
Franz (Ronnay) Rosensteiner
(21st March 1911 - 4th May 1992)
His father was a gardener. Franz learned to become a mechanic, but was forced to work as a roofer early on. Later he could find a job as mechanic in Germany. He was fascinated by magic and in particular card magic. When he was drafted into the military during WWII he would already perform for soldiers and officers, which prevented him from fighting on the front.
After returning from the war he settled in Vienna, Austria, became member of the Magische Vereinigung, Magischer Zirkel and later joined the IBM. He adopted the stage name Ronnay.
He became a recognized specialist of card magic and corresponded with such luminaries as Karl Fulves, Frank Garcia and Larry Jennings. Particularly noteworthy are his creations of small packet tricks and ESP tricks, many of which he either sold directly to retailers or licensed to manufacturers such as Emerson-West. He also had his own playing card printing press on which he would print special cards for his small packet tricks.
His publications are Symphonie in Rot und Blau, Card Nostalgie, Ein Card Mirakel, and Card Magic.