipulation, juggling, comedy
Been doing the magic 'thing' for 19 yrs - currently use it to keep
a roomful of engineers or 2nd level managers from dozing off during
those particularly technical talks...
Ronn Brashear
******
From: msib...@nyx.cs.du.edu (Michael Sibbernsen)
Michael Sibbernsen, Age 24
Kearney, NE
Email address- (msib...@nyx.cs.du.edu)
I have been into magic since I was about 9, learning mostly by reading
library books and watching Omaha area magicians, like Denny Rourke and
Peter the Near Great. At 12 I started performing for family and friends
and at age 16 started professionally. I have been a member of the SAM for
the past 8 years. My particular specialty of magic is Cabaret, although I
also do allot of close-up, and have performed some stage. After taking a
four year hiatus from stock bookings (I only performed a half dozen times)
I went to the University of Nebraska at Kearney to get my B.S. in Physics.
For the last year I have worked for the physics department as a lecture
demonstrations specialist, and assistant planetarium and observatory
director. I have also started up my magic once again and enjoy inventing
and building my own apparatus, one for expense reasons, and two, to add an
aire of originality. I would be happy to correspond to both professionals
and those just starting out, to exchange ideas and advice. My other
interests besides Magic include, Astronomy,, Photography, Electronics,
Computers, Star Trek, Comics, and Scuba Diving. So many interests, so
little money.
*****
From: mi...@vpnet.chi.il.us
Mike Kamlet
Member of several different clubs in the Chicago area (IBM/SAM and a few others)
Currently secretary IBM ring 43. I've been interested in magic since age 8, but
I have recently renewed my interest.
I prefer stuff without gimmicky-looking objects and routines built around a
charming story...
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III. MAGICAL EVENTS
Send your list of ongoing magical events including: brief description,
location, cost, and admission requirements to mi...@vpnet.chi.il.us
Contributors:
crag...@nyx.cs.du.edu (Chris)
jt...@duts.ccc.amdahl.com (Jeff Isozaki)
nie...@crd.ge.com (Paul Nielsen)
Scott Flanagan <FLA...@ricevm1.rice.edu>
Upcomming events which merit separate postings.
--
Clubs for magic:
Comedy and Magic
Hermosa Beach, CA
Does this place still exist? Do they still perform magic?
El Duco's Magic, HB
Lergoeksgatan 18
S-215 79 MALMOE
Sweden
+46-40-214592
+46-40-217228 (fax)
Fork's Hotel
Buffalo, NY
Funny Bone
At 114th and a block north of Dodge St.
Omaha, NE
I heard Dan Fleshman performs here. Any other info?
Illusions
Keystone, Indiana (Just North of Indianapolis)
(317) 575-8312
Magic Castle
Hollywood, CA
This is a members only magic club. Probably the best place to watch magic
since they have 3 different magic venues, large stage platform and
close-up.
The Magic Castle is a membership systemed night club. If you are not
a member, you have to have a guest card or go to there with a member.
There are some rules on the back of the guest card.
1. Absolutely no one under 21 admitted. Proof of age required.
2. Strict dress code. Coats and ties for men, dresses for ladies.
No casual wear. (No jeans.)
3. This card is non-transferable, good for one visit only and must
be surrendered at the door. Expired cards not accepted.
4. Guests must have dinner and make reservations well in advance
(1 week recommended.) There is an entrance charge of $?????
for each guest in addition to the dinner price. For reservations
call 851-3313 between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday thru
Saturday. Please notify the Castle if you plan to cancel.
5. This card honored for dinner Sunday night thru Thursday only
by advance reservation. Shows follow dinner and are open to
all guests. This card not honored on Friday and Saturday.
If you go there with a member, you can go on any day of the week
and you don't have to have a dinner, you don't have to pay the
entrance charge.
(213) 851-3313
Magic Island
3505 Via Oporto ; Newport Beach, CA ??????
(714) 675-0900
I believe this is closed now
Magic Island
Houston, TX
(713) 526-2442
We went with a coupon for about $25 per person. That included dinner, a
live stage show with two acts, and two close up shows. Without the coupon,
prices vary, depending on what you order. $50 per person is probably a
reasonable minimum estimate, but they may have gone up. The food was good,
and the entertainment ranged from fair to excellent.
Mississippi Live
Minneapolis Night Club
They have magicians Wed-Sat nights.
Mostly Magic - Closed now.
53 Carmine St
New York, NY
(212) 924-1472
Reuben's
For some magic talk at 38th and Madison in Manhattan.
Check it out on Saturday afternoon.
Straight out of Woody Allen's "Broadway Danny Rose"!
Tower ??
This is the place in Colorado owned by singer John Denver.
Doc Eason tends bar and performs magic.
Tom Foolery
Tom Mullica's place. This is closed now.
Thurston's
Buffalo, NY
--
Theatre:
Altered Reality
National Improvisational Theater
New York, NY
Le Grande David and His Own Spectacular Magic Company
Cabot St. Theater
Beverly, MA
(508) 927-3677
--
In Atlantic City:
Trop World
Bunny Collins, Brooks Comer, Bully Damion, Dale Vargus
Trump Castle
R.J. Lewis, Carl Ash Marn Ann Calkins, Arian Black
--
In the Bahamas:
Carnival's Crystal Palace
Dick Arthur
Nassau
--
In Las Vegas:
The Las Vegas magicians' round table is held on Wednesday nights. You
never know who will show up in the land of magic. All magi are welcome.
Just give a call to any of the shops when you're there and they'll fill you
in.
There are alot of magic shows in Las Vegas. Some of the shows are:
"Alakazam" - ?????
"City Lites" with Joseph - Flamingo Hilton
"Elaine's Restaurant" with Mike Skinner - Golden Nugget
"Jubilee" with Bob Arno and Hans Panter - Ballys
"Roman Festival" with Jordan Hahn and David Kesterson - Caesars
"Spellbound" with Joaquin Ayala & Lilia, Tim Kole & Jenny Lynn, Mark
"Splash" with Shimada - Riviera
Connie Boyd - Tropicana
Geno Munari - San Remo
Kevin Barnes, Teresa Liu, and Joe White - Excalibur
Kirby Van Vurch - Dunes
Lance Burton - Hacienda
Melinda - Lucky Lady
Siegfried and Roy - Mirage
Vince Carmen and Phyllis Guggenheim - Circus Circus
Plus many others
Lance Burton's show at the Hacienda:
Burton's show was a treat. It was reasonably priced (about $23.00
including tax) and well thought out. The music was appropriate. Lance is
personable, and can be funny. I think he spent too much time trying to
establish himself as a "serious conjurer." His smile is contagious, and
he's pretty quick on his feet with one liner responses to audience
comments. There's not a bad seat in the house, either. The room is
_small_. The only thing that I din't like about the show was the time he
spent plugging the items he would have for sale in the lobby after the
show. I found that sleezy. He did a number of transpositions, levitations
(including a dream sequence that could approach hardcore R bordering on X
rating - but more on that later), and a great bit with an audiance member
on stage. Lance was the arms and the volunteer was the body. The
productions were a lot of fun that way!
I was going to mention the show rating bit. I found this out after I went,
but it seems that if you catch the 8:00 show it's the family version. The
11:00 show has nudity. (Too bad I din't find out earlier!) The girls
_weren't_ the solid gold dancers (they _did_ have a dance number) but quite
easy on the eyes, and they added to the routines rather than being just
something sexy to look at.
--
From: silv...@kelvin.Jpl.Nasa.Gov (Steve Silverman)
Michael Skinner at the Golden Nugget.
He is the resident magician and strolls between Lily Langtree's and
Stefanos restaurant. Michael has been reffered to as one of the
worlds finest close-up performers by some very notable people. I
was fortunate enough to have dinner with him during my last visit
and must say that he is also a very nice person and real gentleman.
----
In Reno:
"Spellbound" starring The Pendragons
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. MAGIC ORGANIZATIONS
The following organizations exist to promote magic and further its
development. Each produces a magazine and sponsors local club meetings.
International Brotherhood of Magicians
P. O. Box 89 Dept. G
Bluffton, Ohio 45817
Society of American Magicians
c/o John Apperson
S. A. M. Membership Development
2812 Idaho
Granite City, Illinois, 62040
\\ //
\\// ___________________________
/00\ (____(________________(____()
\></
__/__\__
<________> ________
| | / \
| | | A |
\____/ | S /\ |
| / \ |
| ( ) |
| )__( |
| |
\________/
--
Mike Kamlet
mi...@vpnet.chi.il.us
Mike Kamlet
Last-modified: June 1, 1993
Frequently asked questions in alt.magic/part2 (of 4)
Last modified: June 1, 1993
Please send suggested corrections and additions to: mi...@vpnet.chi.il.usn
Topics:
Part 2
V. BIBLIOGRAPHY OF BOOKS ON MAGIC
Originally compiled by Scott Duncan <dun...@ctt.bellcore.com> [SD]
Reorganized and expanded by Robin Dawes <da...@qucis.ca> [RD]
Additional material from the following contributors:
bar...@grymoire.crd.ge.com (Bruce Barnett) [BB]
d...@ug.cs.dal.ca (David H MacFarlane) [DF]
exu...@exu.ericsson.se (Jerry Blackerby,CS/D,x77810) [JB]
fdei...@vax.clarku.edu [FD]
h...@unity.ncsu.edu (Henry E. Schaffer) [HS]
Bruno.De...@CSELT.STET.IT [BD]
HCM...@psuvm.psu.edu (Sleight of Hans) [HM]
mi...@vpnet.chi.il.us (Mike Kamlet) [MK]
Other contributors are listed along with their review.
Topics:
1. General
2. Performance/Philosophy
3. For the Beginner
4. Card Magic
5. Coin Magic
6. Card & Coin Combinations
7. Mentalism
8. Other Magic
9. History/Reference
10. Business Issues in Magic
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
V-ADDENDUM. RECALL ANNOUNCEMENT
From: crag...@nyx.cs.du.edu (Chris)
Here is an official press release from the P&T office regarding the
infamous sugar packets (I'm forwarding this for Maggie Jamroz
(mja...@casbah.acns.nwu.edu):
VILLARD BOOKS
A DIVISION OF RANDOM HOUSE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VILLARD TO RECALL HUMOR BOOK AND REPLACE DEFECTIVE ITEM
NEW YORK, December 10 -- Villard books today recalled Penn & Teller's HOW
TO PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD, a humor book published in November, in order to
replace a defective fake "sugar packet" that is packaged with the book.
The company warned consumers that the contents of the "sugar packet"
represent a potential health hazard if ingested. The company stressed that
Penn and Teller are not responsible for this manufacturer's error.
The faulty piece, meant to be used as part of a trick described on pages
134-135 of the book, is intended to be the classic joke "sugar packet,"
made of a material resembling paper but impossible to tear open by hand --
a standard item sold in novelty shops for many years. Due to a
manufacturer's error, many of the packets included with the first shipments
of the book can be torn open. They do not contain sugar, but a blue
granular substance supplied to the packet manufacturer. It is a potential
health hazard if ingested and is unfit for human consumption.
Villard has recalled all copied of the book now held by wholesalers and
retail bookstores. New books will be immediately shipped with the
defective "sugar packet" replaced by a postcard that purchasers can send in
to receive a correctly made "sugar packet." Villard has a toll-free phone
line (1-800-733-3000 -- customer service) so that those customers who have
already purchased the book can simply destroy the defective "sugar packet"
and call in to receive their replacement. Any who wish to return the book
for a full refund may send it to:
Random House Inc.
Attn: Customer Service
400 Hahn Road
Westminster, Maryland 21157
Speaking for himself and Teller, Penn said, "We hope everyone gets the word
right away. We asked for the standard joke shop gag, which we knew was
safe, to be included with the book. We got this instead. All you have to
do is vanish the old 'sugar packet' by heaving the damn thing in the trash
and calling the 800 number for a replacement. It's the easiest trick in
the book."
Teller is said to agree but as always made no comment.
CONTACT: Jacqueline Deval, Directory of Publicity, Villard Books
(212) 572-4957
-------
Update: From: mja...@casbah.acns.nwu.edu (Margaret Jamroz)
Here's the toll-free number to call if you bought Penn & Teller's How to
Play with Your Food and got a defective sugar packet.
Just call and they'll send you out a new one for free.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. General
Ammar, Michael The Magic of Michael Ammar (1991, L&L Publ.)
[SD] Very nicely executed book of effects and magic "philosophy." Starting
with an entire stand-up Cups and Balls routine, the book includes
"utilities," "restaurant" effects, other "stand-up" effects, "magic
management," as well as various chapters of philosophy and advice. In a
chapter on "classic renditions," you'll find the "Crazy Man's Handcuffs"
(i.e., rubber bands that seem to melt through one another) which seems to
be a favorite of many folks.
[RD] I use the "C. M. Handcuffs" all the time. There is a heavy overlap
between this book and Mr. Ammar's previous publications (such as "Command
Performance") but if you don't have all of those, this is a recommended
purchase.
Bannon, John Impossibilia (1990, L&L Publ.)
[SD] A variety of nice stuff with cards, coins, cups. Easy to challenging.
de la Torre, Jose Magicana of Havana (1975 de la Torre)
[SD] Interesting routines based on some familiar themes, including effects
using jumbo (oversized) cards.
Elliott, Bruce Magic as a Hobby (?,?)
[RD] A great book for beginning to intermediate students of the art. Much
of the material comes from the Phoenix magazine, but is still current. Has
chapters on cards, coins, miscellaneous, mentalism, etc., and a fine essay
on developing a magical presentation. Also includes (with permission) the
complete money act that Mike Bornstein used to perform on stage.
Elliott, Bruce Classic Secrets of Magic (?,?)
[RD] Devotes a chapter each to such perrenials as the Ambitious Card,
Multiplying Billiard Balls, Cups and Balls, Two Covers and Four Objects
(Elliott seems to have been ahead of his time in eschewing the politically
incorrect name usually given to this trick), and so on. All extremely
practical material that will require some practice.
Gardner, Martin Encyclopedia of Impromptu Magic (1978, Magic, Inc.)
[PN] Tricks with no special apparatus, gimmicks, or involved preparation.
Lots of wonderful stuff. This is being sold by Klutz Press since Martin
Gardner was one of the consultants on the Klutz Book of Magic.
Gardner, Martin Martin Gardner Presents (1993, Kaufman & Greenberg)
[SD] A large collection of previously published material from when Gardner
was a boy through adulthood, covering the years from the 30's through the
90's. Cards occupy a large part of the material as do effects based on
counting and math "tricks." However, there is material here with coins,
ice, sponge balls, thimbles, handkerchiefs, as well as mentalism (though
mostly related to math/counting).
Harkey, David Simply Harkey (1991(?), Clandestine Productions)
[SD] The work of David Harkey has stuff in it that looks "impossible" but
which, when you see him lecture, is very impressive. Then, you find out it
isn't as hard as it looks. On the other hand, the explanations of some of
these (like his "crystal transformation" effect) sound more complex than
they turn out to be in practice. (Not because the explanations are poor,
but because there is a lot going on sometimes. It is not easy stuff to do
because of that rather than because the individual things done are
particularly hard.) I like this book mostly for the card and coin stuff,
though his "Goldfinger Trilogy" (with a finger ring) and "Sweet Talk" (with
a coin and sugar packet) are neat as well.
Kaufman, Richard 5 X 5 (19??,Kaufman & Greenberg)
5 Japanese magicians each of whom disclose 5 of their pet close-up effects.
These range from impromptu coin and card tricks to tricks employing some
very ingenious and easily constructed gimmicks. The material is really
fresh and innovative. It's been a long time since I came across a book on
close-up that contained material I could get excited over - creative
effects that can really make an audience sit up and take notice. My
favorite effects are:
- An ambitious card routine where you put a paper clip on the card, bury
it, and with a shake of the hand the paper clipped card is back on top.
- A beautifully startling effect where an empty, flattened out card case is
folded into its original box shape and then with no false moves, the box
is opened and a deck of cards is dumped out.
- A card warp type of effect where a dollar bill that has been folded
lengthwise into 1/4 its original width is pushed through another dollar
bill (a la card warp). When it emerges on the other side it has started
to unfold itself. Each time it is pushed through it has magically
unfolded a little more till it unfolds completely and is then immediately
handed out for examination. From: (Rashid)
Kaufman, Richard Amazing Miracles of Shigeo Takagi (19??,Kaufman & Greenberg)
[SD] Nice mixture of stuff -- including silk, rope, and ring effects plus
the usual card magic -- from one of Japan's foremost magicians.
Kaufman, Richard Richard's Almanac Volume 1 (19??, Kaufman & Greenberg)
[SD] A book covering Kaufman's magazine for 1982-83 with effects from many
folks on many topics.
Marlo, Edward M. I. N. T (198?, L&L Publ.)
[SD] Ed Marlo's magic collected from material presented in now out-
of-print magazine sources.
Marlo, Edward Marlo's Magazine Volume 1 (1976, Ed Marlo)
[SD] Really a large book of many effects. However, as he says in the
Foreword, he wanted to "say something" besides talk about routines and
effects. So he makes "editorial points" throughout the book. I like to
read about how magicians think (and what they think about) when it comes to
magic. There's lots of card magic here as well as the thoughts.
Minch, Stephen Korem Without Limits (19??, A.D. Robbins Publ.)
[SD] Reasonably good collection of intermediate magic -- not everything
caught my attention -- with reasonably good photographs illustrating
things.
Minch, Stephen Ken Krenzel's Close-Up Impact (1990, Hermetic Press)
[SD] Krenzel is a "thinking person's" magician with a reputation for
exploring the psychology of effects. The fact that he's a psychologist --
it's Dr. Krenzel -- explains that partially. Not all this stuff has the
impact that the title claims -- at least, I've seen him lecture and wasn't
overwhelmed.
Ouellet, Gary The Masters of Magic Series (various dates,
Camirand Academy of Magic)
[SD] Ouellet covers many routines with cards, shells and pea, coin
penetrations, cups and balls, etc. One routine per monograph.
[RD] These are generally well-written and produced. The Coin Connection -
excellent routine from Eric DeCamps. Supershells - a 3-shell routine
Threshold - an attractive method for the torn-and-restored card, using
lapping. Finger on the Card - a presentation of the Dunbury Delusion - not
bad Two Goblets - a cups and balls routine
Slaight, Allan Stewart James in Print: The First Fifty Years
(1989, Jogjestja)
[SD] Probably the thickest book in magic. At least the thickest one I've
seen at over 990 pages! You have to dig stuff out, but there's a variety
of things here from the easy to the more challenging.
[RD] James invented the ever-popular Miraskil. Volume 2 of this incredible
inventor's work is in preparation now (1992).
Tannen's Magic Stars of Magic (1975, Tannen)
[SD] A series of 11 monographs (plus two "lessons") which appeared
individually in the past but are collected into book form. Usually
multiple effects per monograph.
[RD] Much of the magic seems dated, but Scarne's "Triple Coincidence" and
Vernon's "Ambitious Card" and "Royal Monte" are excellent.
[BD] It is noticeable also for the famous SPELLBOUND coin move (D. Vernon).
In every coin book you'll find a reference to that.
Tannen's Magic New Stars of Magic (various dates, Tannen)
[SD] A monograph series from the 1970's and early 1980's on subjects such
as MacDonald's Four Ace Trick (Garcia), the Card Tunnel (Krenzel), the
Ultimate Invisible Assembly (Kaufman), a 3-Ring Routine (Capehart),
Immaculate Connection (Harris), Bewildering (Bennett), etc. Some nice
routines (one per monograph) with certain equipment included (gimmick
cards, etc.) for some routines.
[RD] Immaculate Connection is great. For a better handling of MacDonald's
Aces, try John Mendoza's "The Book of John: Verse Two".
Tarbell, Harlan Tarbell Course in Magic (7 vols, 1972, D. Robbins & Co.)
[SD] Originally distributed in the late 1920's as a mail-order course in
magic with 60 separate lessons and now a multi-volume set covering nearly
every aspect of magic. Not the first thing to buy, for sure, but something
everyone may want to get eventually. (Of course, at $120+ a set, that may
take a while.)
[RD] Harry Lorayne actually wrote Volume 7.
[FD] For those of you who have posted that you would like to get into magic
but don't have the money for tricks, books are your best bet. Probably the
grand-daddy of all series is the Tarbell Course in Magic. It is hard cover
and comes in seven volumes. I bought the complete set at a magic
convention for $115. If bought separately, I believe that the first volume
is $15 and the succeeding ones are $18 each. The complete course is a
wealth of magical information! For a little over $100 anyone can get into
magic and be able to perform some amazing feats. Every so often I'll see a
fellow magician perform some magical miracle I've never seen and he'll then
tell me that he got it out of Tarbell.
Wilson, Mark Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic (1991(?),
Courage Books)
[SD] A large book offering a beginner's course in magic. Good for lots of
fundamental stuff, but with a few things that may interest slightly
experienced magicians. Think of it as an abbreviated Tarbell in some
respects.
[FD] Another fine book is the Mark Wilson Course in Magic. The 472 page
hardcover book sells for about $20-$25 and also is a wealth of magical
information. For this small investment you too can get into the field of
magic. The original book should be a staple in every magician's library.
There is more magic in that one book than you might suspect. Beginners
stuff, yes. But also some great effects and sleights.
2. Performance/Philosophy
Burger, Eugene Experience of Magic (1989, Kaufman & Greenberg)
[SD] Well-known for his thoughtfulness about performing, Burger does offer
routines and magic effects, but goes to great lengths to talk about the
feeling and spirit with which they should be presented. Along with people
like Fitzkee and Tamariz, Burger should be of interest to people who want
to read the opinions of someone on how to present magic.
[RD] Highest recommendation. Mr. Burger asks "What do we want people to
experience when we show them a magic trick?" Is "I've been fooled" the
same as "I feel stupid"? Must we always go for laughs, or can we evoke
other emotions and still achieve entertainment? READ THIS BOOK.
Burger, Eugene The Performance of Close-up Magic (1990(?), Kaufman & Greenberg)
[SD] I liked the latter half of the book starting with Chapter 10 on Magic
Lectures. I'm sure folks might like the rest, but I liked his narratives
and opinions best in this book.
Burger, Eugene Craft of Magic (?,?)
[RD] I like all of Mr. Burger's books. He write about how to be a
magician, not just how to do tricks. He talks a lot in this book about the
value of proper practice and rehearsal. Sound obvious? Ok, explain the
difference between practice and rehearsal.
Burger, Eugene Secrets and Mysteries of the Close-up Performer (?,?)
[RD] Another good one. The secrets and mysteries are not "where to put
your left index finger while doing the diagonal palm shift", but "where to
put your brain".
Carey, Chris Find the Stuff That's You (?,?)
[RD] I read this once and said "It's content-free". I read it again and
said "I think he's saying something, but I don't know what". I read it
again and said "Oh! Oh! Oh!" I guess I'm just slow. Seriously, it
rewards re-reading, if you have the patience.
Fitzkee, Dariel Trick Brain, The (19??, Lee Jacobs Productions)
[SD] One of a set of three books on "conjuring psychology" and how to
"think" magic. Most of what I liked was his division of effects into
categories and then definition of ways to perform such effects (not in
detail but generally the kind of look-and-feel the audience would get).
Though several kinds of effects might be called, for example,
"levitations," they may appear differently to audiences based on what
technique is used. An almost academic book classifying magic effects.
Galloway, Andrew Diverting Card Magic (?,?)
[RD] Actually a discussion of the techniques of attention control (as in
midirection etc) as practiced by the great John Ramsey. Mr. Galloway makes
his points and illustrates with workable tricks that require some skill
(you don't need misdirection if you're not doing anything), but his point
is not how to do the sleights invisibly, but how to prevent the spectator
from ever becoming suspicious.
Kurtz, Gary Misdirection and Direction (1990, Kurtz)
[SD] Subtitled "Keys to the Amplification of the Magic Effect," this is an
unusual little booklet on presentation and audience "control."
[RD] Worth reading, especially for the thoughts on timing and "creating the
moment" at which the audience's attention is off your hands.
Nelms, Henning Magic and Showmanship (1969, Dover)
[SD] Mainly advice about many aspects of performing magic which uses
effects to illustrate performance points rather than to teach the effects.
[RD] Makes a nice companion to Mr. Burger's "Experience of Magic". Nelms
argues in favor of consistency - for example, at any given venue, you
should not pretend to be both a psychic and a magician, since this breaks
the over-all illusion.
Roper, Steve Comedy Magic Textbook (?,?)
[RD] Some people take extreme exception to Mr. Roper's claim that comedy
magic is "easier" than other kinds. However, here's a little experiment
you might try: attend an improvisational theater session, and observe how
many of the scenes are comedic rather than dramatic. I think that what Mr.
Roper is saying is that everyone has some innate ability to be humorous
(especially with self-directed humor), while not everyone has the intuitive
ability to act out a serious role. In this book, Mr. Roper does a fair job
of explaining how he creates some of his comedy magic (which reads as
though it would indeed be very funny).
Tamariz, Juan Five Points in Magic, The (19??, Frakson)
[SD] Using your body in presenting magic: the eyes, the voice, the hands,
the body, and the feet. Basically discusses how to present yourself
physically to be more effective. In particular, it focuses on misdirection
(and direction) of the audience using your body.
3. For the Beginner
Anderson, George Magic Digest (19??, DBI Books)
[SD] Don't know where you'd find this, but it is a very nice beginners book
which opens with basic "rules" for magic and performing. It contains nice
effects that are easy to learn but effective, covering cards, coins, ropes,
etc. One particularly interesting effect is "The Australian Belt," a
gambling trick using a chain (or rope could be substituted) which is folded
into a figure-8 and then used to challenge a spectator to pick which loop
would catch the finger and which would not. Why even mention this, of all
things? I saw David Roth do this at a magicians' picnic a few years ago to
keep a kid out of his way while he did his more interesting coin stuff for
the adults. It was a memorable distraction and I looked around for it for
a year until I came upon this book.
Hay, Henry The Amateur Magician's Handbook (1982, Signet/New
American Library) paperback, 396 pages, AE 5502, $ 4.95 US.
[SD] Reprint of a 1950 "classic" for the amateur. Lots of basic advice,
but, as with many older works which just get reprinted rather than really
updated as to language and layout, the prose is dense. Also as in many
books (not just older ones reprinted), the photos are often dark --
illustrations seem to work out better in magic books unless the highest
quality photography is used. However, this is a good introduction to magic
and includes a "modern" section (by The Amazing Randi) on using video-tape
to practice.
Klutz Press?? The Klutz Book of Magic (????, Klutz Press)
[FD] Don't underestimate the Klutz Book of Magic. I sat through a great
lecture by Eric DeCamps and then realized that the "lecture notes" could be
the Klutz Book of Magic! There is a ring steal on page 58 that is a
classic in magic. The demonstrator from The Collector's Workshop used this
sleight in his demonstration at Tannen's Jubilee.
Lorayne, Harry The Magic Book (1977, Putnam)
[SD] A good first book in magic and maybe the cheapest hardback book in
existence (at $9) for its size and specialty topic. Lorayne's considered a
good author and teacher of magic and this book covers basic card and coin
sleights and effects as well as a smattering of number magic, mental
effects, and miscellaneous magic with everyday objects.
Tarr, Bill Now You See It, Now You Don't (Vols 1 & 2)
Classic Magic Tricks (19??, ????)
[SD] For the beginner, the first two of these are really recommended.
(Supporting videos are available now, I believe.) They talk about basic
sleights with cards, coins, balls, cigarettes, matches, thimbles, silks,
etc. The third is an "everything you always wanted to know about" certain
"platform magic" like how Linking Rings, Rice Bowls, etc. are done.
4. Card Magic
Ackerman, Alan Esoterist (?,?)
[RD] A small collection of variations for well-known card effects, some
quite clever, including a number of methods for the "universal card". Not
for the beginner.
Annemann, Ted 202 Methods of Forcing (193?, ????)
[SD] Just what it says. Just about every way is in here (and not just for
forcing cards either), including stacked decks.
Annemann, Ted Annemann's Card Magic (1977, Dover)
[SD] Reprint from two prior works from 1943 and 1948. Some nice effects
that are not hard to do but aren't too "simplistic," i.e., they look harder
when you see them performed.
Bannon, John Smoke and Mirrors (1991, Kaufman & Greenberg)
[SD] Card effects which Bannon feels "surprise" the audience rather than
"merely challenge" them so that "the impossible thing itself [is]
unexpected." Actually, his two-page Foreward is a nice little essay on
magical philosophy as a lead-in to the (31) effects presented.
Boudreau, Lou (Leo?) Spirited Pasteboards & Skullduggery (1987, 89, Rustic Press)
[SD] Card effects using binary number system counting techniques to
remember and identify cards, ordering, ranking, etc.
Craven, Tom 16th Card Book (?,Craven)
[RD] An exploration of a variety of effects that can be achieved by
positioning a chosen card 16th from the top of the deck. Some tricks
require perfect faro shuffles.
de la Torre, Jose Real Magic (1978, de la Torre)
[SD] Nice card effects, including various color changes.
Dodson, Goodlette Exhibition Card Fans
[BB] A classic book is that teaches techniques for producing card fans.
I bought my copy 15 years ago for $4. Don't know what the current price is.
Erdnase, S.W. The Expert at the Card Table (1902, Erdnase)
[SD] The classic work on card "manipulation" focused mainly on gambling but
with some "legerdemain" (literally, "light of hand") as well.
Erdnase, S.W. and Ortiz, Darwin The Annotated Erdnase (?, Magical Publications)
[HM] Everything you ever wanted to know about cards is in there. No one
will ever tell you that it is an easy book to master, and I don't know if
ANYONE has truly mastered it all (Except the Professor), but for learning
how it should be done, this is the bible. It is a tough read, and the
annotations and photographs added by Darwin make it an exceptional book.
Field, Ed and Schwartz, ? Invisible Secrets Revealed (?,?)
[RD] A booklet on presentations for the marketed trick "The Invisible
Deck". We should all stop ripping off the Don Alan patter.
Fulves, Karl Millenium Aces (?,?)
[RD] Actually a booklet on applications of the half-pass. Some very clever
methods for this sleight, including the Neil Elias half-pass, which is easy
to do.
Fulves, Karl Kaleidoscope (?,?)
[RD] Fairly heavy card work. Nothing really grabbed me.
Fulves, Karl Self-Working Card Tricks & More Self-Working Card
Tricks (1976 & 1984, Dover)
[SD] Two paperbacks with basic, easy-to-learn and perform card effects "for
the amateur magician." (From a set of books by Fulves on various aspects of
easy magic effects.)
[RD] Favourite trick from the first book: the O. Henry trick.
Ganson, Lewis and Endfield, Cy Entertaining Card Magic (1955, Supreme)
[SD] The highlight of this book for card sleight fans is the Signed Card To
Pocket trick which utilizes a variation of Erdnase's diagonal palm shift.
Garcia, Frank Wildcard Miracles (1977, Garcia)
[SD] The "Wildcard" routine and its variations, along with stuff like the
Ambitious Card, are important intermediate effects to learn once you have
basic sleights down. This book covers Wildcard well as an introduction to
the effect Garcia created (though it evolved from other work done earlier
which he credits).
[RD] Most people seem to credit the original Wild Card to Peter Kane these
days.
Garcia, Frank Elegant Magic of Father Cyprian (?,?)
[RD] Mr. Garcia is a great magician, but he can't write worth beans. His
books are exquisite torture, because the magic is so good and the
explanations are so over-written. This is no exception. Favourite trick:
Solid Gold Deception.
Garcia, Frank Exclusive Card Secrets & Exclusive Card Miracles (?,?)
[RD] Ditto the comments under "Elegant Magic of Father Cyprian". Frank,
get an editor! I'll do it! The card work is very clever, and the
entertainment value is very high. Favourite trick: Pinnacle Aces.
Goldstein, Phil Focus (1991(?), Hermetic Press)
[SD] The favorite/best card work of Phil Goldstein. Short on
illustrations, but explanations seem clear enough.
Green, Cliff Professional Card Magic (1979, Tannen Magic Inc.)
[BD] A wonderful book with a lot of card sleights and techniques very well
illustrated. Only for experts on card magic.
Haines, Ronald 36 Tricks with Fa-Ko Cards (19??, Haines House of
Cards)
[SD] The Fa-Ko deck is filled with bizarrely manufactured cards that you
can slip into regular decks. This book describes effects to put them to
use. It covers basic "gimmicked" card ideas and is interesting without the
actual deck. (Making the cards yourself would be difficult, though.)
Harris, Paul Supermagic (1977, D. Robbins and Co., Inc.)
[SD] For those interested in creative, sometimes wacky work. Supermagic
gives us Reset: a good effect with no gaffs or fakery, just the cards
themselves.
Harris, Paul A Close-Up Kinds Guy (19??, Tannen)
[SD] Good stuff from Paul Harris with a few bizarre things (like a card
flipping flourish) thrown in.
Harris, Paul Las Vegas Close-up (1978, Chuck Martinez Productions)
[BD] In my opinion one of the best book written by Paul. The effect
"Stapled!" has been for 5 years my forte: a transposition of 2 cards which
have been stapled together (and one is signed by a spectator!). Some
improvements to the original effect are possible, but anyway it is worth
the price of the book. Very interesting also "Gambler vs. Mentalist vs.
Magician": a triumph effect with a very nice presentation. For cards+coins
performers is "Silver Slide". 4 coins are produced under 4 cards: a good
start for your matrix routine.
Harris, Paul Close-up Entertainer (1979, Chuck Martinez Productions)
[BD] "The Silver Elevator" is dedicated to cards+coins fans: 4 coins, one
at a time, penetrate up from the table to the center of the deck. Also a
classical move that every magician performing a matrix effect should know.
I like very much "Ackerman's Face Lift": another nice transposition of 2
cards.
Hugard, Jean Encyclopedia of Card Tricks (1974, Dover)
[SD] A corrected version of a 1937 "classic" which covers over 600 card
effects as well as explaining prearranged decks, gimmicked decks, and basic
card sleights. Maybe the first book specializing in cards that a person
would want to get. Simple effects, often tersely explained, but a good
survey of effects.
[RD] Includes the "Nicola" card system.
Hugard, Jean Card Manipulations "(Series 1-5) &
More Card Manipulations (Series 1-4) (1973 & 1974, Dover)
[SD] Reprints of monographs on various basic (and not so basic) card
sleights and effects which use them.
Hugard, Jean and Braue, Frederick Royal Road to Card Magic (1981, Faber)
[SD] One of the "classic" card magic books (originally printed in 1949) on
all kinds of card sleights. Few actual routines, but much useful material
on handling cards.
Hugard, Jean and Braue, Frederick Expert Card Technique (1974, Dover)
[SD] Reprint of 1944 work that is a natural companion to The Royal Road to
Card Magic. Contains much more material than Royal Road and, therefore,
may be even a more useful reference once the former's sleights are known
and practiced.
[RD] Not a beginner's book.
Kaufman, Richard Complete Works of Derek Dingle, The (1982, Kaufman & Greenberg)
[SD] Derek Dingle does (mostly) cards and this work by Kaufman covers most
of the stuff the folks associate with Derek. A good modern book on card
magic, but not easy by any means.
Kaufman, Richard Secrets of Brother John Hamman (1989, Kaufman & Greenberg)
[SD] As creator of one of the basic card count sleights, Hamman's name pops
up all over in many magic books. A nice collection of card magic.
[RD] Favourite trick: The Locked Room.
Lorayne, Harry Close-Up Card Magic (1976, Tannen)
[SD] Another in Lorayne's series of books on (mostly) card effects. (Every
book claims he's "giving away the farm.")
Lorayne, Harry Best of Friends (2 vol, 1982 & 1985, Lorayne)
[SD] Two inch-thick volumes of (mostly) card effects from a variety of
folks who contributed to this collection, including Lorayne himself.
Lorayne, Harry Deck-Sterity (1967, D. Robbins & Co.)
[SD] When you're starting to seriously expand your card magic, i.e., you
have basic sleights down, Lorayne's books are a good extension of what you
have learned from more basic books. (But they are all relatively expensive
books except The Magic Book
Lorayne, Harry Afterthoughts (1975, Lorayne)
[SD] Features the Ultra Move and several effects based on it as well as a
few other "moves" Lorayne likes. Difficult stuff, generally.
Lorayne, Harry Personal Secrets (1964, Tannen)
[SD] Some fairly neat stuff once you get other basic card stuff down.
Lorayne, Harry My Favorite Card Tricks (1965, Tannen)
[SD] Not my favorite Lorayne book, but good for folks who like card effects
and are beyond the basic stuff.
Lorayne, Harry Reputation-Makers (1990, Lorayne)
[SD] More neat stuff from Harry Lorayne for the intermediate to advanced
card worker.
Lorayne, Harry Rim Shots (19??, Lorayne)
[SD] More neat stuff from Harry Lorayne for the intermediate to advanced
card worker.
Lorayne, Harry Trend-Setters (19??, Lorayne)
[SD] More neat stuff from Harry Lorayne for the intermediate to advanced
card worker.
Lorayne, Harry Quantum Leaps (19??, Lorayne)
[SD] More neat stuff from Harry Lorayne for the intermediate to advanced
card worker. What I liked about this book was that is contained material
he does on video, so, after having seen it performed a few times through
the video, I had a reference to go to at some point.
MacDougall, Michael Card Mastery (1975, Tannen)
[SD] This book contains card "manipulation" skills, especially for
gambling, and is actually material from the late 1930's. However, the
major attraction of the book is that it includes the complete text of
Erdnase's The Expert at the Card Table.
Mentzer, Jerry Counts, Cuts, Moves, and Subtlety (1977, Mentzer)
[SD] An important text on important card manipulation, focusing, as the
title suggests, on ways to false count cards, cut them, spread them to
conceal cards, etc. Worthwhile having, though the material is covered many
other places, simply because it is all here in one place.
Mentzer, Jerry Basic Skill With Cards (1981, Mentzer)
[SD] A very useful booklet covering false cuts and shuffles, controls,
sleights (like the "glide"), forces, and palming.
Minch, Stephen The Collected Works of Alex Elmsley, Vol I
(1991(?), L&L Publishing)
[SD] The objective of this two-volume set of Elmsley is to cover his work
completely. Only this first volume is available at this point. Besides
lots of interesting card work, including Elmsley's own explanations of his
"ghost" count known to most as the Elmsley Count, there is a lecture "On
the Theory and Practice of Magic." Minch states that Vol II will contain,
among other things, the performance portion of the lecture in full detail.
Minch says this lecture was highly regarded when Elmsley toured the U.S.A.
many years ago.
[RD] An outstanding book. Elmsley was a subtle thinker, and many of his
creations are simply brilliant. A few of the effects in this book (which
contains dozens of tricks) involve more "dealing through the deck" than is
popular right now, but I think that for the right audience, these tricks go
over quite well. Favourite trick: Serendipity (a fantastic "collectors"
with no dealing).
Minch, Stephen Vernon Chronicles, The vols. 1-3 (198?, 198?,
198?, L&L Publ.) &
Lost Inner Secrets Volume 1 (1987, L&L
Publishing)
Ganson, Lewis Inner Secrets of Card Magic & More Inner Secrets &
Further Inner Secrets & Ultimate Secrets of Card Magic (19??,???)
[SD] Several books of stuff from Dai Vernon, the patriarch of LA's Magic
Castle. Mostly cards. Some stuff for the person just beyond the beginner
stage, but mostly effects of an intermediate nature. Includes classics
like Twisted Aces and Triumph.
Minch, Stephen Daryl's Ambitious Card Omnibus (1987, ???)
[SD] (Actually written in 1985.) Contains an entire history of the
Ambitious Card effect and shows various ways to present/use it. An
excellent book on a single effect and its variations.
Minch, Stephen Larry Jennings' Neoclassics (1987, L&L Publishing)
[SD] Subtitled "Three Complete Lesson in Professional Card Presentation,"
this book has three effects embellishing more familiar themes: the card in
the orange, the spectator finds the aces, and cards across.
The BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD!!!! If you want to learn how to do first-rate
card tricks (I do), go out and find the <<<<Larry Jennings>>>> book. This
guy is the absolute Ninja. He is right up there with Brother Hamman (sp?).
I mean it. You won't regret it. From: tnie...@spock.NMSU.Edu (THORIN
NIELSON)
Nash, Martin Ever So Sleightly & Any Second Now &
Sleight Unseen (3 vol, 1975, 77, 79, Micky Hades International)
[SD] Subtitled "The Professional Card Technique of Martin A. Nash," this
series covers, as the subtitle suggests, covers many basic -- and
not-so-basic -- card sleights and techniques, using effects to demonstrate
them. A good book for the intermediate magician, but pretty technical and
detailed for a newcomer.
Ortiz, Darwin Darwin Ortiz at the Card Table (19??, Kaufman & Greenberg)
[SD] Ortiz is a sheer genius with cards and gambling tricks. He lectures
to police and security folks, consults with casinos, etc. The stuff in
this book is really hard to do, for the most part. Seeing Ortiz is better
than reading about what he does. But there are a few things here that are
within the realm of human possibility!
[RD] Favourite trick: Modern Jazz Aces.
Osterlind, Richard Breakthrough Card System (?,Busby)
[RD] A mathematical system for stacking a deck that leaves it looking
totally random (and hence examinable), but which permits all of the effects
possible with Si Stebbins, Eight Kings, etc, and other stacks that will not
bear inspection. At $5, this is a bargoon! I always carry this with me,
and use it for a "just think of a card" presentation. It astonishes.
Ouellet, Gary Procontrol (?,Camirand)
[RD] If you buy this for the advertised effect, be prepared to be VERY
disappointed. Exactly the same technique is explained in complete detail
in Bill Severn's Magic Workshop, which is probably in your public library.
However, Procontrol contains a tutorial on the spread pass which is great -
it's worth the price of the book, if you are interested in simple and
deceptive methods for the pass (so who isn't?).
Racherbaumer, John The Wild Card Kit: A Modular Experiment (1992,???)
[SD] Racherbaumer has put together a "theme" book just on the Wild Card
effect which he states comes originally from Brother John Hamman's "The
Mystic Nine" and became the Wild Card through Peter Kane (whose handling is
part of the book). The book breaks the effect into several stages and
shows variations at each point, including a version with plain cards that
can be handed out to the audience. (Those less extensive, it is like
Daryl's Ambitious Card Omnibus.) There is a nice bibliography as well for
those who wish to pursue the subject further. All in all, it's a compact
coverage of a 'classic' effect (and even comes with the requisite packet of
cards).
Racherbaumer, John Universal Card, The (1975, Tannen)
[SD] Like "Wildcard" and the "Ambitious Card," this is a basic routine with
many variations. Racherbaumer's book covers the subject well and gives a
history of the effect.
Ross, Fawcett Early Vernon (?,?)
[RD] Some of Dai Vernon's earliest creations continue to impress. These
tricks were marketed to a small group of magicians by giving them a
complete description of the effects, then offering to sell the workings.
The famous "psychological force" is in here.
Scarne, John Scarne on Cards Tricks (1950, Signet/New American Library)
[SD] Paperback of card effects that you can probably find in any mall book
store.
[RD] Contains simplified handlings (virtually no sleights anywhere) of a
number of well-known plots. Not to be scorned because of general
availability.
Sharpe, Alton Expert Card Mysteries (1975, Tannen Magic Inc.)
[BD] A collection of moves and card tricks from Tony Kardyro, Frank Lane,
Alton Sharpe itself and many others. There are special sections dedicated
to Larry Jennings, Paul Swinford and Ed Marlo.
Sharpe, Alton Expert Card Conjuring & Chicanery (1976, D. Robbins and Co.)
[BD] Another collection of card tricks from the world experts. The special
sections on the most important sleights and effects by Marlo are the most
valuable parts of the book. You will find for example: the Perfect False
Riffle Shuffle, Marlo Slip Cuts, Double Lift Substitutes, many Triumphs,
etc.
Simon, Frank Versatile Card Magic (1983, Magical Publications)
[SD] Has great food for thought. His Versatile Spread Controls were a fad
among young card workers in Japan. This is one of those books that makes
you want to go out and show somebody what you just learned. Really nice
card control. Not entirely original, although the handling described sees
print for the first time.
Stevenson, Al 75 Tricks with a Svengali Deck (1964, Wizard's Workshop)
[SD] As it sounds, a book on how to use this gimmicked deck.
Stevenson, Al 75 Tricks with a Stripper Deck (1962, Wizard Books)
[SD] As it sounds, a book on how to use this gimmicked deck.
5. Coin Magic
Andrus, Jerry Five Dollar Tricks (?,?)
[RD] Silver dollars, that is. This booklet (five routines) includes a nice
effect of producing coins from a dollar bill which is continually shown on
both sides.
Bobo, J.B. New Modern Coin Magic (1966, Magic, Inc.)
[SD] The "classic" book on all aspects of coin magic. If you're going to
do coin magic, this is a book you need to have. Dover has a much less
expensive paperback edition of this available now.
Fulves, Karl Self-Working Coin Magic (1989, Dover)
[SD] Easy to learn and perform effects with coins for beginning magicians.
Jennings, Nina et al Larry Jennings on Card and Coin Handling (1977,
Jeff Busby Magic Inc.)
[SD] A booklet which, besides cards and coins, includes Larry Jenning's
Chop Cup routine. It's based on magic lectures Jennings developed in 1967
and 1970
Kaufman, Richard Coinmagic (1981, Kaufman & Greenberg)
[SD] A collection of coin magic routines from many people, compiled by
Richard Kaufman. After Bobo's book, perhaps the most useful intermediate
coin magic book. As usual, the illustrations are very good.
Kurtz, Gary Coin Magic (1990, Kurtz)
[SD] Booklet of good stuff to move a beginning coin worker along.
Roth, David Expert Coin Magic (1985, D. Robbins)
[SD] Originally published by Richard Kaufman, this book covers most of the
things you will have seen Roth do over the years. As perhaps the most
skilled coin magician in modern magic, Roth sets technical standards with
his work. The book, like most of what Kaufman has published, has fine
illustrations. Highly recommended for someone who really wants to get into
coin magic by learning some nice (but not easy) routines.
Simmons, Ken Scotch and Soda (Parts 1 and 2) (1982, 86, Magic City)
[SD] Two booklets on how to use the Scotch 'n' Soda effect. I actually
picked these up in Disney's Magic Kingdom Magic Shop in Walt Disney World
-- Disneyland's is, overall, a superior shop, but both had decent booklets
on magic.
6. Card & Coin Combinations
Kaufman, Richard Williamson's Wonders (1989, Kaufman & Greenberg)
[SD] Magic from a well-respected "new" name. People who have seen David
Williamson perform/lecture seem to really like him. Definitely good
card/coin stuff here.
Kaufman, Richard Sankey Pankey (1986, Kaufman & Greenberg)
[SD] The works of Jay Sankey, including Forgery - An amazing routine that
gets great mileage out of a simple duplicate marked card. The effect: A
card is marked with a big X. X mark 'jumps' from back to face, to back,
and then... Split Ends - Anyone who has ever seen or read the late Nate
Leipzeig's Knife between two selected cards trick will appreciate this
fresh new treatment. Apparently, Stephen Minch proposed the idea and
solution of doing it with one card, that is card stabbing into the layers
of a selected card. Jay's handling is really ingenious and one of my
favorites. Some really twisted coin effects are also in this 121 page
hardcover book making a great treat to the magician that is looking for a
book with more than just one good trick in it.
[RD] This book also contains the "card through balloon" trick that
Copperfield did on TV. It was my favorite trick from the book before that,
and still is.
Kurtz, Gary Continuations ... Departures, 1&2 (1988, Kurtz)
[SD] Another booklet on coin magic plus a few things with cards.
Lorayne, Harry Star Quality - The Magic of David Regal (?,?)
[RD] Mostly cards, but also some coins (and even Q-tips!). This is a fine
book. Mr. Regal is very creative, and very conscious of the visual aspects
of magic. Favourite trick: the Divining Card.
Maxwell, Mike Classic Magic of Larry Jennings (198?, L&L Publishing)
[SD] Just a ton of stuff with cards (and some coins).
[RD] An outstanding book. Favourite trick: The Visitor - an absolute
classic.
Maxwell, Mike Commercial Magic of J.C. Wagner (198?, L&L Publishing)
[SD] One of the most respected of magic's "underground" names. Wagner was,
like many other magicians, a bartender who did his magic in (or at) the
bar.
[RD] This is available in soft cover now. A great book for the money.
Favourite trick: The Assembly.
Ouellet, Gary Close-Up Illusions (1990, Camirand Academy of Magic)
[SD] A fine book on different approaches to common sleights such as the
French Drop, Double Lift, etc. A companion video-tape can be purchased
that shows all the sleights performed -- probably worthwhile (at $20) since
seeing magic performed is more important than being told about it or
looking at pictures.
[FD] I'll discuss Gary Ouellet's book CLOSE UP ILLUSIONS. I think it's a
great book. It is very well written, and is loaded with tips. There's a
section on the "Cigarette through the Coin" which is great. Gary writes
about how all of us sometimes buy a prop which then ends up in a drawer
because we think it's too difficult to use. He uses this trick as an
example and then proceeds to tell you how the effect can be done
effectively and be a killer. I tried it and it was great! The effect had
previously sat in a drawer for over a year. I've also met Gary at
conventions and he is a real gentleman. He is willing to spend time with
you just to say hello or to discuss an effect. The last time I spoke to
him and told him I much I liked the book, he told me that the Modified
Kosky Illusion at the end of the book was worth the price of the book. He
then proceeded to show me the effect.
[JB] I have an extensive library and this is my favorite. Most items in
the book are explained in terms that anyone can understand. I am a
technical writer and have found few books on magic written so clearly. If
you are primarily interested in close-up magic, then definitely buy Gary
Oullet's CLOSE UP ILLUSIONS.
7. Mentalism
Annemann, Ted Practical Mental Magic (1983, Dover)
[SD] Reprint of a 1944 Annemann book which is one of the basic texts for
learning mentalism.
Becker, Larry Larry Becker's World of Super Mentalism (1978, Tannen)
[SD] Some nice mentalism effects that are not hard to do.
Corinda 13 Steps to Mentalism (1968, Tannen)
[SD] A "classic" work but, some feel, flawed because it often obscures the
important stuff it has to say with a lot of verbiage. (However, older
books often seem to be written very pompously.)
Fulves, Karl Self-Working Mental Magic (19??, Dover)
[RD] A collection of basic methods for a variety of mental magic, including
predictions, psychometry, book tests, etc. Favourite trick: "bill-halves
into the sealed envelope" - DEADLY!
8. Other Magic
Albenice Reel Magic (1950, Tannen)
[SD] The main treatise on use of "the reel." Like many such "classic"
works, it shows its age, but is still one of the only books on this topic.
Anderson, Gene and Marshall, Jay Newspaper Magic (?,?)
[RD] A wide variety of tricks using newspaper, including Anderson's
award-winning paper-tearing and paper-folding act. Anderson's
torn-and-restored newspaper is something of a classic. It's my favorite
trick in this book.
Fitzkee, Dariel Rope Eternal (1984, D. Robbins & Co.)
[SD] Robbins edition of a 1956 monograph on "The Only Six Ways to Restore a
Rope" which focuses on the Cut-and-Restored Rope effects. Includes
numerous effects based on these techniques. Basic book for folks who are
interested in this effect and its variations.
Fulves, Karl Self-Working Paper Magic (1985, Dover)
[SD] Easy to learn and perform effects with paper for beginning magicians.
Many based on "topology" tricks, paper folding, and effects with money.
Ganson, Lewis Reelistic Magic (?,?)
[RD] A collection of tricks using reels. A bit more modern than Albenice's
book, but still dated.
James, Stewart Abbott's Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks for Magicians (1975, Dover)
[SD] Reprint of a 1945 work covering all aspects of magic with ropes
covering knots, penetrations (one and two rope varieties), cut- and
restored, the "Hindoo" rope trick, and miscellaneous effects.
Marci, Jill The Art of Clowning (1993, ?)
I have authored a book called the art of clowning...Its been reviewed in
Genie Magazine...the book deals with children's magic, nightclub magic,
Magician versus clown magic, magic at festivals, fairs, on television also
deals with designing a clown face, animal balloons, puppetry. Promotional
ideas, selling yourself, plus more. 62 pages book sells for $12.50 plus
$5.00 shipping and handling Foreword to the book is written by Goldfinger
and Dove. From: ji...@netcom.com (Jill Marci)
Marshall, Francis The Sponge Book (19??, Magic Inc.)
[SD] Lots of advice (in a small booklet) on sponge magic, including
explanation of Al Goshman's routine with the invisible purse.
Mishell, Ed and Abe Hurwitz ELASTRIX (1979, Magico Magazine)
[HS] Rubber Bands - Tricks, Stunts and Puzzles
Novak, Bob Jack Miller's Famous Linking Ring Routine (1976, Tannen)
[SD] Reprint of a 1945 monograph on one well-known Linking Ring routine
which includes a variety of ways to display rings during the routine. One
could take these individual ideas and craft shorter routines as well as
reorder the one that's here.
Penn and Teller How to Play with Your Food
Got the book last week-end, spent all afternoon reading it, almost wet
myself. Definitely worth the price, but don't get your hopes up about the
included gimmicks, they're pretty lame.
NOTE: See the recall announcement about the sugar packets.
Page, Patrick and Goshman, Albert Magic by Gosh (19??, Goshman)
[SD] Basically, Goshman's act, all of it, plus other items.
[RD] Goshman's work with sponges was incredibly good, and his "coins under
the salt shaker" routine was great. I assume these are in this book.
Rice and Van Zandt Through the Dye Tube (1971, Silk King Studios)
[SD] Reprint of a 1943 document on use of the dye tube for vanishing,
producing, and performing color changes with silks. A basic text on
working with a dye tube for silks.
Shute, Merlyn How-To Book of the Chop Cup (1980, Morrissey Magic Ltd)
[SD] A monograph on the use of the Chop Cup.
Shute, Merlyn Out of Your Pocket (19??, Morrissey Magic Ltd)
[RD] More than the title suggests, this booklet gives some pointers for
choosing effects to perform professionally in a restaurant setting,
choosing a professional name, etc. Favourite trick: Sid Lorraine's
handling for the cut and restored rope.
Shute, Merlyn How-To Book of the Zombie (1983, Morrissey Magic Ltd)
[SD] A monograph on the use of the Zombie.
Shute, Merlyn Cups, Cups, Cups (1980, Morrissey Magic Ltd)
[SD] A monograph on the use of the Cups and Balls.
Walsh, Audley Sponge Ball Manipulations (?,?)
[RD] A booklet of routines using mostly standard, but also some
non-standard sponge balls. Includes the "Master Routine"
Weigle, Oscar and Dell, Alan Money Magic of Mike Bornstein, The (1980, Magico Magazine)
Lees, Walt More Money Magic of Mike Bornstein (198?, Magico Magazine)
Bornstein, Mike Latest Money Magic of Mike Bornstein (1988, Bornstein)
[SD] Set of three booklets on magic with dollar bills: floating them,
folding them, tearing them, etc.
Willmarth, Phillip Ring and Rope Book (Vol One) (1976, Willmarth)
[SD] A survey of things to do with rope and a single ring (metal or
wooden). For those who do the Linking Rings and or rope effects, maybe
you'd like putting them together for some variety. (Some folks like to do
this sort of stuff with silks and rings.)
[RD] This is a fine book, but it has more typos per page ("left hand"
instead of "right hand", etc) than any other I've seen. Once you sort them
out, some of the tricks are great. Favourite trick: Quicksilver.
9. History/Reference
Christopher, Milbourne Illustrated History of Magic, The (1973, Crowell)
[SD] A very nice history of magic book. A "coffee table" book, but good
information.
[RD] Is this the book where Christopher perpetuates the myth about one of
the pyramids of Egypt containing a picture of a magician performing the
cups and balls?
Clark, Hyla World's Greatest Magic, The (1976, Tree Communications)
[SD] A "coffee table" book about personalities in magic both past and
present (around the time of this book, e.g., Doug Henning). An interesting
book, however, for those who want to know about some of the folks who have
(and do) make a name for magic. The book also discusses some magic effects
(including large stage illusions) and how they are done in a special
section by The Amazing Randi.
Cox, J. Randolph Man of Magic and Mystery: A Guide to the Work of
Walter B. Gibson (1988, Scarecrow Press)
I visited him often in the last decade of his life and took most of my
notes for the book from his own collection and from interviews with
him. A fascinating man. From: c...@stolaf.edu (J Randolph Cox)
Dawes, Edwin and Setterington, Arthur Encyclopedia of Magic, The (1986, Gallery Books)
[SD] Mainly a "picture book" (color and B&W) discussing the history of
magic and some of its major categories such as escapes, stage illusions,
mentalism, levitations, card magic, etc. Also includes some current -- at
the time of the book and shortly before -- personalities.
[RD] No relation.
Fisher, John Paul Daniels and the Story of Magic (?,?)
[RD] Basically a rave-up about Daniels (who is admittedly pretty good), but
also has a lot of interesting information about the development of magic as
an entertainment form.
Gibson, Walter The Master Magicians: Their Lives and Most Famous
Tricks (1966, Doubleday and Co.)
[RD] Historical and biographical information about the greats of years gone
by. Interesting stuff.
Randi, James Conjuring (1992 St. Martin's Press)
[MK] Some nice photos. Some historical & biographical info. Still not
sure who Randi decided who to include in the book -- its impossible to
include everyone..
Waters, T.A. Encyclopedia of Magic and Magicians (1988, Facts On File Publ.)
[SD] Just what is sounds like: a one-volume reference book on people,
effects, and places related to magic. Can't think of a better book to have
for such purposes given its reasonable price ($20). It doesn't explain
effects but tells you what they are about, i.e., explains the parlance of
the magical arts. Includes some photographs of personalities mentioned.
10. Business Issues in Magic
Charles, Kirk Standing Up Surrounded (1989, Hermetic Press)
[SD] Advice about performing in a crowd on your feet with a Foreword by
Eugene Burger. Covers the kinds of bookings you're likely to get requiring
such performance conditions and deals with subjects like "Food and Drink,"
"Problem Audiences" (e.g., children, repeaters, drunks, jerks, and -- ta-da
-- The Exposer), "Promoting," "Selling," sample contracts, and advice on
selecting material for such venues.
Charles, Kirk Manual of Restaurant Magic (1987, Conjurers' Press)
[SD] Just what it sounds like: advice on performing in restaurants --
Foreword by Eugene Burger. Sections cover preparation, booking, selling,
and, of most concern, the actual working of such an audience. As opposed
to standing up and walking around, it is likely you'll be sitting at
individual tables with a small group (though some may end up behind you).
It talks about getting tips and getting away from a group politely, too.
Ullman, Al Business of Restaurant Magic (?,?)
[RD] This covers much of the same ground as Kirk Charles's book. Lots of
sound advice for starting out as a restaurant magician.
\\ //
\\//
/00\
\></
__/__\__
<________>
| |
| |
\____/
--
Mike Kamlet
mi...@vpnet.chi.il.us
Mike Kamlet
Last-modified: June 1, 1993
Frequently asked questions in alt.magic/part3 (of 4)
Last modified: June 1, 1993
Please send suggested corrections and additions to: mi...@vpnet.chi.il.us
Topics:
Part 3
VI. OTHER MAGIC REFERENCES
VI-A. MAGAZINES
VI-B. VIDEOS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
VI. OTHER MAGIC REFERENCES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
VI-A. MAGAZINES ON MAGIC
The following list of magic magazines is from contributions from the
following people:
bar...@grymoire.crd.ge.com (Bruce Barnett)
nie...@crd.ge.com (Paul Nielsen)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
General Magic
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Genii
PO Box 36068
Los Angeles, CA 90036
$30 a year for 12 issues.
Color cover, 80 pages an issue. The largest circulation of any magazine.
Everyone should get this just for the ads, as most items are advertized
here. Some columns are useless. I currently enjoy "The Giorgio Letters"
which describes how the Erdnase book is a lot of bull. I also enjoy the T.
A. Waters book reviews and Harkey's column.
-------
MAGIC Magazine
13337 E South Street, #310
Cerritos, CA 90701
one year subscription is $30.
In my (st92...@pip.cc.brandeis.edu) opinion, is certainly the BEST magic
magazine out there. It is where I learn about 90% of my magic news and
features very interesting articles by the likes of Stan Allen and Michael
Caveny. Checks go to MAGIC CIRCULATION.
-------
MAGIC - an Independent Magazine for Magicians.
Stan Allen & Associates
7380 S. Eastern Ave.
Suite 124-179
Las Vegas, NV 89123
$30 a year/ 12 issues.
Similar to Genii (actually - they are competitors) Color cover and color
inside. Columns by Paul Gertner (performance tips), Richard Kaufman (editor
of the magic section), and reviews by Mike Weber.
-----
Goodlife's Abracadabra
Published weekly. $88.50 for 52 issues 20 pages each issue.
(Send $2.00 in cash for sample issue )
Goodlife Publications
150 New Road, Bromsgrove,
Worcestershire B60 2LG.
England
-----
Magigram
12 issues for $35
Supreme Magic Company
Supreme House, Bideford, Devon EX39 2AN
England
-----
Precursor: A Magazine of Innovation
unikorn magic
2215 Mytle St.
Erie, PA 16502
Edited by Bill Miesel
3 issues a year
$16 in US. Canada, Mexico, $19 elsewhere
Similar to Ibidem. Mostly new/experimental card work.
-------
The Trapdoor
Steven L. Beam
Trapdoor Productions
407 Carrington Drive
Knightdale, NC 27545
(919) 266-7900
5 issues a year $30 USA, $42.50 Overseas
Excellent artwork and Humor, Closeup
-------
The Minotaur
P.O. Box 470025
Broadview Hts. Oh 44147
$18/year (I think 4-5 issues)
This is Dan Harlan's magazine and its suppose to be one of the best close up
magazines. Not much card stuff.
Dan's has a great mind (I should probably get a subscription-- Mike Kamlet)
------------------
The Servante
P.O. Box 1714, Sta "M"
Calgary Alberta Canada T2P 2L7
$20 for 4 issues
Unknown quality - read about the magazine in an ad.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
New Age, Bizarre Magic, Mentalism, Occult, Tarot, Crystals, etc
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Magick (Edited by Bascom Jones)
7107 Weldon Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308
$25 for 26 issues. 4-6 pages per issue. (Every other week a bonus
insert in included.)
This magazine specializes in mentalism.
-------
Snake-Oil Almanack
P. O. Box 465
Monroe, MI 48161-0465
4 issues @ $20. An issue is two books 4" by 5 1/2", ~20-30 pages each book.
The presentation is in one, and the method is in the other.
Published quarterly, hopefully.
Specializes in Bizarre, New Age, Occult presentations.
-------
Krypts Quarterly Crier
c/o David Zver
89 West Broad St.
Bethehem, PA 18018
4 issues for $20. An issue is 16 pages of 8 1/2 by 11.
Specializes in Bizarre, New Age, Occult presentations.
-------
The New Invocation (Edited by Docc Hilford)
PO Box 17163
Phoenix, AZ 85011
$20 for 12 issues (12 pages, 8 1/2" by 11")
Published irregularly.
Specializes in Bizarre, New Age, Occult presentations.
-------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Magazine for Collectors
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Aphelion
Thomas A. Sawyer
521 S. Lyon St., No. 105
Santa Ana, CA 92701
$30
-----------------
Magic Collector's Bulletin
George Daily's Magacana for Collectors
3778 Cayuga Lane
York, PA 17402
(717) 757-3098
$4 for current issue
-----------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Magic Clubs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Linking Ring
International Brotherhood of Magicians
PO Box 192090
St. Lousis MO 63119-9998
Tele: (314) 351-7677
Fax: (314) 353-4771
----
M. U. M.
Society of American Magicians
John Apperson
S. A. M. Membership Development
2812 Idaho
Granite City, Illinois, 62040
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Interests
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rubber Chicken Chronicles
Comedy and Christian Newsletter
Send $2 for sample issue
P. O. Box 505
Sweetwater, TN 37874
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
VI-B. VIDEOS ON MAGIC
The following is a list of video tapes on magic. The intent is to list
tapes which instruct rather than tapes of magic performances. If you are
interested in the later, Jeff Isozaki (jt...@duts.ccc.amdahl.com) posts a
monthly list of "Magic in Movies" indicating movies, actors, and scenes in
which magic appears.
Contributors:
Sleight of Hans <HCM...@psuvm.psu.edu>
crag...@isis.cs.du.edu (Chris)
geo...@eng.umd.edu (George B. Clark)
gu...@matt.ksu.ksu.edu (David B. Gumminger)
ha...@hpwrce.mayfield.hp.com (Hal Work)
jt...@duts.ccc.amdahl.com (Jeff Isozaki)
msib...@nyx.cs.du.edu (Michael Sibbernsen)
nie...@crd.ge.com (Paul Nielsen)
ni...@ietech.demon.co.uk ("Nigel G. Backhurst")
Advanced Card Work - all of the Tannen's Stars of Magic-Paul Harris series.
Paul is good, funny, and weird. The tapes are extremely well done, and
the selection of magic is commercial (i.e. not just finger flinging to
impress other magicians, its finger flinging to impress _everybody_!)
Definitely not for beginners!
Animation and Levitation - Kevin James' Floating Rose
This tape is phenomenal! You might never do the floating rose, but you
learn everything you need to do levitiation and animation (close up and
stage). It is difficult, but Kevin takes you step by step and leaves
nothing out.
Basic Card and Coin Sleights - Brad Burt series
Brad is the best teacher of effects around. He has beginners' tapes on
cards, coins, flourishes and sponge balls. They are self-produced so they
are more reasonably priced than Tannen tapes. Brad "guarantees" you can
learn the stuff from the tapes. I don't know if that means refunding the
price of the tape if you can't, but it seems worth a try. For more info,
call (619) 571-4749, Fax: (619) 571-7943.
Basic Card Slights - Bill Tarr
90min tape packed with, as Bill Tarr says, "everything you need to know
to be a dynamite card magician." The video has fairly poor production
quality, and the backdrop is quite confusing. This aside, the
instruction is excellent; Bill Tarr is a very good teacher. The topics
include: The Slip Shuffle, Jog Shuffle, Hindu Shuffle, Slip Cut, False
Triple Cut, Double Cut Classic Pass, Invisible Pass, Say When Pass,
Classic Force, Riffle Force, Top- Palm, Double Lift, Top Change, Glide,
Buckle, Elmsley Count, Card Weaving, and Key Cards. It includes good
bits of card business and a few good card tricks. Recommend to any
beginning magician as a good way to start with almost all basic card
slights. Also pretty good for those more experienced that need to work
on old skills.
Brad Burt Video Tapes - Brad Burt series
Are excellent for instructional purposes. They are not fancy studio
productions but are easy to follow. One includes the Zarrow shuffle and
appears excellent. The tapes are advertised in Genii from Brad Burt's
Magic Shop in San Diego.
Card Manipulation and Flourishes
"Card Flourishes" - Lou Lancaster
"The Major Card Flourishes" - Brad Burt
"Fedko - Card Illusions" - John Fedko
"Card and Ball Manipulation" - Peki
"Steven's Vol 3" - Shimada
Chop Cup, The - Brad Burt
Everything to do the Chop cup, complete with the double large load
endings standing up and surrounded.
Eugene Goes Bizarre - Eugene Burger - STEVEN'S VOL 4"
I'm very impressed with Burger's Videos. The number of tricks is pretty
low but the production values are the highest I've seen in any of the 8
videos I own. I do a modified version of his "Retribution" (aka the
burned card) and just left people with jaws on the floor. His Gypsy
thread routine in "..Bizzare" is REALLY nice. I have several of his books
and attended a small seminar that he gave in St. Paul last year. A
thoroughly enjoyable person, he really puts a lot of work into his
routines, books and videos.
Gambling Protection Series - Steve Forte
Mail order from RGE - 414 Santa Clara Av; Oakland, CA 94610
Phone: (510)465-6452; Fax:(510)652-4330 Mail:
RGE is a publisher and distributor of gambling related literature,
software and videos. (Visa and MC only for phone orders)
Tape #1: EXCELLENT examples of the pass. These videos are NOT DESIGNED
FOR MAGICIANS OR THE GENERAL PUBLIC. They target pro gamblers and
expose gambling sleights from many angles and in slow motion, etc.
Forte's execution of the two handed pass is flawless. Steve makes a
living doing "cheating at gambling" demos, writing, etc. HE USED TO
BE A FULL TIME CASINO DEALER. He also discusses stacking decks, etc.
A great video.
Greatest Hits - Randy Wakeman
C&S Enterprises - 1116 Brookview - Brentwood, TN USA 37027
90 minutes. 13 effects all taught. All Card routines.
Great quality, post production editing by pro magician (Jim Suprise).
Three good routines are Overclock, Card under glass, and Spectator on
stage. I have included Spectator on stage in my own performance it is a
great ace cutting effect. Harry Loryane Linking Ring "Fine Selections,
fine quality, fine teaching tape"
David Harkey Lecture - David Harkey
Top notch! His routines are simple, visual, and strong. It requires
some good misdirection, but its not overly finger flinging. Here are
some of the routines he performed:
1- He takes out a clean purse filled with black balloons. He blows one
up and pulls off the round part. It becomes a billiard ball.
2- He took a glass marble (it's like, man, a new age crystal, you know)
and softened it with a lighter. He then held it to his lips and blew
into it. It expanded from his mouth like a balloon and you realize
it's a test tube. He fills the tube with sugar from a packet, and
then turns the tube into an hour glass - filled with sugar. He uses
this hour glass to turn time back to the beginning, where the tube
becomes a marble and the sugar is back in the unopened packet.
(PERFORMANCE ONLY)
3- "No Return" - A safety pin is placed in a business card, and the
hole is dragged around. (steel pin = $12)
4- A bill and pencil are borrowed. the pencil penetrates the middle
of the bill, which remains untorn.
5- Four coins are visibly produced and appear at the ends of his
fingers as he touched the table.
6- A ring penetrates his ring finger visibly. A spectator can place
her hand on his and FEEL the ring travel up and thru his finger.
7- 4 coins travel into a glass - You can visibly see the coins arrive
in the glass.
Most (all) of the material is in his book. His lecture consists of 10
items. His book has 60 items. All of the material is similar in
style/strength. He is very innovative. His routines have been used to
win awards. He spent "10 years of his life" working on this book and
it shows. He is a nice guy and quite funny. He is easy to talk to and
not egotistical. He has a knack of ribbing people in the audience w/out
insulting them. This is a rare talent. Strongly recommend the lecture
and the book.
Illusion Video, The
A cheaply made, cheaply bought video teaching you how to make and
perform some standard stage illusions. Included are producing an
assistant, a dove production and vanish, various producing tubes and
boxes, and the flying carpet levitation (you could use an audience
member for this one without tipping the method).
Impossibilia - The John Bannon Video.
It demonstrates and explains 13 tricks, and it runs 90 minutes. It's
excellent.
Linking Rings - Here is a partial list of tapes with instructions on the
linking rings:
1) Fedko - John Fedko has a series of 6 tapes numbered 1 thru 6. One
of the tapes has linking rings as well as other platform effects. I
believe the linking rings are on the "Classic Magic" volume.
2) Marc DeSousa - "Prize Winning Magic"
3) Richard Ross - Stevens' "Greater Magic" series
The most beautiful version of rings I have ever seen. I watched it
many times and was always impressed. He's great.
Negotiating Higher Performance Fees audio tape - Michael Ammar
Recommended regarding fees earned by magicians.
On the Pass - Richard Kaufman
I just bought the video "On the Pass" by Richard Kaufman last weekend. It
is a good presentation of the classic pass, riffle pass and Herrmann pass
along with several variations and tricks based on them. He first
demonstrates the pass as the spectator would see it. Then carefully shows
finger positions and moves very slowly. This is shown from the
performer's point of view. Then he speeds things up. Awesome!
My first time through the tape, I just sat there with my mouth hanging
open. Do I ever have a lot of practicing to do. One comment he makes
near the end of the 40 minute video is, "Practice the classic pass 100
times a day for a year and you'll really have something special."
Penn and Teller -
1: Cruel Tricks for Dear Friends, The video version of their book of the
same name. The Tricks are different than those in the book. You
actually use portions of the video to play the pranks. Hilarious.
2: Penn and Teller Go Public: A 30 minute video which I believe was
originally a PBS special. They do some of their classic bits like
the handstab and Teller's Straight-jacket escape. A mini-concert if
you will.
3: Penn and Teller Get Killed: An actual movie about Penn and Teller.
Penn and Teller guest star on a talk show. Penn mentions how
exciting he thinks life would be if someone were trying to kill him.
You guessed it. Someone takes him seriously!! Some good magic and
lots of humor.
Restaurant Magic Business - Charles Green
Tape that is VERY helpful for the restaurant performer.
Routine Closeup - John Mendoza's
C&S Enterprises - 1116 Brookview - Brentwood, TN USA 37027
1 hr 40 min tape. Mendoza performs 10 effects and teaches 6 of them.
Great quality, post production editing by pro magician (Jim Suprise).
Particularly well explained are Mendoza's Cups and Balls and Dice
Stacking. The Dice stacking are done in slow motion with a clear glass.
Phil Willmarth in Linking Ring said, ".. it is far and away the finest
instructional video I have ever seen"
Simply Magic - Bill Thompson - from The House of Secrets,
12 Caunce Street, Blackpool tel 0253 20902
Thumb Tips - Patrick Page - from the Trik-A-Tape Company,
45-47 Clarenwell Road, London, EC1M 5RS tel 01 253 9693
Having watched perhaps a dozen instructional VHS tapes on magic, this one
has to be my favorite. It gives an incredible amount of detail for the
endless variety of tricks you can do using a thumb tip. I see beginners
frequently posting inquiries about how to get started in magic. Buying a
copy of this tape is my advice.
Topit Secrets - Patrick Page - from the Trik-A-Tape Company,
45-47 Clarenwell Road, London, EC1M 5RS tel 01 253 9693
Zarrow Shuffle, The - Brad Burt
This man has to be one of the best teachers I've ever seen. Here, he
teaches both the Zarrow and Faro shuffles as well as tricks. The
Zarrow is the best looking table false shuffle I've ever seen. Unless
you are specifically looking for it, you can't tell the difference
between a Zarrow shuffle and a tabled riffle shuffle - even then you
might not do it.
Mike Kamlet
Last-modified: Sept. 4, 1993
Frequently asked questions in alt.magic/part4 (of 4)
Last modified: Sept. 4, 1993
Please send suggested corrections and additions to: mi...@vpnet.chi.il.us
Topics:
Part 4
VII. LIST OF DEALERS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
VII. LIST OF DEALERS
The following list of magic dealers is compiled from contributions from the
following people:
bar...@grymoire.crd.ge.com (Bruce Barnett)
bat...@kodak.kodak.com (James x42773/RDCS/5-15-KO)
bl...@cs.buffalo.edu (Brian C. Blake)
drb...@cbnewsg.cb.att.com (william.h.davies)
fm...@mta.ca (Frank)
geo...@eng.umd.edu (George B. Clark)
ji...@netcom.com (Jill Marci)
jl...@andrew.cmu.edu (James A. Lane)
jt...@duts.ccc.amdahl.com (Jeff Isozaki)
nie...@crd.ge.com (Paul Nielsen)
pre...@bach.udel.edu (Jason Y Nocks)
r...@batcomfs.Eng.Sun.COM (Robert Allen)
scr...@brahms.udel.edu
st92...@pip.cc.brandeis.edu
zer...@shell.portal.com (Thomas E Zerucha)
Comments, appearing in parens after the dealer's name, represent the
opinion of the contributor, though in some cases they have been edited for
brevity.
Abbotts Magic Company
(Catalog is pretty good. Definitely of the thick variety. (about 500 large
pages) It's got a heck of a lot of stuff in just about every area. The
pricing seems fair to good, but probably not excellent in terms of good
deals.)
Colon, MI 49040
(616) 432-3235
(800) 92MAGIC
Al's Magic Shop
1012 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20005
(800) ALS-MAGIC
Aladdin Books
(An independent Bookstore Featuring an Eclectic Selection of New and
Antiquarian Books" has a very large selection of new, used and rare magic
books and lecture notes. The owner is very knowledgeable about magic.)
122 West Commonweath
Fullerton, CA 92632
(714) 738-6115
Amer. Magic Co.
3261 Trinity Road
Harrisburg, PA 17109
Axtell
230 Glencrest Circle - R
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 642-7282
Balloon Box
(Balloons, & related books)
St. James Park
2416 Ravendale Court
Kissimmee, FL 34758
(407) 933-8888
Barry's Magic Shop
(The magicians who work at Barry's Magic Shop will teach a customer how to
use anything they buy.)
Wheaton, MD
Bill Tarr
Dept 21, Box 700
East Hampton, NY 11937
Brad Burt's
4688 Convoy St Suite 109
San Diego, CA 92111
(619) 571-4749 (inquiries)
ORDERS: (800) 748-5759
Browser's Den of Magic, The
875 Eglinton Avenue West, Unit 13
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M6C 3Z9
(416) 783-7022
C & C Magic and Special Effects Company Inc.
P.O. Box 331
Littleton, MA 01460-0331
or
5 Elm Court
Maynard, MA 01754-1101
(508) 897-7599
(800) MAGIC-04
Camirand Academy of Magic
Dept. 300 Succ A
P.O. Box 269
Longueuil QC
J4H 3XC
CANADA
(514) 670-6026
Cards by Martin
(High quality gimmicked cards/decks custom made)
44533 N. Date
Lancaster, CA 93534
Carrandi
(Old books, apparatus, magazines, posters, catalogs, puzzles, etc.)
(The latest catalog is 72 pages long and goes for $7.)
122 Monroe Avenue
Belle Mead, NY 08502
(908) 874-0630
FAX: (908) 874-4892
Celestial Sorcery Inc.
(Operated by Jay Scott Berry)
11333 Moorpark
Suite 1000
Studio City, CA 91602
Collector's Workshop
(Most all of their stuff is very expensive, catalog is $5.00. For folks
who don't know, CW is one of the few shops to take a less draconian stance
on returns. Ever since a shop refused to accept a strait-jacket after the
T-bar tore out the first time I tried it on, despite a history of business
with them and full knowledge of the methods before I got the jacket, I've
started to appreciate CW's policy more and more.)
Misty Morn Farm, Rt#1,
Box 113A
Middleburg, VA 22117
(703) 687-6476 (inquiries)
ORDERS: (800) MAGICCW
FAX: (703) 687-6122
Dallas & Co.
101 E. University
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 351-5974
(217) 351-9255 (fax)
(owned by Andy Dallas who is primarily and escape artist. SAM #120 meets at the
shop thrid tues. of the month)
Dan Garrett
4929 Salem Rd.
Lithonia, GA 30038
Davenports,
7 Charing Cross Underground Shopping Arcade,
London WC2N 4HZ
Tel: 01 836 0408
Daytona Magic
136 S. Beach Street
Daytona beach, FL 32114
(904) 252-6767
ORDERS: (800) 34-MAGIC
FAX: (904) 252-9037
Douglas Tilford
P.O. Box 650
Experiment, GA 30212-0650
(404) 227-7634 (inquiries)
ORDERS: (800) 537-5381
Eagle Magic
(Larry Kahlow)
708 Portland Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 333-4702
El Duco's Magic
(Catalog $5)
Box 31052
200 49 Malmo
Sweden
Fleming Book Co,
728 Madison Ave,
York, PA 17404
Flora & Company
(Videos and Audio tapes. Excellent material on practical marketing, etc.)
box 8263
Albuquerque, NM 87198
Flosso Hornmann Magic Co.
304 W 34th St.
New York, NY 10001
Flying Apparatus Catalogue
(Juggling, etc.)
2121 Staunton Court
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(415) 424-0739
Four Jokers Magic Shop
(Visa/Mastercard orders accepted)
(There are larger stores, but its hard to beat these guys. If they know
you are a magician and are interested in a trick they will let you in on
the secret. After all, to be honest, if you are in the comunity (magic)
you are bound to eventually find someone who has purchased the same thing
and will eventually find out the inner workings. BUT, you might see
something that just blows your socks off, go and buy it THEN find out it is
beyond your abilities. At least this way, you have the chance to 'test
drive' it to see if it is something you really want.)
45 Main Street - P.O. Box 38
Tonawanda, NY 14150
(716) 693-7930
E-mail contact: bl...@cs.buffalo.edu (Brian C. Blake)
Great American Juggling & Fun Co., The
(Call for a catalog.
Their prices are discounted, and they ship quickly!
They also have magic and balloon stuff.
Most of the jugglers I know buy their props there.)
P.O. Box 227
Pine Forge, PA 19548-0227
(800) 3-JUGGLE
H and R Magic Books
(Specializes in old books, catalog is $3)
3702 Cyril Dr.
Humble, TX 77396-4302
(713) 454-7219 or (713) 488-4578
Hades Publ.
Box 1414
Calgary, Alberta
Canada, T2P 2L6
(403) 254-0160
FAX: (403) 254-0456
Hades Seattle Magic Sentre
(A very wide selection, pay to get their catalog.)
(Great selection, catalog is $12.00 Book catalog is $5.00. These
guys are probably one of the more useful references on this list.)
Box 2242,
Seattle, WA 98111-2242
(206) 624-4287
Haines House of Cards
(Retail, manufacture, and wholesale. Located near US Playing Card Co.)
2514 Leslie Ave
Norwood, OH 45212
(513) 531-6548
Hank Lee's Magic Factory
(Catalog is thick, chock full of good deals, and does what no other
magic catalog I've ever seen do - offers fun to read descriptions.)
Mail Order Division
P.O. Box 789
Medford, MA 02155
(617) 482 8749
FAX: (617) 395-2034
ORDERS: (800) 874-7400
Hermetic Press
Box 20383
Seattle, WA 98102
Hollywood Magic, Inc.
(They carry a decent selection of standard effects in their catalog,
which is about $7.50)
6614 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA
(213) 464-5610
House of Magic, The
(Carries both old and new stuff, and specializes in antiques, imported, and
limited edition stuff. The primary drawback with this place is that it's
full of rubber doggy-do, inflatable women, rubber snakes, etc., and seeing
into the over-stuffed counters is sometimes tough. You have to become sort
of known face to get the most value out of this store. It does have the
largest local book section.)
2025 Chestnut St.
San Francisco, CA
(415) 346-2218
International Magic,
89 Clerkenwell Road,
London EC1
Tel: 01 405 7324
Jeff Busby
(Many unique books, close-up props)
612 Cedar Street
Wallace, ID 83873-2233
ORDERS: (800) 445-0918
Jeff Busby
(Carries mostly books, but also carrys some magic equipment. He uses a
tremendous amount of hyperbola in his advertising, and makes it sound like
he's the only guy who carrys the stuff that he carrys, which isn't true.
But he does make unexcelled machined and spun copper, brass, and stainless
steel cups for cups and balls (I'm not sure if he's doing this right now),
and he also has some beautiful turned wood wands & cups.)
10329 MacArthur Blvd Suites 5&6
Oakland, CA 94605-5147
(510) 562-6340 (inquiries)
ORDERS: (800) 445-0918
John Brownback
(He has tons of books, new and old for sale. He's really good to work with
and you're sure to get a good deal!)
Springfield, IL.
(217) 522-5800
Johnson Precision Magic Products, Inc.
(Well known manufacturer of coin magic)
P.O. Box 734
Arcadia, CA 91066
Johnson Smith Co
4514 19th Court East
P.O. Box 25500
Bradenton, FL 34206-5500
Kennedy
8 Winchester
Irvine CA 92720
(714) 262-1164
Ken-Zo's Party Place
Ken & Bernie Horsman
1025-29 S. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-727-5811
Kevin James
9682 Katella
Anaheim, CA 92804
(714) 520-4381
FAX: (714) 535-5237
Klamm Magic
(They stock a wide range of books, close-up effects and even stage sized
illusions.)
1412-L Appleton
Independence, MO 64052
(816) 461-4595
KT Magic
(Collectable magic & books. Prompt service, good prices, and good quality
merchandise. Catalog is $4.00.)
3925 Richardson Rd. Ste #24
Independance, KY 41051
(606) 525-1605
L&L Publishing
P.O. Box 100
Tahoma, CA 96142
(916) 525-5700
ORDERS: (800) 626-6572
FAX: (916) 525-7008
La Rocks's
(Balloons + Clown Supplies)
2123 Central Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 333-3434
FAX: (704) 536-4600 (10AM - 6PM)
ORDERS: (800) 473-3425
Lee Jacobs Prod
P.O. Box 362-L189
Pomeroy, OH 45769-0362
(614) 992-5208
old posters/books, repro posters..
Magic Center
739 8th Ave.
New York, NY 10036
Magic Collector's Bulletin
George Daily's Magacana for Collectors
3778 Cayuga Lane
York, PA 17402
(717) 757-3098
$4 for current issue
Magic Land
(The most famous magic shop in Tokyo is Ton Onosaka's, "Magic Land". It's
located near Kayaba-Cho subway station (Tozai-line or Hibiya-line). Near
the Tokyo Station. The shop is very small and hard to find. Call for
directions. Closed Mondays. Tu-Sat 10-18:00 (?))
Phone from Narita airport (outside of Tokyo city) : 03-3666-4749
Phone from inside of Tokyo city : 3666-4749
Magic Masters
2224C Stone Mtn-Lithonia Rd.
Lithonia, GA 30058
(404) 482-1100
Magic Methods
P.O. Box 4105 L
Greenville, SC 29608
Magic, INC
(Large publisher of books. Catalog is $7.00)
5082 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(312) 334-2855
The Magic Shop
Evan Katz
829J State St.
Lemoyne, PA 17043 (near Harrisburgh)
717-737-7559
Mark Leveredge
29 Wresfords Close,
Exeter, Devon
EX4 5AY, England
Tel: 0392 52000
Martin Breese International
(Close-up books, props, etc.)
P.O. Box 842
Sheffield
S2 5TB, England
Phone: 0742 737441 (24 hour answering machine)
FAX: 0742-726420 (24 hours)
Maxilla & Mandible, LTD
The Natural History and Science Emporium
(Bones, specimens, skulls, etc. Catalog: $9.95)
451-5 Columbus Ave
New York, NY 10024
(212) 724-6173
Meca Magic
Bloomfield, NJ
(201) 429-7597
Meir Yedid
P.O. Box 55
Rego Park, NY 11374
(718) 592-6082
Metaempirical Magic
P.O. Box 500-M
Stockbridge, MA 01262
(413) 243-4573
Mike Rogers
P.O. Box 461723
Escondido, CA 92046-1723
(619) 489-1303
More Than Magic
Bob Lloyd
11 Davenport St
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 218-0065
Morrissey Magic Ltd.
(This is probably an economical choice for the Canadians of the group.
What with the Canadian dollar sitting so low and everything.)
2882 Dufferin Street
Toronto, Ontario
M6B 3S6
(416) 782-1393
Murphy's Magic
P.O. Box 7373
St. Louis, MO 63177-7373
Mystique Magic Mfg.
P.O. Box 577
Rush Springs, OK 73082
(405) 476-2481
FAX: (405) 476-2692
Old Curiosity Shop
409 16th Street
Watervliet, NY 12189
(217) 273-1374
Old Town Magic Shop, The
($2 for list?)
5770 W. Bronson Highway
Suite 220
Kissimmee, FL 32741
Olde Towne Magic Shop
424 S. Main St.
St. Charles, MO 63301
(314) 947-9292
Olde World Magick
(Catalog: $1, Props for the Bizarre Magician)
P.O. Box 162
Oakville, CT 06779
Palmer Magic,
23 Duane Number 6,
Redwood City, CA 94062
(415) 365-3818
Paul Diamond's Magic Company
(The place seems to have a HUGE selection of books, even things that are
supposed to be out of print!)
P.O. Box 11570
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339
(305) 772-8067
ORDERS: (800) 330-2713
Phila. Magic
141 N. 12th St.
(219 Market St ?)
Phila, PA ?????
(214) 627-5128
PM Magic
12977 View Mesa St.
Moorpark, CA 93021
(805) 529-8416
PM Productions
1701 Monroe St
LaPorte, IN 46350
Powerful Magic
1516 Purdue Ave #7
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Rabbit In The Hat Ranch
1017 Crystal Bowl Circle
Casselberry, FL 32707-4536
Radella
9222 159th St, Suite #346
Orland Park, IL 60462
Repro Magic,
46 Queenstown Road,
London SW8 3RY
Tel: 01 720 6257
Richard Kaufman
Suite 183-a
8401 Colesville Rd
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Robbins
70 Washington St 9th floor
Brooklyn NY 11201
($3 catalog)
Ron Allesi
(Quality Used and Rare Magic)
($3 for current items, $18 for year's subscription)
364 W. Main Street
P.O. Box 64
Fredonia, NY 14063
(716) 679-4073
Silques Etc.
P.O. Box 272
Renssselaer, IN 47978-0272
(219) 866-4287
Sorceries Limited -
(They carry about 50 effects, mostly handmade woodwork by C. Miller,
at reasonable prices, but they also have a few unique publications,
plus they periodically sell used magic.)
P.O. Box 4169
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(215) 867-0711
Stanford Prod.
P.O. Box 161
Stilwell, KS 66085
Stephen Tucker
Tel: 0684 566485
Steven Dawsons Magic Touch
(Steve Dawson owns and runs the place. Tends to carry new stuff only, not
antiques or second hand. They also carry a few of their own manufactured
tricks of various types. They have a newsletter which comes out every few
months. He also is now in the mail order business, so he has a catalog
available. Steve can get many more things than he stocks. What he stocks
is a good selection of closeup stuff, including coins, plus standards like
vanishing canes, cups & balls, etc. And some of the usual strangely
painted boxes & tubes. Steve keeps a close eye on the trade, and can
usually offer comments on new or old tricks.)
144 N. Milpitas Blvd.
Milpitas,CA 95035
(408) 263-9404
Stevens Magic Emporium -
(Much good stuff. Pay $7.50 to get on their catalog list.)
(Catalog about $7.50, they carry imported magic, and intermediate priced
magic in general. They carry lots of finely made brass pieces too.)
3238 East Douglas
Wichita, KS 67208
(316) 683-9582 or (316) 683-5861
FAX: (316) 68-MAGIC
Supreme Magic Company
(From: Andy J Taylor <Andy....@brunel.ac.uk>
This may be of some importance to you. The Supreme Magic Company of
Bideford, Devon, England has ceased trading. All the news I have at
present is that they went into voluntary liquidation. This means that
there may be a reincarnation. For the time being, however, don't order
from them... More news as I get it.)
64 High Street,
Bideford, Devon, England.
Tel: 02372 21440
Tannen's Magic, Inc
(Large, impersonal)
6 W. 32nd 4th Floor
New York City, NY 10001-3867
(212) 239-8383
Fax: (212) 643-0199
ORDERS: (800) 72MAGIC
Top Hat, The
c\o Allan Adcock
2232 W. Richwoods Blvd.
Peoria, IL 61614
Tosi's Magic Manufacturing
(Little known manufacturer of coin magic)
4042 Cypress Landing
Winter Haven, FL 33884
(813) 324-7122
Venture III
(Magic, mentalism, antique magic. Part owned by magic's largest collector.
They have a special mailing for collectors.)
106 Main St.
Milford, OH 45150
(513) 248-1666
Wheeler-Tanner Escapes
(Escape artist equipment)
P.O. Box 349
Great Falls, MT 59403
(406) 453-4961
Wheeler-Tanner Escapes
(Mainly escape artist supplies. Catalog is $2, refundable with first
order).
3024 E. 35th
Spokane, WA 99223
(509) 448-8457.