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Frequently asked questions in alt.magic/part2 (of 4)
Last modified: June 1, 1993
Please send suggested corrections and additions to: [e-mail]


Topics:
Part 2
  V. BIBLIOGRAPHY OF BOOKS ON MAGIC

Originally compiled by Scott Duncan <[e-mail]> [SD]
Reorganized and expanded by Robin Dawes <[e-mail]> [RD]
Additional material from the following contributors:
           [e-mail] (Bruce Barnett) [BB]
           [e-mail] (David H MacFarlane) [DF]
           [e-mail] (Jerry Blackerby,CS/D,x77810) [JB]
           [e-mail] [FD]
           [e-mail] (Henry E. Schaffer) [HS]
           [e-mail] [BD]
           [e-mail] (Sleight of Hans) [HM]
           [e-mail] (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: [e-mail] (Chris)

Here is an official press release from the P&T office regarding the
infamous sugar packets (I'm forwarding this for Maggie Jamroz
([e-mail]):


                        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
[phone]

-------
Update: From: [e-mail] (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.

            1-800-726-0600.

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: [e-mail] (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: [e-mail] (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: [e-mail] (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.


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Mike Kamlet
[e-mail]