This is an ebook for serious beginners. This book will not make you a master – that is not what is meant by the title. This book will, however, set you on what the author believes is the best path to mastery. You’re going to learn:
- About learning magic and reaching mastery itself, the largest context.
- Practical, time-tested sleights that cater to all venues of close-up.
- Secrets of presentation for a memorable performance.
- Skills you need to have that underlie everything else.
- Amazing tricks and routines, both easy and powerful.
- How to be a magician.
1st edition, 2005; 232 pages.
Section One: Before Learning Magic (essays) The Success Track; Mental preparation for the journey to Mastery; The timeless phases of success; Misconceptions and self-deception; A game plan for success; Quotable quotes from Master magicians
Section Two: The Magician Transition (essays)First shift in thinking; Making it count; Finding your style; Being yourself; The merit of gimmicks; Flourishes
Section Three: Introduction to Cards (tutorials)Bees, Bicycles, and Tally-Ho’s; Overhand, Hindu, Riffle shuffles; Mechanics Grip; Biddle Grip; Pinky breaks, thumb breaks, transitioning breaks; Double Lifts; The Glide; Standard palming; Riffle Force; Slip Force; Swing and Swivel Cut; Ribbon Spread; Basic Card Control; Fanning the Cards; False cut; The Charlier Cut; Tilt; One-Handed Fan; Elmsley Count; Erdnase Color Change; Tenkai Palm; Slop Shuffle; Top Change; Spread Cull; Classic Pass; Springing the Cards; Twirl Change
Section Four: The Underlying Skills (essays) Where to shop; Practicing; Routining; Innovation, Creating Magic
Section Five: Introduction to Coins (tutorials) What to use; Retention of Vision; Working with coins; Classic Palm; Finger Palm; Fingertip Rest; Standard vanish; French drop; Shuttle Pass; Intro to Sleeving; Coin Roll; Coin and Handkerchief; Coin from Ear; Gimmicks to have; Gimmicks to avoid; Cleaning your coins; Tunnel Vanish; Ramsey Subtlety; Tenkai Pinch; Han Ping Chien; Sleeve that Behind!; Coin to Glass; L’Homme Masque
Section Six: All About Laymen (essays) The Spectators; Eliminating competition; Switching gears; Getting the girl; Dealing with Hecklers; Nothing personal
Section Seven: Introduction to Ordinary Objects (tutorials) Spoon Bend; Salt Shaker through Table; Ashes on Arm; Jumping Rubber bands; Balducci Levitation; Water Cooler; Bill Melt; Crazy Man’s Handcuffs; 100 Dollar Bill Switch; Ash Penetration; Striking Vanish; Vanishing Credit Card; Bouncing Roll; Match through Match; Necessities
Section Eight: The Performing Art (essays) Patter; Improvisation; Misdirection; Anticipation; All about Humor
Section Nine: Jumpstart – Ten Tricks to Start an Arsenal (tutorials) Twister; Caper Case; Slippery Ambition; The Vengeful Massacre of the Broken-Hearted; Sleeve that Behind!; The M&M Switch, Improved; Blind Triumph; Zombie Card; Pendulum Double Lift; Ultimate Card to Pocket
Section Ten: In the Field (essays) Getting yourself paid; Cooling the nerves; The Public Approach; Street Magic 101
word count: 78149 which is equivalent to 312 standard pages of text
