Reviews: Read What Others Are Saying: page 23
218 ★★★★★ reviews
150 ★★★★★ reviews
96 ★★★★★ reviews
141 ★★★★★ reviews
The Expert at the Card Table
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Gregg Webb (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 14 November, 2023)
I am an author and innovator of card tricks and routines as well as other sleight-of-hand interests and have been reading Dr. Chris Wasshuber's book about Erdnase. In my teens I had the Expert almost memorized but switched to other newer techniques. Since reading the book about Edward Gallaway as the probable author of The Expert, I decided to revisit the section on the running up of hands with the jog shuffle and to study the math involved again.
Also after reading Jack Pots, written probably by Erdnase, and about stories of poker players and poker games, I am now realizing that even the introduction to The Expert, and onward, are truly written by someone who was there and knew for sure what was going on. Jack Pots was written by Eugene Edwards, which is surely a pseudonym of Erdnase (Edward Gallaway). I now realize why Dai Vernon was so enthused by The Expert.
The German language connection of The Expert has caused me to also look into the German books and magazines about magic and cheating at cards just before the turn of the last century.
As it turns out, at least 6 of the card tricks in the second section of The Expert are borrowed from German books and magazines by Willmann and Conradi to mention two.
And so The Expert is valuable on many levels and more than the sum of its parts. History, brilliant writing, and word usage, in addition to the "moves" and strategies in the book, all run through the man nicknamed Erdnase.
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.
More Magic of the Hands
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by George Tokaya (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 08 November, 2023)
For my study and interest in the history of magic, Lybrary.com has an excellent database, where you can find almost everything. So five stars.
Zauberkunst und Zauberkünstler
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Gema Navarro
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 07 November, 2023)
An interesting book to study and research on the history of magic.
Grandmaster's Opening Laboratory: Chess Openings Course
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Juan Atiles (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 04 November, 2023)
This course seems to be a wonderful chess one from top-notch GM Igor Smirnov. I love it. I am starting to use it right now.
Bammo Mind Control
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Michael Breggar
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 01 November, 2023)
This is fantastic!
Baffling, direct and incredibly powerful. Bob has outdone himself.
And, yes, you’ll elicit screams. Highly recommended.
Six Appeal
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Steven Pellegrino (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 01 November, 2023)
This is a fantastic effect! Just watching the demo gave me several presentation ideas. It's easy to do, so all you have to do is concentrate on your presentation.
There is a bit of DIY to make this, but it is simple and within everyone's ability to put together. It took me less than 30 minutes to assemble everything.
While it can be performed anywhere in your show, Six Appeal will be my new opener for my stand-up show. It gives you a chance to interact with multiple audience members without having to get them on stage.
You won't be disappointed with this purchase!
ER Diary
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Patricia Ireland
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 27 October, 2023)
This ER Diary is full of interesting tidbits from the iconic show! These are things one would not know just from watching the series. I suppose the use of pseudonyms is necessary to avoid lawsuits…and many of us can figure out who the cast or crew member is anyway.
Forbidden Wisdom
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Anthony Ward (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 25 October, 2023)
I bought this booklet from lybrary.com. The booklet contained some very useful information on psychic reading methods and was well worth the money spent on the purchase. One particular method which I will use teaches how to obtain some one's date of birth. Another was how to do a psychic reading using normal playing cards.
Magic with Giant Cards
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Francesco Nicolo (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 20 October, 2023)
No illustrations. The author provides some tips but the text is too succinct and thus it is not very helpful. I do not recommend it, despite the good rating.
Showmanship for Magicians
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joseph Stringer (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 19 October, 2023)
Copperfield has lived an amazing life putting these 3 books to life.
Magic by Misdirection
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joseph Stringer (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 19 October, 2023)
Change your magic, give it depth and strength. This trilogy will do that for you!!!
Impossible Ball in Jar
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by David Nethery (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 19 October, 2023)
This caught my attention because I was looking for a method to pass a ball into a jar or bottle, so on an impulse I took a chance on this trick. It turns out to have some weaknesses. I'm sort of embarrassed that I didn't watch the video several times and more carefully consider those weaknesses before I paid $10 for this single trick (there are whole books with dozens of tricks on Lybrary.com for $10 ... I should have stuck with buying a book). The biggest weakness is that you are required to use a draped table and a hat (although an alternative handling using a change bag is given. If you don't have objections to using a change bag, it is ok.) The author says he has done it just using a suitcase table instead of a draped table.
I can't recommend this trick.
Florentine Coin Assembly - Music Act
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Daniel Vicars (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 19 October, 2023)
Love it! Beyond my capabilities (so far...), but I am just picking up magic again after a short hiatus of....oh, about 40 years! Nerve damage in my right hand is somewhat limiting, but I believe I can perform the moves needed. And will need to find proper music.
CCC End Phase
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Kevin Bryan (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 18 October, 2023)
This is a great addition to the original effect. Highly recommended.
Derby
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Kevin Bryan (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 18 October, 2023)
Nice effect but does require a secret setup.
Abbott Magic Catalog #23 1987
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by John D. Bain (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 14 October, 2023)
Thank you for your wonderful service. I have received the digital download that you provided and am enjoying it immensely. The circumstances of my hard copy purchase - you are aware of - but your consideration and generosity have overcome the downside. My greatest gratitude. John D. Bain
The Mystical Cartomancy Chart
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by David Burmeister (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 14 October, 2023)
I believe that every mentalist needs this. It is a VERY UNUSUAL approach to giving a card reading with a tic sheet and the only memorization needed is pretty much for the scripting of the performance. You don't have to remember playing card meanings or Tarot card meanings. This is only for playing cards. Personally I suggest printing the tic sheets off so the spectator or client can take something personal with them. This isn't for everyone but I give it my highest rating. I don't buy much anymore since I'm retired but it is a nice Birthday present from my wife.
Derby
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Richard Southall (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 13 October, 2023)
This is such a good trick. It's almost totally hands off, with a huge level of audience participation possible. While I have enjoyed performing it for a single spectator and received great reactions this is even better when you have three or more spectators assisting. The way it is described it requires quite a bit of table surface but I have drawn the race course on a page of a notebook for close-up performances and you could use material and velcro and perform it on stage. This could also fit in very nicely in a bunco routine or any gambling routine. I don't normally write reviews but I felt I had to review this versatile gem of a trick. I am not familiar with Toni Koynini or whether they have produced any other ticks but I can't wait to see what else they can come up with!
Helicopter Card
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by george woo (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 06 October, 2023)
The Helicopter Card taught by D. Angelo Ferri, IMO is the BEST technical card trick ever! Mr Ferri is a great teacher and goes into a deliberate and careful study of this challenging effect but once mastered will have a special trick that will amuse and confuse all that witness it. Highest Recommendation!
Miss Taylor's Wish and Desires Postcard
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Dave Arch (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 04 October, 2023)
I really like the fact that you’re showing your spectator a supposed artifact (the postcard) - taking the heat off you as a wonder worker. You’re just showing them an odd curiosity and demonstrating how it tells the fortune surrounding the person’s wish or desire. The follow-up use of actual playing cards for continuing the theme is also a worthy addition. Best shown in a social setting and presented in a conversational style. I am pleased with my purchase.
The Ritual of Destiny
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by John Kauth (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 04 October, 2023)
There is so much possibility here. The recording is old-sounding and scratchy. A woman's voice directs the ritual with the four cards, and her instructions are easy to follow. The person holding the cards gets to make a number of choices along the way to get to the outcome if a wish will come true. This would be great around a table with each person having their own packet of cards. No two people will move the cards the same way as there are many choices. So many ideas come to mind to use the Ritual of Destiny as part of a much larger routine. You would have to add your own story and perhaps not use the recording since different cards would be used. This could be done with four Tarot cards without the recording. I have to be vague here not to give away the method or result. If you are having a Halloween party, as this review is being written in October, this would be a fun little routine. Turn the lights down low, light some candles, and play the Ritual of Destiny. If you are looking for a showstopper, do not get this. It is a nice little routine with an interesting twist - the recording.
Autobend Silverware
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Andrew Baroch (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 29 September, 2023)
By far the best spoon-bending information on LYBRARY.COM: how to easily acquire some special gaffes and how to present. Gaffes needed are on Amazon for peanuts.
I found out THIS SPOON BENDING PDF. WAS THE BEST METAL BENDING offering on this site by reading the hardback book, "Bend it Like Geller." The technique and handlings explained here for $8 are explained in MORE detail than in the $45 book. You owe me! You owe me! :)
Listen and It Will Speak
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by John Kauth (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 27 September, 2023)
I am a 74-year-old Buddhist and amateur mentalist who mainly performs for older audiences. Sometimes, I give talks on Buddhism and incorporate a little mentalism if appropriate. Other times I perform a 30-minute or so mentalism routine. My performance persona when doing a mentalism routine is what you would expect from a Buddhist doing mentalism. Low key in a Max Maven sort of way. Mentalism does not rely on flashiness or card flourishes, or sleight-of-hand skills. Most mentalism relies on simple methods. Presentation is far more important than method. Listen and It Will Speak is 100% presentation. If you are not an excellent storyteller, this effect is not for you. If your mentalism style is not the quiet presentation style of a Max Maven, this effect is not for you. But if you are that rare individual who can act and tell an interesting story, then this may be a good opening effect. At its heart, it is a simple card revelation, simple and really nothing but add the story to it, and it really becomes something. In addition to the script, a few interesting false cuts are explained that may give this some extra value.
Miss Taylor's Wish and Desires Postcard
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by John Kauth (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 27 September, 2023)
I am a 74-year-old amateur living in a senior apartment building and enjoy occasionally performing for the residents. The most asked question first: Is it worth the price? Yes. The postcard is nicely designed to look like something out of the 1920s. It can be printed as is, but with some arts and crafts, it can be antiqued to look genuinely old. The method is simple, clever, and easy to learn. The card reading is simple and easy to memorize. It is a nice little routine around a table for one person or an intimate group. Since the reading with the postcard is personal to the person being read, the choices made with the postcard can be hidden from other viewers. The routine can then be performed for others at the table. There is no equivoque, and the choices are straightforward. The reason for hiding the postcard choices if the effect is to be repeated is not to influence the choices others make at the table. The effect certainly is not a closer, but it is worth the price as an icebreaker.