Aladdin Books
Paul Figliozzi
by Aladdin books to check out their selection on magic (Aladdin Books is
mentioned in the FAQ file for this group). Anyway, I was blown away at
the selection and collection of books which are carried on the subject of
magic.
When you go into the store, there is essentially half a wall dedicated to
magic books. The section is split into "new" and "used". The used section
carries alot of rare or out-of-print titles, and you can find used versions
of the Tarbell books at reduced prices. I spent at least an hour perusing
all the books, when the owner came up (John Cannon) and asked me if I needed
help. When I told him I was interested in "cups and balls" and magic for
children, he immediately pointed me to no less than a dozen references.
As he was showing me the various monographs on "cups and balls" he would
give me a mini-review on each one, saying things like "This one has a
very unique approach", or "This is a classic routine", or "you don't want
this one, it's very mediocre", giving me the sense that this guy was
really into magic and probably read most of the material in the store. At
that point I realized that the dozen or so crates sitting around the magic
section were filled with monographs on just about any magic subject, with
prices ranging from $2 to $15 dollars per monograph. Then John took me
behind the front counter to show me his selection of videotapes and
"really rare" books.
Needless to say, I couldn't get out of the place for less than 90 dollars.
John asked how I found out about him. When I told him about the Internet
and News, he scratched his head and stated that he didn't know much about
computers, but saw it as "The way of the future", and that he would have to
explore it more (Unfortunately, Aladdin does not currently ship books by
mail order). Anyway, he wanted to know who he should thank for the reference
in the FAQ file, and I told him I would bring a copy next time I stopped
in.
After spending alot of wasted time searching the libraries and
local bookstores for magic books, and being dissapointed at the selection
at various magic stores (most magic stores I've visited keep their limited
selection of books behind the counter, and you have to ask for them
one-by-one, and review it while the sales person/magician stands over you
waiting to pounce), Aladdin books proved to be a virtual oasis in the
cultural wasteland. In fact, I could have probably spent at least another
two hours browsing other book areas in Science Fiction, Fantasy,
Hollywood/Movies, Disney, etc.
If you are ever in the Anaheim/Fullerton area (Southern California), you
should do yourself a favor and stop in (Aladdin Books is about 15 minutes
away from Disneyland/Knotts Berry Farm).
Paul Figliozzi
pau...@hpccoa.corp.hp.com
"These are my views only..."
John also mentioned that he is getting ready to open a second store to deal
specifically with selling his "magic props" which I interpreted to mean
various magic equipment he has collected.
Meng Chhenghong
edrh...@hotmail.com
> http://www.aladdin-bookshop.com
This is someplace in Cambodia that's ripping off Disney's logo and character design.