Reviews of products by Chris Wasshuber
1 ★★★★★ reviews
Samuel Cox Hooker and his Rising Cards
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Tom Yurasits (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 10 July, 2025)
Great book about Hooker Rising Cards.
Samuel Cox Hooker and his Rising Cards
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Nick Black (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 23 March, 2025)
This ebook is written like a good mystery that you'll be thinking about long after you've finished reading it. Chris has compiled an amazing study of Hooker's rising cards, and threw in a wealth of information of similar effects. The only downside I found to this publication is that it made me aware of my shortcomings as a long-time student of magic.
Blistr
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Gregg Webb (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 14 December, 2024)
I didn't want the kind you stick to your fingers, which may be good if you are a real gambler. No, I wanted one that you use in private to mark cards for magic or mental magic. This is exactly what I was looking for. I use it all the time and I love it. Great for a key-card. It is a tactile instead of a visual clue.
The Sphinx Index
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Nathaniel Thedford
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 01 September, 2024)
This is absolutely amazing to me. Just reading the index of this collection is flabbergasting. I have just purchased this, however, from the reading journey that brought me here and the sources they all came from, I know I made a good investment. I gave up Magic as a young boy and never picked it back up. It took me another 37 years to realize just how "magical" that life really is.
All my thanks definitely go to all of the staff at Lybrary.com who put this together to make it available online.
Abracadabra!
Magician's DIY Tips and Tricks
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by FRANK ANDREWS (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 19 August, 2024)
I didn't think I'd find anything new here, but just two tips in this terse, useful booklet saved me $100 almost immediately. Recommended!
The Ultimate Magic Square (King of Hearts)
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Alexander Shulyatsky (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 15 July, 2024)
This is a very clever trick!
52 Standard American Card Faces
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Bill Palmer (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 10 January, 2024)
An excellent source for clean card face designs to use for constructing gaffed cards. I've been a full-time pro for several decades. I have a lot of experience in close-up/corporate magic and have often constructed gaffed cards using a scanner and a printer. These prepared card faces take a lot of the hard work out of the process for you.
The images are in .eps (encapsulated postscript) form and .svg (scalable vector graphics) form.
Bill Palmer, M.I.M.C.
Samuel Cox Hooker and his Rising Cards
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Gregg Webb (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 06 December, 2023)
Dr. Wasshuber's book is a fascinating look at the great mystery of how a deck of cards in a houlette which is sometimes out in plain view and other times covered by a glass bell jar and at other times suspended by ribbons, can have called for cards rise from it. At other times the said cards rise above the houlette.
Along with the card rising tricks, there is a teddy-bear's head that nods and shakes the head in response to questions. Then it rises in the air as mysteriously as with the card rises.
Only a handful of people know how the effect was really done. It was not a public show. It was built into a house of Hooker, the scientist and magician, and done to fool magicians. When John Gaughn and Jim Steinmeyer recreated it by permission from the estate, they were sworn to secrecy. We are assured that 2 people were probably backstage assistants - hidden assistants. It is one piece of modern folklore that John Mulholland as a young lad was one of these assistants.
Dr. Wasshuber takes us through the earlier history of the trick. Some versions of rising cards would be actually better for the public showing of this effect, since the show would have to travel from stage to stage and the version built into Hooker's house was not portable. Then Dr. Wasshuber built various working models of the various attempts at recreating parts of the effect. His final conclusions are really that there were new technologies just emerging at the time that helped fool the magicians present in the audience. Another of his hypotheses is that multiple methods were used for the different versions of the basic effect of cards rising based on if a deck was supplied, or borrowed, and cards selected or called for.
One thing that is interesting is the seating arrangement that was strictly controlled so that only certain lines of sight were allowed. All we truly know are from careful notes taken during the earlier versions, and then during the recreation of the show. So, while only a few people really know, I was always interested in this trick, yet didn't even know what went on during the trick, which gave it such a legendary reputation.
Dr. Wasshuber is both a scientist and a magician, and his book is an intriguing look at this mystery, and I'm glad I read it. I'm sure that one of the methods explored is the correct one or close to it, and I learned a lot of earlier methods, and got to watch a puzzle of both a scientific and a magical mystery being dissected.
The Cardsharp and his Book
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Gregg Webb (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 10 November, 2023)
I am an author and Lybrary.com publishes and carries my eBooks. Doctor Wasshuber mentioned to me in passing that he was interested in the Erdnase mystery and that he felt the evidence for Edward Gallaway being Erdnase was overwhelming. He mentioned that he had written a book about it. I proceeded to obtain the book, The Cardsharp and his Book, and read it. Although the section on forensic studies of the language used is difficult to wade through at first, and necessarily so, in the end is convincing when you understand how the science works.
There are other aspects of the book that are of a different nature, and to me, they were even more visceral and compelling in a down-to-earth way. I'm referring to the biographical facts about the man in question. He is fluent in German and English and wrote for German-American newspapers and English-speaking newspapers.
He also worked in the printing industry. He took time off to travel and gamble and he took time off to perform magic in a circus. Both activities put a deck of cards in his hands for both gambling at poker and doing magic. Interestingly, concerning printing, he worked for the company that printed the Erdnase book! In a book on printing that he wrote, there are photos where you can see the same unusual hands which we see what are surely tracings of, in the Expert. There are art experts who feel that the illustrations in Erdnase are done from photos. Also, in a book on printing, Edward Gallaway is seen doing card manipulations with thin 4" rulers found in printing schools.
Returning to writing, Gallaway wrote newspaper stories about poker games which were compiled into a book called Jack Pots: Stories of the Great American Game. The book was written, supposedly, by Eugene Edwards, which is a pseudonym of Gallaway's. In it, you find out how he got to know so much about poker from traveling and gambling. And, you see what a great writer he was. This is not a textbook. It is a storybook and has humor irony and pathos and fascinating uses of interesting words and dialects. Houdini's copy of Jack Pots is in the Library of Congress complete with his handwritten notes in the margin. Another link to greatness is the fact that Jack Pots is illustrated by Ike Morgan who also illustrated Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz!
Many of the other contenders for the authorship of the Expert have Andrews as their name. Andrews spelled backwards, etc. Well, Gallaway's great aunt was an Andrews, and his favorite author was an Andrew. Getting back to the German language connection, when in Chicago Gallaway lived across from Roterberg's Magic Shop. German magic books and magic apparatus were very good at this time. Gallaway would have been able to read German language magic books. At least 1 trick in Erdnase, The Three Aces trick, is from a German book. There were also at least several books on cheating at cards in German, at this time. After reading these, he probably concluded that he could improve on them, and write in English, but still use them as a blueprint.
Another interesting thing is that Gallaway went to a school growing up that specialized in speed drills for math. This would have helped him with his estimating of the price for a printing job but it would have also have helped when using his original system to run up hands for differing amounts of players and differing amounts of cards. Not everyone could do the math in their heads, but he could.
In conclusion, Erdnase is a nickname for a boy in the German language. Dirty Nose would indicate a boy who was so active outside as to be always a bit dirty. Perhaps Erdnase is actually his childhood nickname. His German language nickname.
Magician's DIY Tips and Tricks
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Ryan Reid (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 15 November, 2021)
This is an interesting document with some valuable ideas to get you started.
There were some things I had an inkling of, but it was helpful to have examples of the kinds of supplementary items you could use. That said, some parts could benefit from more "examples of" even if they're not the perfect substitute to help point you in the right direction. Knowing these things will help to diversify your options/manner in which you think about approaching the topics contained within.
If you have a basic understanding of the topics listed in the description, $15 is pretty steep for the information provided.
52 Standard American Card Faces
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Lyle Broughton (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 06 October, 2021)
Thank you so much!! Looking at the files now, and I'm blown away. Seriously. No idea how these were made with so much detail, but clearly a TON of time went into this, unbelievable work. I can't even put into words how impressed I am. Thank you!
Watch Winder: noise maker
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Mike Gulish (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 26 June, 2021)
This is a great, well-made unit. I use it while doing Quentin Reynolds' 5 minutes with a pocket-handkerchief. I could never get any of the other watch winder noisemakers to work properly, or consistently, but this one is perfect! As someone who uses it often, I can highly recommend it. It is worth more than the price as it works and works well!
Gozinta Boxes Revisited
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Kim Lee
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 29 December, 2020)
Your boxes have important distinctive features for misdirection. The lettering "Big", "Medium", and "Small" was nice in your triple box video. But your solid black looks solid and "ordinary" too.
The medium box adds misdirection as you place it on the table, so the audience does not notice how the small box comes out.
But your asymmetry is especially interesting, because the big black box goes completely inside the small transparent box in identical orientation! The big black box is literally strictly smaller in every dimension!
Obviously, you cannot fit each box symmetrically into the other. There must be something fishy. You cleverly designed the boxes so that a small discrepancy appears at the beginning, when the audience is not suspicious. They just see an ordinary box! The only "dirty work" is unpacking the box. At the end, you cleanly and symmetrically nest the large box inside, fully closed. It is a nice touch.
Blistr
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Jeffrey Ashkettle (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 22 April, 2020)
I finally got around to ordering this. I already own a PinPoint Pegger and was not sure if this would get much use. From the initial day of playing with different ideas using both, I am certain it will be used. The PinPoint Pegger has a more accurate X/Y adjustable axis rails but Blistr leaves an easier to feel bump (and does not accidentally go all the way thru. I guess with more practice that would change though). I will not compare them one to one because it would be an apples to oranges thing. Honestly, I already like them both the same and have different ideas for both. I did try the Blistr on all 4 corners and it did act very similar to a breather. I will have to dig out my allen wrenches and adjust the depth to see where I will like it set for the most part. The setting it came in works just fine so far but I was only getting an initial feel for it. If you have been on the fence (like I was since they first came out) go ahead and order it. You will find many fun and sneaky uses for it.
Birthdate Magic Square
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Dave Campbell (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 13 November, 2019)
I've not delved into Magic Squares before, but the topic intrigued me. This is awesome! -- such a great idea and great explanation. You won't be disappointed.
Samuel Cox Hooker and his Rising Cards
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Anthony Couch (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 11 August, 2019)
I bought this book a long time ago as soon as it was released. I still love it and come back to it time to time. In fact this is one of those times. Looking for more information and came back to this 1 book to find some answers.
Blistr
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Dave Arch (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 07 January, 2019)
The bump created by this ingenious device is truly invisible to my eyes and yet easily felt by my fingertip. Thank you, Chris, for providing a device in which I can place much confidence that my audience will not discover the secret no matter how much they handle the deck.
Two Card Stand
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Dr. J.
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 03 October, 2017)
This is a very well-made product and is exactly as described in the ad copy. It works perfectly for the Aronson effect, and it also holds pay envelopes as well as invitation style envelopes, which can be displayed with predictions inside.
The sizing is very accurate and the whole unit is very light so if you wish to travel with this for use, it will not contribute any significant weight if you pack it in luggage.
Great quality product - thanks for making this available, Chris!
Blistr
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by John Scialli (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 03 May, 2017)
This thing is ingenious. It looks as if it should be fragile until one realizes it is of one piece and there is nothing to fall apart. The blister it leaves is innocuous but quite visible/feelable. It is small enough
for the pocket so as to be used for impromptu miracles or those with a borrowed deck. However, a downside is that in order to hit the same spot, some external sizer will need to be made/jerry-rigged. These
exactly placed blisters are nice for, say, Bee Club Special, or Erdnase (Conjuring Arts) backs with criss-cross patterns. Raising one of the diagonals with a blister leaves a broken or non-straight line to be seen, rather than a more obvious blister. The Pinpoint Pegger with a blunted pin may do a better job (or at least be easier) because of the
ability to lock in 3D coordinates.
Card Punch
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by John Scialli (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 03 May, 2017)
This card punch is surprisingly compact, light and solid. It leaves a nice prick, visible to eye and finger as it were. This could have utility with an impromptu or borrowed deck situation. Compared to the Pinpoint Pegger it is less expensive and more stable but lacks the settings to duplicate positioning. Still, I think this is something all magicians should get to throw into their kit for that time when they have need of a miracle.
Magician's DIY Tips and Tricks
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Michael Lyth (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 03 January, 2017)
I would be surprised if any reader could not find something they could use, improve or create an alternative this i will give pride and place in my working lybrary and return without a kite but in search for inspiration I use the wax found on some cheese. which comes in various colours red I have used for back of bicycle playing cards when attaching thread of the invisible variety. black for for black art boxes for spook shows so read this book and find answers to a problem you may have with a effect also if you collect a large amount of wax of cheese you can roll it into a golf ball size sphere which is good for hand exercises for old stiff fingers we all will have a tip or two why not send it to Chris so this work can expand?
The Cardsharp and his Book
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Hans-Christian Dr. Solka (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 30 November, 2016)
Fascinating! Thrilling!
Chris Wasshuber solved a more then 100 years old mystery.
The search for Erdnase has been going on for decades.
But at now the magic community may be pretty sure Edward Gallaway will be generally accepted as S.W. Erdnase.
Chris Wasshuber can even explain the name S. W. Erdnase.
Erdnase actually comes from the German words Erd (earth or soil) and Nase (nose).
Chris Wasshuber explores Gallaway's opportunity, motive and means to prove his theory. Gallaway must be S.W. Erdnase!
The Cardsharp and his Book
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Chet Cox (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 30 November, 2016)
The description is wrong in one place, right at the end. Dr Chris' Hunt for Erdnase began a LOT earlier than 2015. Why 2015 became the year that a full "scientific detective" search was truly possible, is the start of this story.
The evidence is compelling. There are no conclusions based on "this cannot be coincidence." Perhaps it needed the sort of training of a scientist with no agenda. The way the data came together, and the pathways taken, including the fascinating dead ends, makes this the detective mystery of the year. Or, if you are a magician, of any year.
The Stack and System Maigret
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by stan bialowas (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 23 February, 2016)
Very interesting system to memorize a stack and highly recommended! great thinking
Samuel Cox Hooker and his Rising Cards
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Grandpa Chet
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 26 May, 2008)
It's more than just "Let's find out how this works." If you're looking for an exposure book, this isn't it. What we have is a study into how a person creates, and perhaps we'll improve our own creative abilities along the way. And S. C. Hooker turns out to be a fascinating man! I hope Chris continues to receive and ferret out more data about this fellow, and that future updates of this book reflect that. And there WILL be future updates of this book. It reads, feels, and tastes like an ongoing project -- something that I'll tune in every few months.
Samuel Cox Hooker and his Rising Cards
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Peter Emerald
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 30 October, 2007)
What a wonderful ebook about a most fascinating personality and a most inexplicable effect. Mr. Wasshuber has done an outstanding job bringing Samuel Cox Hooker to life, explaining his scientific background and achievements as well as his interest in magic and how and why he created his rising cards. Wasshuber's explanation of how the trick could be done makes a lot of sense and I would be surprised if not at least a number of aspects of his method are indeed the way Hooker achieves his miracles.
I love the fact that a host of unpublished as well as published source material is included in the ebook. This way I can read not just Mr. Wasshuber's well researched and thought out deductively argued theory but I can also check myself the source material and come to my own conclusions.
Highly recommended. I wish Mr. Wasshuber would write a few more ebooks like this one.