Reviews of products by Lewis Ganson
1 ★★★★★ reviews
Symphony of the Rings
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Terence LaSorda (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 09 December, 2024)
I don’t know whatever happened to my original copy of this great instructional book, but it is great to have these well-written instructions and clear pictures before my eyes again!
My first read-through of this wonderful digital rendition of this absolute magic classic brought me back to the summer of 1974 on the campus of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA., where I read my original paper copy of this great tome! This classic pulled me deeper into my lifelong love affair with the art of sleight of hand. It is wonderful to feel that passion in my heart again!
My mastery of this wonderful routine led to my winning the all university talent show at Lehigh University in the fall of 1974, which led to a lucrative side career, which was a great monetary support to my academic career! Indeed, mastery of this book and other classics like it provided me with the sleight of hand mastery to impress Mr. Muhammad Ali in an unexpected meeting with him in 1978. The outcome of that meeting was a year long contract to travel with him, and be his personal magic teacher! This experience prepared me for a lifetime of performing professional magic, which also enhanced my career as a metallurgical engineer. Visualization is absolutely needed to learn and be proficient at sleight of hand, but visualization is also an absolutely necessary skill to have to be successful at metallurgical engineering. This is how patents are produced; and, I have produced 4 patents in my metallurgical engineering career!
Magic with Faucett Ross
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by David Nethery (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 10 July, 2024)
The content of this book gets FIVE STARS. It's a great, classic book, full of practical material and some interesting historical tidbits about famous magicians who Faucett Ross befriended and rubbed elbows with (Dai Vernon, T. Nelson Downs, etc.)
I would probably rate this edition lower in terms of the quality of the photos in the e-book edition. I had this book for many years in hard copy form, the original book as published by Supreme Magic Co. (alas, I no longer have that hard copy, but am seeking out another) and I remember the quality of the photos being much better. The original book's photos were not exactly high-resolution photos by modern standards, but pretty good. The scanned photos in this e-book look harsh and low-resolution. It's difficult in some of the scanned photos to tell what it is you're supposed to be seeing. I know because I had the book at one time, but for someone seeing this book the first time in e-book form they may find some of the photos difficult to understand.
Aside from that I would highly recommend this book.
The Gen Volume 21 (1965)
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Amado Narvaez (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 27 May, 2024)
This issue contains some great information about Horace Bennett that should prove useful in an article I am writing about this creative Richmond, Virginia magician.
Dai Vernon's Inner Secrets of Card Magic
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Reynolds (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 29 July, 2022)
It's hard to believe there was a time when Dai Vernon didn't exist, and his name still casts such a large shadow over card magic thirty years after his death.
I feel almost embarrassed about writing a review for Inner Secrets Of Card Magic. What could a ham-and-egger like myself possibly have to say about professor Dai Vernon that better men than me haven't already said? Is it even necessary to write another gushing puff piece extolling the genius of a man who many consider the Pablo Picasso of card magic?
The answer is yes, and I'll tell you why.
I never knew the man or currently know anyone who did know him. Nor have I ever studied under his former protegees like Ricky Jay or Richard Turner.
I've only read about him over the years, and his name pops up like a bad case of herpes in so many magic books that I started to loathe him. I've consciously gone out of my way to avoid anything related to him.
And this complete lack of hero-worshipping makes me the perfect candidate to look at Vernon's work with a fresh eye and give an unbiased review.
I've learned that if you try to take your skills with a pack of cards to the next level, steering clear of Dai Vernon is impossible. So, I decided it was finally time to wave the white flag of surrender and put my willful ignorance and prejudice aside. And brother, let me tell you, am I ever glad I did.
At first, I was a bit hesitant. Vernon's oeuvre has been so mythologized over the years that I was expecting a perplexing dissertation on quantum physics. No person wants to feel that they're too stupid to comprehend a card trick. But as I worked through the chapters, cards in hand, I realized that the only thing I had to fear was fear itself.
This ease of understanding is partly due to co-writer Lewis Ganson. I've read other works by Ganson, and all share a common trait: clear, unambiguous descriptions that leave the reader with a complete grasp of the text.
That's not to say that I didn't find many of the sleights difficult. I found myself regularly dropping cards all over the floor. Some of the moves might even take months to master. But you can safely dismiss any fears that the material in Inner Secrets Of Card Magic is too complex. In Chapter Two: A Little Thought Required, a few tricks require zero sleight-of-hand, relying instead on subtle moves and misdirection.
Even if you were to read this book and not practice one move in it, Vernon's sly sense of humor and breadth of historical knowledge turn what could have been a tedious exercise into something fun and enjoyable.
I've now read the book three days in a row. It's so full of exciting, inventive ideas and subtle touches that I experiment with the information at hand like a mad scientist until my hands begin to ache.
I feel like a guitar player discovering Jimi Hendrix for the first time.
Do I have anything negative to say about this book? No, I don't. But let me make a recommendation that may ruffle some feathers.
After reading Inner Secrets Of Card Magic cover to cover, I believe that only those with a high reading comprehension level will have an easy time grasping this work. While simple to understand, the text has complex sentence structures and is peppered with words like "commence" and "endeavor," which may be over a casual reader's head.
If a college freshman's reading level is too difficult for you, I suggest you purchase a DVD or download one of the many videos featuring Vernon's work. Otherwise, you'll be in for a frustrating time.
If forced to list any faults, it's this: the photos illustrating some sleights can be grainy. But a lack of hi-def photography is a minor, practically nonexistent point to quibble over.
This ebook is more than a bargain at the going price of $9.90. It's the year 2022, and inflation is at a record high. The other day ago, I spent almost eleven dollars on a loaf of bread and two dozen eggs. In the future, if I have to choose between spending my money on food or Dai Vernon, then I choose Vernon.
If you love card magic and take it seriously, buy this book. Now!
Cy Endfield's Entertaining Card Magic
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Reynolds (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 21 July, 2022)
What makes a book on card magic underrated? Some will argue that most works are woefully under-read by much of the magic community, choosing instead to watch DVDs and YouTube videos to further their knowledge base. But even within the tiny bubble of hardcore card magic fanatics who read over every available card magic book word for word, some great books fall between the cracks or are ignored. Others are unfortunately not as admired as much as they should be or once were. They are either ranked below their value or not ranked highly enough.
With that said, let me tell you about Cy Endfield's Entertaining Card Magic. Seeing that I'm not a copywriter trying to sell you soda pop or toothpaste, I won't insult your intelligence with over-the-top hyperbole: BEST EVER! GREATEST! OUT OF THIS WORLD!
But I will say this: Cy Endfield's Entertaining Card Magic is a superb book and deserves to be read by a wider audience.
I consider myself to be a professional hobbyist when it comes to card magic. I'm no master of the pasteboards but know enough sleight of hand to spice up any self-working trick. In my heart, though, I've always aspired to be a proficient finger-flinger. My bookshelves are lined with must-have classics like Expert At The Card Table and Greater Magic. I'll be honest with you: those books scare me. To quote movie icon Clint Eastwood in Magnum Force: "A man's got to know his limitations."
But Endfield's book was altogether something else. I never felt like I had just read a complicated textbook or technical manual. Instead, I felt like I had taken a private, one-on-one lesson from one of the forgotten greats of card magic, personally learning the best of his repertoire.
Initially published in 1955 in three separate parts, It's not the typical book of advanced card magic packed with complicated tricks and sleights that only other magicians can appreciate. Studying advanced sleight-of-hand from a book is a formidable task and can be about as dull as reading Marx's The Communist Manifesto, not to mention utterly confusing. But, writer Lewis Ganson uses his incomparable talent to simplify descriptions, step by step, to their utmost essentials.
From refreshing twists on classic tricks like the Ambitious Card to gambling effects like the three-card monte, Cy Endfield has created these routines to not only bewilder and amaze fellow performers but also to provide high-caliber entertainment to the lay public.
And he leaves nothing out, not only teaching you the routines and sleights but the psychology and motivation behind the moves.
Endfield was also a screenwriter and director of such classic action films as Zulu and its sequel, Zulu Dawn. So, it is no surprise that some of his effects highly emphasize storytelling and delivery. Tricks like Two To Divine, "Blackie Is With Us!" and Conjure Bones have plots that seem to have jumped from the pages of depression-era pulp magazines like Weird Tales or Adventure.
But don't just take my word for it. Endfield's legacy is hailed by none other than his former student and conjuring virtuoso, Michael Vincent. It's easy to assume that Vincent praises his former teacher's work out of a sense of loyalty or rose-colored nostalgia, but that would be a mistake. He praises the book because it's good.
Cy Endfields Entertaining Card Magic is a minor classic, but a classic nonetheless worthy of your attention (and your $19.00). Its title says it all. It's a guidebook for learning advanced magic that charms, delights, and entertains its audience. It should be read by every magician looking to add unique, tested material to their collection of tricks. From happy hobbyist to major-league move monkey, there's something in this book for everyone at every skill level.
Ultimate Secrets of Card Magic
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Jeff Chandler (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 19 April, 2022)
I haven't had a chance to thoroughly explore this book, but having owned the previous 2 volumes I am confident I will not be disappointed in this book. Buy it with confidence. You can't go wrong with this series of books by Dai Vernon and Lewis Ganson.
Dai Vernon's More Inner Secrets of Card Magic
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Tony Kent (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 12 April, 2022)
A well-known classic by one of the truly great masters. Anyone interested in card magic will find treasures here, and if you aren't into cards if you study this book then you will be.
The Endless Chain (Know-How Series)
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Tony Kent (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 12 April, 2022)
This is one of my favorite things in magic that doesn't use cards. Not difficult to do. Instead is mostly about developing a great presentation. I particularly like the Johnny Thompson routine. Packs small and plays big.
The Dai Vernon Book of Magic
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Samuel Kugler (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 09 January, 2022)
One of the best magic books out there - for only 20$. You get one of the best coin routines (Chinese Classic, a Coins through table effect), a great card stab (which you can perform standing or sitting) by the great Nate Leipzig, the best C&B routine (in my opinion) and many more. And the chapter 'Vernon Touch' is probably worth the 20$ alone. Even if you don't perform one single effect from this book (but seriously, why would you do this?), to read the thoughts of the great Professor is inspiring and fascinating. He was a true artist!
So don't read this comment written in bad English - buy this book by the great Professor!
The Gen Volume 18 (1962)
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Morgan (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 30 November, 2021)
It's an awesome old magic magazine that's hard to find. For reference purposes, this is the way to go. Great Quality and easy to find what you are looking for. I was researching for a specific mention of a trick and needed this resource to complete my findings. It was an easy transaction at a great price. The pages are clear and easy to navigate.
The Endless Chain (Know-How Series)
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Marc Rehula (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 07 August, 2017)
Everything you need to know about his underutilized prop all in one convenient place. Highly recommended resource.
Symphony of the Rings
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Dave De Kerf (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 05 January, 2017)
A legendary routine in a high-quality ebook.
This is everything I could have wished for at a great price.
Lewis Ganson Manipulation
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Amado Narvaez
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 04 November, 2014)
I have been waiting a long time for the films that Ganson made for Harry Stanley's Unique Studios to be transferred to video! Although there is no explanation of the moves, the silent video is a great complement to the manipulation books that Ganson wrote.
I'm clicking on the "Good Button" in the rating choices, but for its historic value alone, this video is _excellent_.
----- Amado "Sonny" Narvaez
Three Chinese Rings Teach-In
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Derek Heron
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 05 June, 2008)
26 years ago (at the tender age of 17yrs), when Supreme Magic was at it's height, I bought this Teach-In. Using the moves found inside I put together a 3 ring routine that helped me win the title of Scotland's Young Magician of the Year. This teaches ALL the basic moves and a few very clever ones too. The text is accompanied by numerous photographs and everything is explained in great detail. At $9 it's fantastic value. Nice to see this classic is still available.