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Book of Secrets

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:30:49 GMT

25 lessons for stage and close up
A comprehensive course in the art and psychology of sleight of hand

Critics and readers alike, proclaim it one of the best magic books ever! This comprehensive course of study is a 377 page hardbound book filled with stand up magic, close up, and essays.

JOHN CARNEY IS WIDELY ACKNOWLEDGED as one of the best magical entertainers and teachers in the world. His last book, Carneycopia, was acclaimed by many as a classic and one of the best books of the decade. The Book of Secrets, his first new work in ten years, includes 25 lessons for stage and close-up, as well as thoughtful essays on presentation, misdirection, timing and management.

Each lesson concludes by giving the student assignments to complete, encouraging them to participate in creating their own magic. Historical essays of some of magic's greats are also included, not just citing of facts and figures, but explaining what qualities made them great and how you may apply their example.

Stage routines include John's take on the classic Rising Cards, Egg on Fan, Linking Rings and Miser's Dream. Close up descriptions include his routines for the Cigars from the Purse, Champagne Glass and Coins, Thimbles and his Color Changing Cards Routine. Also discussed are techniques and psychology for the Classic Pass and Card Palming.

This book is not just a book of tricks, but a comprehensive course of study in the art and psychology of sleight of hand. The book is 377 pages, hardbound with gold impression. The 262 illustrations accompanying the descriptions are sharp, clear and uniquely rendered.

What They are Saying About the Book of Secrets

"WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WORK! The thinking is just great. John is truly a man who understands magic. The tricks are presented in perspective, with the idea that they can and should develop further. The Book of Secrets is engaging reading, which manages to stimulate the student's creative thinking."
- Tommy Wonder

"This book BLOWS ME AWAY. It is full of passion...just vibrant with it. Carney has rediscovered and reinvented classic platform magic. He talks to you like a guy, a mentor, a tough-love teacher. He doesn't expect you to come to him with a 5th degree Elmsley-Aronson black belt. But he does expect you to love magic as much as he does, and be willing to earn your miracles. Carney's The Book of Secrets goes right on my shelf of classic reference books."
- Teller

"Here is a real insight into the way John thinks about magic, the way he combines past inspirations with current motivations, and the continual process of searching, trying, experimenting, and improving to find the best result. It's more than just a new format for a magic book; IT'S MADE ME THINK ABOUT MAGIC IN A NEW WAY."
- Jim Steinmeyer

"The Book of Secrets is a masterpiece...one of the most satisfying reading experiences I have had in a very long time. This is a must-have, must-read, must re-read, top-of-the-pile, words-to-live-by, masterwork. This is one of the most inspirational books of magic I have ever read, and as serious as is its intent, it is also inescapably joyous, thanks to the author's unadulterated, unbridled, unapologetic love for his subject. The Book of Secrets is a blueprint for rich, multifaceted, sophisticated magic that will be duplicated by few, but is accompanied by a manifesto of sorts that will doubtless inspire many. Truly, this is a generous book-a work by which the author gives back a bounty to the art that has given him so much. Be thrilled and inspired by this book, and may it help you take our art to another, better place."
- Jamy Ian Swiss Light from the Lamp Genii, January 2003

"It is a book that reveals, challenges, provokes, encourages, and teases. Its one of the best magic books I've ever read, and my guess is that 26 years from now it will be referred to as one of the classics. The Book of Secrets is written from the heart. A careful study may well change your magical life. ......in the past few years I have drifted away from being a true student of magic. John Carney has rekindled that flame. To have regained this feeling is a gift. And that's what The Book of Secrets is, it's a gift to magic and magicians. It has my highest recommendation."
- Mike Close - Marketplace, Magic, December 2002

Pages: 377 - 9" x 6" - Hardcover

Pop Fly

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:50:51 GMT

Bizau Cristian is a young magician from Romania with a spectacular new card sleight that causes a selection to fly out of the pack without any apparent throwing action. It's called POP FLY, and this ridiculously cool-looking sleight is available right now!

Vanishing Inc. has collaborated with Blue Crown to bring you this EXCLUSIVE download for POP FLY. Watch the video and you'll understand exactly what this versatile revelation does: cause any card (or two, or a double) to fly from the pack as you dribble the cards gently to the table. The mechanics are not hard to master, and it can be done with a borrowed, shuffled pack—no threads. POP FLY is the kind of sleight you can incorporate into your repertoire immediately.

Running time: 33 minutes

Truly Visual Card Magic

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:52:04 GMT

We're a big fan of Ben Harris and his Backstory Project (of which this ebook is a part of) is a great project intending to collect together all of his publications in new, organised formats. This particular ebook is a fabulous collection of effects all featuring cards performed with a VISUAL impact.

Ben's best-seller, ZOOM is featured along with his popular rendition of Oil and Water with its glorious three phase routining. Learn to perform a version of Daryl's famous Ultimate Ambition with ANY DECK. Also featured is the odd and visual Madman's Card to Pocket and a full work out with the world-famous Super-Flip Move.

Zoom
Madman's Card To Pocket
Anytime Ultimate Ambition
Oil and Water Deluxe
Coming Together Again
Super-Flip
Super-Flip Ambitious
Super-Flip Four Ace Explosion

Ready, Set, Guastaferro

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:36:30 GMT

If you've read One Degree, you're probably already having withdrawal symptoms from John Guastaferro's magic. We've got good news; READY, SET, GuastaferrO is John Guastaferro's all-new ebook containing 12 astonishing card effects and we're the only magic shop that is able to offer it.

The ebook can be seen as a continuation of One Degree. The writing style is the same, the magic is equally as powerful and some of the tricks even use items from One Degree as a starting point. It's clear that these are real world card effects from John's working repertoire and we're incredibly impressed with the magic that he shares.

It's rare that a book caters so well to hobbyists and professionals alike, but this ebook really does. As John's magic relies on clever construction over difficult sleights, we're confident that you'll find something of use, regardless of your skill level or performance venue.

WHAT'S INSIDE?

Openers

1. Invisible Opener - In a game of pretend, imaginary items appear from nowhere, including poker chips, a deck of cards and rubberbands.

2. RWB - The deck changes from red to blue. And in a bit of American patriotism, even the faces vanish for a moment, giving you a complete "red, white, and blue" change.

Mysteries

3. Mr. E. Returns - A card that is used as a magic wand throughout the effect ends up being the signed selection.

4. Spectral - A freely selected card vanishes and reappears in a most mysterious way.

5. Centerfold - A card is predicted, then travels inside a folded note card.

6. Twist of Fate - Using three cards, the future is predicted, then altered.

Triumphs

7. Bound to Triumph- A topsy-turvy shuffled deck that is wrapped with a rubberband manages to unshuffle itself, even while in a spectator's hands.

8. Untouchable - The audience openly shuffles and cuts the deck with a mixture of cards face up and face down. Without intervention from the performer, the cards straighten themselves.

Multitudes

9. Inside and Out - One selection jumps inside the box; another melts through the box.

10. Triple Pocket Discovery - A pocketed card melts up through the fabric; another card melts into the pocket; and the last card is found using the penetrating power of the mind.

Four-Closures

11. Assembly Line - Four audience members each hold a quarter of the deck with a Jack lost in the middle of each, yet all four Jacks assemble on top of one packet.

12. Pickpocket Aces - After the Aces are lost in the deck, one is found in your pocket, two are found in your spectator's pocket, and the final one stands alone after the entire deck vanishes.

"A great collection of card magic that has the Guastaferro stamp of simplicity, structure and surprise."
—David Regal

"There are a few pockets of genuinely good thinking in magic scattered around the world. John Guastaferro occupies one of them."
—Stephen Minch

"With a cunning combination of new plots, smart methods and clever handlings, John Guastaferro's latest ebook is the perfect glimpse into his repertoire...and mind."
—Andi Gladwin

"I just tried the opening effect from RSG and it is fabulous. It is going into my program."
—Michael Vincent

Magic For Dummies

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:21:18 GMT

You don't need a white tiger, expensive props, or hours of preparation to do magic. With a little practice, some clever misdirection (which lays at the heart of all magic tricks), and showmanship, you can surprise family, friends, and coworkers using a few everyday items! If you're looking to saw a beautiful women in half or make buildings disappear, we're sorry, but this book isn't you. But if you want to act out little miracles that you can perform on the spur of the moment with items that are usually within reach, then Magic For Dummies can show you how.

Magic For Dummies features more than 90 easy-to-perform deceptions, illusions, and sleights of hand for any event or occasion. You'll discover how to perform entertaining card tricks, coin tricks, disappearing acts, as well as the always-popular mind reading trick. You'll even see how easy it is to make money disappear as well as melt a saltshaker! Chock-full of show-stopping tricks, Magic For Dummies will:

Get you started with easy-to-learn magic tricks
Let you turn a restaurant into a your stage with tricks that include utensils, mugs, and even food
Show you how to use a deck of cards to perform endless magic tricks
Make you the life of the party with tricks such as "Call This Number," "The Strength Test," and "The Phantom Photo"
Get you out of tough situations by giving you ten things to say when things go wrong

Filled with photos, patter, and presentation tips for every trick in the book, Magic For Dummies offers a great opportunity to become familiar with some of the coolest magic tricks ever performed. With the help of author David Pogue and the stunning tricks contributed by thirty-five of America's top professional magicians, you'll be leaving your friends, family, and coworkers spellbound at your mastery of the mystical arts.

ISBN: 978-0-7645-5101-7

Pages 408 - Softbound

Maestro

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:11:27 GMT

Rene Lavand is a true master of magic. An elegant and dextrous magician who turns every performance into a theatrical experience. Now you can see Rene Lavand performing his professional show at the Ajuda National Palace in Lisbon, Portugal. Shot on multiple cameras and in high quality video this is an opportunity to see Rene Lavand at his best.

These Magic-Packed DVDs Include Explanations For Rene Lavand's Professional Act:
The Credential, Ace, 2, 3, 4, The Sonnet, Ambitious Card, Three of Spades, Why do the Colors Alternate, The Copla, It Can't Be Done Any Slower, Calling the Cards, The Three Bread Crumbs, Card in Wallet.

Plus Signature Compositions:
The Greek, The Cumanes, Gitano Antonio, Duel in the West, The Tijuano, Old Man River, The Pygmalion, Spanish Deck Routine.

And Techniques:
False shuffles, cuts, deals, palms, change and deck switch.

MAESTRO, the stunning new DVD Box Set from the Essential Magic Collection.
The incredible magic of Rene Lavand, 4 DVDs, 8 hours of performance, explanations and interviews.

Subtitled in 5 Languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese.

Magic from the Soul

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:08:31 GMT

Ren� Lavand is without equal in his chosen field. He has held audiences around the world spellbound with his poetic and emotional style of presentation. Over forty years ago Ren� Lavand, "the one-armed magician from Argentina," created a sensation on The Ed Sullivan Show. Since then he has devoted his life to refining and performing his own brand of close-up magic. Luminaries such as Dai Vernon, Slydini, Juan Tamariz and Ascanio have referred to him as one of magic's great treasures and an artist of the highest degree.

This book is the culmination of that lifetime of work. Now under one cover are Ren�'s first two books Slow Motion Magic I and II as well as the never-before published Volume III. Additional routines have been culled from existing sets of Spanish language lecture notes and of course it includes Ren�'s trademark routine with three bread crumbs and a tea cup as seen on The World's Greatest Magic television special. All of this great material has been re-translated from the original Spanish manuscripts and with the assistance of videotape and live demonstrations, each routine has been completely rewritten. Finally, 225 line drawings by Homer Liwag were added to further clarify this wealth of material.

You will be astounded by the techniques that Ren� has created which allow him to perform these miracles but as he never fails to point out at his lectures, "... it is possible to perform these effects with two hands as well." His theories on presentation and methodology serve as valuable lessons to all magicians. If you never perform a single trick from this book, Magic From the Soul still stands as an important work for those who are interested in magic as a performing art.

Not to be overlooked is the first chapter of this book; a short biography of Ren� that is illustrated with numerous photographs. Here is a book to inspire any true lover of mystery written by a man who has earned the right to call magic an art

Pages: 228 - 8.5" x 11" - Hardcover with dust jacket - Black and white illustrations and photos

A PEEK INSIDE MAGIC FROM THE SOUL
Not every magician is going to perform Ren�'s more difficult routines but there is no reason why every serious magician cannot benefit from his thought-provoking theories on presentation and the creation of magic. For that reason we reproduce here two short essays that we hope will inspire you to think of magic not simply as tricks, but rather as a fine art.]

THAT WHICH IS SIMPLE
The human brain often complicates things. Fu Manchu told me that on one occasion he had the honor of performing magic for Einstein. He showed him his "Thief of Baghdad" routine and then asked the genius if he could explain it. Einstein's solution to this elegantly simple trick was the most complicated and impractical method you could possibly imagine. The actual solution never occurred to him.

Laymen already perceive our tricks as being complicated. There is no need for us to complicate them further. We should strive to offer our audiences simplicity. Let us not exhaust their minds with excessive words or motion. Let us retain the beauty of simplicity. This is our goal. Of course, arriving at simplicity is not easy; it is a paradox.

Beethoven based the entire movement of a symphony on just four notes. Perhaps you think that to accomplish such a feat you have to be Beethoven. You could be right, but at least we can strive to emulate him.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PAUSES
Every routine, act or performance requires appropriate pauses. They are extremely important, but how dangerous they can be.

I feel that the pauses in a magical composition are as important as those in a musical composition. Music is not just the art of combining sounds, it also involves combining silence. Every routine needs to have harmony as well as silence, which I will call pauses. If these pauses are not in precisely the right place, they will ruin the melody and harmony.

But... I repeat, they can be dangerous!

I have a friend who visits me occasionally, joining my circle of friends who get together to share a meal. Usually, after an abundant feast and generous amount of wine, in order to allow time to digest, the conversation is interrupted and there is a general silence. I am fascinated by extended silence; especially when in the company of true friends. We are together, we contemplate, we are aware of our shared affection and understanding- what more do we need?

Azorin, "The Style" as he was called, tells a short story about two friends who would get together every Saturday to play chess. They never exchanged a word. People around them enjoyed watching their silence as much as they enjoyed watching their game. One afternoon, one of the men arrived, sat down, moved the first piece and waited... his friend did not arrive. The lone player quietly began to cry.

Azorin recounts that his friend had died. Only in death did his friend fail him... and they never exchanged a single word!

A shared passion goes beyond words, and a prolonged silence is not disquieting when the friendship is deep. Keep in mind that our audiences do not share our passion nor deep friendship. They are only spectators. Out of respect for them, measure your pauses very carefully.

If An Octopus Could Palm

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:07:50 GMT

Dan and Dave's first book reveals over a dozen conceptual palming techniques designed to inspire new ways of thinking about the age-old practice of holding out.

Highlights include a method for replacing a bottom palmed card to the top of the deck, a switch loading a palmed card beneath the top card in the action of turning it over, a variation of the Miller Cascade Control that allows for the card to be palmed and a streamlined approach for executing the Diagonal Palm Shift from a peek.What is palming? Basically, it's the techniques magicians and gamblers use to secretly remove cards from the pack into hidden positions in the hands. Gamblers refer to it as holding out. In fact, a card can be palmed from any location in the deck into pretty much any palm position without your spectators ever suspecting. As a result, these cards can be surreptitiously placed either back on top, bottom, or anywhere you conceive (your pocket, a shoe, your spectator's purse, even another palm). Palming also affords the ability to retain certain cards while the spectators shuffle, only to be replaced later, under your control.Beautifully printed and bound with luxurious features such as a foil embossed title, a tip-in reproduction of the original cover art by Juan Luis Bu�uel, a protective dust-jacket and color accents throughout, If an Octopus Could Palm is 90 pages with 109 hand drawn illustrations.

Reflections book

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:05:24 GMT

Foray deeper into the mind of Helder Guimar�es, a supreme conjuror and philosopher of the art. Discover the secrets to his most talked about effects. Be inspired from his profound thinking and psychological analysis. Immerse yourself with the finer elements of magic that transcend amateur to professional.

Reflections is a personal manifestation of Helder's passion for magic featuring five remarkable effects with cards. Every nuance is explained. From conception, technique and audience management to creative solutions, the end result is enlightening.

However, this is not a guide for the magician wanting to learn a few quick tricks. These are audience tested performance pieces meant to be studied and applied.Beautifully bound in a soft linen, Reflections is 150 pages with 60 illlustrations

Further Impuzzibilities

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:59:15 GMT

Further Impuzzibilities is Steinmeyer's latest collection of novel self-working conjuring effects. It is a follow-up to his 2002 collection of self-working conjuring included in Impuzzibilities.

So what's included in this new book? As the sub-title makes it strangely clear, one can expect to learn. There are in fact 10 powerful, intriguing, and mind-boggling illusions that Steinmeyer presents to the reader in his usual clear and concise format. Among these are the following:

The King's Coronation
Automatic Palmistry
The Princess In A Crowd
Coins In A Strange Land
Piles Of Money
The Great Silverware Scam
The Thirteen Card Dilemma

Impuzzibilities

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:57:51 GMT

Strangely Self-Working Conjuring

This 30-page booklet contains 13 self-working items including interactive tricks which are suitable for television or radio audiences. Contains:

The Nine Card Problem
The Full Deck Problem
Dimes & Pennies
A Quarter to Nine
The One O'clock Mystery
The Three Mystery
The King Mystery
Understanding the Bermuda Triangle
The "Ten Boys" Poker Deal
The Five Card Mix
Automatic Poker
Three Card Monte
Teleportation

Soft cover, staple bound, 30 pages.

Variations Revisited

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:51:32 GMT

The first privately circulated edition of Earl Nelson's Variations was published in 1978. One year later Mark Wilson produced the edition that today is considered a modern classic. Now, twenty-five years later, Variations has undergone a complete transformation. The text has been corrected, expanded and re-typeset, the original line drawings have been replaced with 270 crystal-clear photographs and the dimensions of the book have been changed allowing it to lay flat on the table for ease of study. Plus, an entire section of brand new material has bee added which includes the incredible Miller Variable Placement. Upon seeing Earl perform this versatile move, some of the most knowledgeable magicians in the business called it revolutionary. Now you can have all of Earl's old material and the best new material simply by revisiting Variations.

Pages: 151 - 10" x 10" - Hardcover with dust jacket - Introduction by Dai Vernon

A PEEK INSIDE EARL NELSON'S VARIATIONS REVISITED
Table of Contents
Publisher's Note
Foreword Dai Vernon
Preface Earl Nelson
Section One Cards
Reset Reset
Between Your Points of Departure
Slow Motion Top Change
Color Changing Deck
The Haunted Card
Exploding Aces
Pass the Sandwich
Submarine Sandwich
About Faces Aces
Wrist Turn Bluff Shift
Sleeve Aces
Section Two Cards & Coins
Pretty Good Coins Across
Coined Card
The $1.50 Vanish
Four the Hard Way
Four the Easy Way
Section Three Finger Rings
Clifton's Ring Move
Earl's Ring Move
Impromptu Flying Ring
Section Four Bonus Effects
Hit and Run Aces
The Changing of the Card
Section Five New Material
Miller Variable Placement
MVPalm
Low Fat Sandwich
Inspired by Marnase
Face Up Flyers Re-Blocked
Commentary: Why and Why Not

Revelation

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:49:28 GMT

This is not a reprint of our 1984 edition of Revelations, Dai Vernon's legendary annotations for The Expert at the Card Table by S.W. Erdnase.

This new, over-size book was triggered by the discovery of more than 160 long-lost photographs of Dai Vernon's hands that were taken in 1961 specifically to illustrate this manuscript. It is as close as you will ever get to a personal session with the Professor.

THE BOOK INCLUDES
A facsimile reproduction of the entire, original typed Revelation manuscript.

The entire text of The Expert at the Card Table with Vernon's annotations inserted at the appropriate places illustrated with the newly discovered photos of Dai Vernon's hands.

Plus more than 100 pages of added material including Vernon's explanation (with photos) of Topping the Deck, Walter Scott's Second Deal and Double Belly Cut, the Ping Pong Shift, The Hop, Allen Kennedy's legendary Center Deal and more.

Pages: 392 - 9" x 11.5" - Hardcover - The book bound in green cloth and stamped with copper foil, and the beautiful dustjacket were designed by Michael Albright.

Willard - A Life Under Canvas

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:48:26 GMT

The story of the four men who performed under the name Willard the Wizard reads like a roller coaster ride made up of triumphant highs and tragic lows. Working closely with author David Charvet were Harry Willard's grown children, Eugene, Madeline and Frances, who spent many years during their youth traveling with and performing in their father's show. David had access to not only what the audience saw on stage at the Harry Willard show, but also what was happening backstage. This is the ultimate behind the scenes story of a traveling tent show as told by those who lived it. Combining these firsthand accounts with David relentless research has produced a unique slice of magic history.

Willard - A Life Under Canvas is number 14 in our series of Magical Pro-Files. It contains 370 pages with 276 photographs and because the entire book has been printed in two colors, we were able to print many of the photos in duotone, giving them the feel of a hot, dusty tent show. Eight pages of full color show Willard in action along with some beautiful portraits of his well-worn apparatus.

The tent-show feel continues with the printed endsheets and onto the binding with a canvas cloth on the front and back covers and Skivertex simulated leather on the spine. This edition is limited to 1,000 hand-numbered copies.

Pages: 300 - 11" x 8.5" - Hardcover - Lavishly illustrated with 276 photographs, and 8 pages in full color.

Genius of Robert Harbin

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:47:34 GMT

Robert Harbin is a name that towers over the world of magic. His original stage illusions are familiar, even to laymen, in all parts of the world. His incredible output of close-up, cabaret and stage magic continued unabated for over forty years. Today, Robert Harbin is recognized as a rare genius of 20th century magic.

As a writer, artist and confidant of the legendary Robert Harbin, author Eric Lewis has produced a fascinating, behind the scenes look at the public, as well as private life of his friend. The Genius of Robert Harbin includes detailed explanations for sixty-six Harbin effects including a number of previously un-published illusions.

Pages: 358 - 8" x 10" - Hardcover with dust jacket - Lavishly illustrated with 150 photographs, programs, and advertisements.

Classic Correspondence

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:42:16 GMT

Each month in MAGIC magazine, Mike Caveney selects from the files of the legendary Egyptian Hall Museum a letter of historical importance. Sometimes the writer or recipient (or both) are well-known names while other times the players are totally unknown, but every letter sheds new light on a shadowy corner of magic's fascinating history. After placing each letter in context Mike provides additional information about the people, places, tricks, theaters and everything else that might be mentioned, illustrating it with rare memorabilia from his collection. It's like being taken on a guided tour through the historical files of Egyptian Hall Museum by the curator.The first 24 articles that appeared in MAGIC magazine (2006-07) have been collected into a beautiful new book. The entire book is printed in full-color with additional annotations, previously-unseen photographs, posters and other rare memorabilia.

If you enjoy reading Mike's monthly column (back in MAGIC for 2010 - 2011) you will love this expanded and enhanced volume containing the first series of 24 letters. It's the perfect gift for anyone who loves the art of magic.

Pages: 288 - 6" x 9" - Hardcover - fully indexed, with beautiful full-color endsheets

Alexander

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:40:56 GMT

The first edition of Alexander The Man Who Knows told the incredible story of Claude Conlin's rise to fame as his generation's premier mindreader. Just when you thought the Alexander story couldn't get any more amazing, along comes this new, greatly-expanded edition. Loads of new stories that read like a Saturday afternoon movie serial and dozens of new photographs that prove every one of those stories is true.

Throughout this book, two very different stories unfold. First there is the account of Claude Alexander Conlin, the man who became perhaps the highest paid entertainer in the field of magic. Starting out as a stage illusionist, Alexander eventually discarded the large props and relied on his tremendous skills as a showman to put over an act of mentalism and psychic readings. As the turbaned Man Who Knows, Alexander earned four million dollars over the course of a relatively short career during the 1920s.

The second story that runs concurrently with Alexander's theatrical career includes details on his seven marriages (sometimes to more than one woman at once), time spent in local jails and federal prison, his trial for attempting to extort an oilman millionaire, his failed attempt to out run the authorities in a high powered speed-boat loaded with bootlegged liquor, and the four men that he admitted killing.

It is not the kind of story in which you expect to find names like Harry Kellar, Dr. A.M. Wilson, Harry Houdini, Servais Le Roy, Howard Thurston, Floyd Thayer, Joe Dunninger and Harry Blackstone but here they are, both friend and foe alike.

From the gold fields of Alaska to s�ance parlors on the Barbary Coast to the most luxurious theaters in North America, the story of The Man Who Knows is a story like no other.

Pages: 267 - 8" x 10" - Hardcover with dust jacket - Illustrated with photographs, programs, advertisements and diagrams plus twelve pages of full color, with 70 new photographs!

Peek inside Alexander - The Man Who Knows
Introduction To The Second Edition

In the Introduction to the first edition of this book I wrote: "I wish that I could say that this is the definitive biography of Alexander. It is not. But it is probably the closest we will get at this late date."

Boy, was I wrong.

Following the publication of the book in 2004, a mountain of new material appeared, as if by magic. But, you ask, since Alexander died in 1954, what could be "new?" Surprisingly, a lot. And it came from sources previously unavailable to me.

One of the first persons to contact Mike Caveney and me after the book appeared was Alexander's grand-niece, Cathy Stevenson. It turns out that Cathy is the Conlin family historian. Her grandfather, Clarence, also known as "CB," was Alexander's brother. Cathy had grown up hearing unbelievable stories about her grandfather and great-uncle. Later, she inherited a trunk full of material concerning her grandfather's career as a stage mindreader, which paralleled his more famous brother, Alexander. Clarence also had a successful career as an attorney, defending high-profile Hollywood clients, including family-friend, Alexander Pantages.

In addition to material about her grandfather, Cathy had also researched the Conlin family back to the time they first came to America, which pre-dates previously published accounts. She also had detailed data about the life of Alexander's father, Berthold Michael James Conlin. And perhaps most significantly, Cathy put me in touch again with Alexander's 90 year-old son, John.

I had spoken to John briefly in 2002, during research for the first edition. Understandably, he was reticent at that time to talk about his Dad, as I am sure he was uncertain as to how his contributions would be used. In November, 2005, following the release of the book, I spoke about Alexander at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. There I met Cathy and other members of the Conlin family. I gave a copy of the book to Cathy, who promised to pass it along to John.

Several months later I was back in Pasadena for a weekend at Mike and Tina Caveney's home. I had been there less than five minutes when Mike said, "Let's go see John Conlin." He picked up the telephone and called the assisted-living facility where John resides. The receptionist said John would enjoy the visit. So, after winding our way through Friday afternoon rush-hour traffic in Los Angeles, Mike and I arrived to have dinner with John Conlin.

John was touched that we would visit him. He had enjoyed the book and had more details to offer. In-between bites of peach cobbler, every one of my questions brought forth tales that would be unknown by anyone but the son of "The Man Who Knows." It was all brought clearly into perspective when John showed us a picture of himself at age 5 standing next to Harry Kellar, the Dean of American magicians, who died in 1922. Here we were in 2006, talking to a man who had actually known Kellar! This was an especially jaw-dropping moment for Mike, who had recently published Kellar's biography.

Before we left that evening, John entrusted Mike and me with four large, well-worn scrapbooks. They were filled with family photos, dating back to the turn of the twentieth century. Later that night, back at Mike's house, we both studied the images into the early morning hours of the next day and found many surprising revelations. John and his son, Alexander, were gracious in allowing us to scan any photographs that we found of interest, before returning the scrapbooks to the family.

Back home, I kept digging. Recent leaps in technology have made it easier to find information concerning the illusive Alexander. In just a few short years, the world of information has transformed from paper to pixels. Complete files of newspapers are now searchable via the internet. Previously, when one was researching a person through newspaper files it was sometimes necessary to scroll through hundreds of microfilmed pages to find one morsel of information. If one knew an approximate date and specific newspaper to search, the task was a bit easier. Without this basic data, it was like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack. Now, after typing just a name or subject into my laptop computer, online search engines can pick through thousands of newspaper files in seconds, bringing forth more information than Alexander would have ever dreamed possible with his mystic turban.

When the first edition of Alexander sold out, Mike and I made the decision that rather than reprint the book as it was, a completely new edition should be created that would incorporate this new material. Some parts of the Alexander story have changed since the previous telling. Other parts have been brought into clearer focus.

While Alexander is still cloaked in somewhat of a veil of mystery, we have now been able to pull that veil aside just a little bit more. I think you'll find, as I have, that the man behind the curtain was even more amazing than his carefully crafted stage persona.

David Charvet
September, 2006

Wise Guy

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:13:00 GMT

Here at last, is the whole story behind America's most successful comedy magician. From his early days in the street, to head-lining in night clubs and casino showrooms, to the starring role on TV's hit series, Night Court.

Wise Guy begins with hilarious stories from Harry's apprenticeship as a street entertainer. Watch his character 'Harry the Hat' slowly evolve over years of performing.

Wise Guy includes a wide array of close-up effects, sight-gags, mentalism and virtually all of the stand-up routines that made Harry Anderson a headline act including The Needle thru Arm, Linking Finger Rings, Handcuffs, 3-Card Monarch Monte, and many, many more!

Drawing from years of friendship and hours of video and audio recordings, Mike Caveney reveals just how wise a guy Harry Anderson really is.

Pages: 167 - 8.5" x 9" - Hardcover with dust jacket - Black and white illustrations and photos

A PEEK INSIDE HARRY ANDERSON: WISE GUY
[Here is a perfect example of how Harry could take a standard magic prop, one that most magicians wouldn't give a second thought to, and turn it into a memorable piece of theater that encompassed humor, tension, shock value and of course mystery.]

THE FINGER CHOPPER
Harry used to do the finger chopper in the close-up room at the Magic Castle. When I commented on his hilarious routine he just shook his head and sort of brushed off the compliment. Years later I realized that mentioning the Finger Chopper to Harry caused his mind to drift back to the days when he really did the Finger Chopper and really got a reaction. It was back when Harry worked with his girlfriend Alison. She was a normal and pretty girl in every way... except one. Half of her little finger was missing. Now don't get ahead of me.

Harry had one of those little wooden finger choppers that Micky Hades used to sell. The kind where the blade could be removed and clearly shown. It was a very convincing little guillotine that did not look like a novelty store toy. Harry would get a guy to examine the chopper and then cut a cigarette in half. Then he held the guy's hand up and told this silly story. Pointing to the first finger he began: "This is the King, this is the Queen and oops, this is the evil Duke. We're going to have to behead the evil Duke." He slid the guy's finger into the hole and then held tightly onto his fingertip... uncomfortably so.

Now Harry looked at the audience and changed the subject completely. "Isn't it strange how cooperative a person will be with a magician. I mean this guy doesn't know who the hell I am." (This was long before Night Court.) "I come out all dressed up. I do a couple of card tricks, so he jumps to the conclusion that I've been hired by this establishment. Then I come up with this line about an evil Duke. Evil Duke? What the hell is that supposed to mean? I bring out this device and demonstrate exactly what it does and what does he do? He puts his finger in it. How many of you in the audience have ever seen one of those little finger choppers made by the Adams Novelty Company? The little one with the trick blade?" (Two or three people always raised their hands.) "That is what we in the business would call a trick finger chopper. How many of you ever owned one of them? A couple of you. Is this one of those trick finger choppers? No! This is what we in the business call a professional finger chopper."

Harry just kept on talking and squeezing. Pretty soon a little bead of sweat would start to form on the guy's forehead.

"You look a little nervous. That's because you know what's gonna happen, you just don't know when. That's what gets people. Not that it's gonna happen, but when. That's why people can deal better with a hurricane than they can with an earthquake. You can see a hurricane coming and get ready for it. But with an earthquake... POW! Right out of nowhere. It's Mother Nature gone psycho. People hate that. So in order to put you at ease, let's make Alison the clock. We'll pick a number like three. No, that's too common. How 'bout four... and a half. Yeah. That's good. At the count of four and a half it will happen. Now you can relax. You know what's gonna happen and exactly when it's coming. Ready Alison? One, two, three, four and a half."

At the count of four and a half, Alison extended her half finger. It looked exactly like the old gag where you bend your finger over. Then three things happened at once. Alison turned her hand around revealing that she had indeed lost half her finger. A look of terror gripped the spectator's face. And Harry slammed down the blade. As Harry tells it, there were wet seats every time.

This is a fine example of exploiting your resources, using what you have at your disposal, or in this case, using what you don't have.

Versatile Card Magic Revisited

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:09:44 GMT

In 1981, with little fanfare, a brand new publishing company released a book on card magic by an unknown author. Today, more than 20 years later, Frank Simon's Versatile Card Magic is considered a modern classic. Those lucky enough to own a copy of the first and only edition know that Frank's methods are diabolical and the effects created by them are baffling to magicians and laymen alike. Here at long last, is the much anticipated edition of Frank's elusive book. The text has been corrected, rewritten when necessary, and completely re-typeset. The 111 photos that appeared in the original book have been replaced with 283 new, crystal-clear images. The only thing that as stayed the same is Frank's great magic and those distinctive Jerry's Nugget cards that appear in the photos.

Pages: 228 - 9.5" x 10" - Hardcover with dust jacket - Black and white photos

A PEEK INSIDE FRANK SIMON'S "VERSATILE CARD MAGIC REVISITED"
Table of Contents
Publisher's Note Mike Caveney
Foreword Cy Endfield
Preface Frank Simon
Part One Versatile Spread Controls
Versatile Outjog Control
Pass the Sandwich
Catch the Sandwich
Toss the Sandwich
A.P.E. (Rich Marotta)
Versatile Even Control
The Card that Finds Itself
Cut and Count
Casual Control
The Informers
Versatile Re-Entry Control
You Shuffle as I Shuffle
Odds on Triumph
Handmade Triumph
Part Two Varieties
Benihana Aces
Pirandello False Cut (Jeff Semel)
Pirandello Undercut
About Faces Aces II
Teaser Bluff Shift
Cutiltillusion
The Collectavator
Pop-out Move (Piet Forton)
Ultimate Pop-out Move (Piet Forton)
Keep on Cloning
Topsy Turvy Faro
The Spread Double Lift
Christ-Kardyro Spread Switch
Spread Cull
Quorum Quota
Odd Color Out
Part Three Advanced Versatile Spread TechniquesvVersatile Cull Switch
Numerical Affinity
Riff Spell
Classical Slickie
Thinking Touch
Holding Position
Versatile Bottom Reverse
Jim Patton Versatile Bottom Reverse
Spread 'em
Don't Forget to Remember
Versatile Cover Steal
Open Cover Steal
Guesstimation Special
Hot Zinger
Tre Choice
Elevator Sandwich
A Stranger Coincidence
Part Four The Versatile Spread Palm
Versatile Spread Palm
A Parting Shot

The Cervon File

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:05:55 GMT

Bruce Cervon's reputation as a creator and performer of close-up magic is already firmly established. Laymen know him from appearances with Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Mike Douglas and on "That's Incredible". Magicians around the world have eagerly studied his writings in magazines such as Cardiste, Epilogue, Genii, Hierophant, Ibidem, Magik, Talisman and his previous book, The Real Work. Bruce's skills have twice earned him the title, Magic Castle Close-up Magician of the Year.

The tremendous amount of material found in this book has been culled from the personal notebooks that Bruce painstakingly kept between 1964 and 1975. These were the early days of the Magic Castle when young Mr. Cevon studied the fine art of close-up magic under the tutelage of the Professor, Dai Vernon. Here is the culmination of eleven years of work by one of Magic's premier student/performers.

Pages: 264 - 7" x 10" - Hardcover with dust jacket - Black and white illustrations