Martin A. Nash
(18th March 1933 - 20th July 2009)
Born in Parksville B.C., Martin grew up working the logging camps of western Canada. Through lumber yards and bar brawls, there was always his true love of magic. He started things like coins and doves, but in 1962, at a convention in New Jersey, history was made. Martin was attending the convention with his friend Ed Balducci. After watching a young man doing Jack Miller's holdout, he wondered what he would see next. Ed suggested that he go see Harry Lorayne. Martin looked at him and asked "What's a Harry Lorayne?" After watching Harry for a while, he found that it was in fact possible to truly entertain with a deck of cards. You didn't have to feed them or pick up their dropping either. After the convention, he went back to his wife and said "I'm going to make my living within four years with just a deck of cards." He did it too.
Much of his work has now become engraved in the history of card magic. His knowledge of cheating has been utilized by police and government agencies in both the U.S. and Canada. He has performed all over the world and on television in several countries. For example, he did card manipulations on the old Gilligan's Island show. To watch him perform is a thing of beauty. It has been said that it's like watching hands dance with a deck of cards. Whether he is performing or just relaxing and having a good time, there will always be only one "Charming Cheat."
Coauthors: Stephen Minch
