Reviews: Read What Others Are Saying: page 3
161 ★★★★★ reviews
112 ★★★★★ reviews
74 ★★★★★ reviews
111 ★★★★★ reviews
Fun with a Banana
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by RICKY MORGAN (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 07 August, 2023)
The sight of a banana always gets the laughs especially when everyone knows the old standby of the person who slips on the proverbial banana skin dropped in the street by some careless individual! This collection of 30 banana gags by Edwin and Ian is a godsend for any comedy performer and even if you are really hard to please any one of these ideas could spark a new usage of this timeless comedy gag. Whether the banana is sponge of latex really makes no difference whatsoever the one I have used is latex with a zipper on the side and I can tell you that when I tell the audience I'm feeling hungry unzip the side of the banana and produce the missing card it gets the laughs-especially if you already have a piece of real banana and offer it to the spectator. I would say you don't necessarily have to be a comedian to use this prop but it helps if you can inject a new approach to this timeless comedy item. The manuscript is nicely produced easy to read and clear to understand. Highly recommended to all comedy men of magic!!!
Gems with Jumbo Cards
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by RICKY MORGAN (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 07 August, 2023)
This original 1959 Harry Stanley of London booklet "Gems with Jumbo Cards" contains some excellent cards effects that can still be performed today. There is a section on handling jumbo cards (which because of their size isn't easy) which you can extract fun with a spectator who won't have seen cards of this size (especially nowadays). When I originally started to perform in the early 60's I purchased a copy of this little manual from Harry Stanley directly and visited his studio in Soho whenever I travelled to London. I'm really glad to have found this little manual again and have no idea what happened to the one I purchased all those years ago. I would recommend "Gems with Jumbo Cards" to all magicians as much of the material in this publication could be new to modern day audiences.
Impossible DEVINation
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by MARK L. (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 04 August, 2023)
The method solely relies on certain specifics that allow you to know the card chosen, which is quite obvious and no skill or anything required on the performer's part. The only skill required is regarding the presentation techniques, and variations of presentation where you hide the method that allows you to know the card.
It is exactly as described, however, what some of you may not like is that the presentation is situational/specific. You have to figure out ideas of why you need to present the divination that way. "Food for Thought" is an idea for the presentation.
TLDR; It's mostly about presentation around the easy method that allows you to tell the card easily. Only skill required in my own opinion is the presentation.
Si Stebbins Pro
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Bertie Mac (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 04 August, 2023)
This is a clever way to disguise the pattern of colours and suits in Si Stebbins. With only one simple rule to remember, determining the next card in the sequence is still very easy. Add a false shuffle (there is one included!) and many of your favourite Si Stebbins routines will look more natural and miraculous.
Triplets 7
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Jack Weigle (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 28 July, 2023)
No. For anyone with experience in Equivoque, this is worthless.
TCF: Ten Count Force
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Michael Cook (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 28 July, 2023)
I really wish that it was described in the description of the ad that you needed a “special” deck. I was under the assumption that you could use a regular deck of cards but this is not the case here. Upon reading what was needed and since I don’t own one of these decks I didn’t read any more of this effect so I can’t say if it’s good or bad but knowing Bob Farmer I’m sure it’s a great trick. Overall I just wish creators would state in the description that something else is needed.
Bammo Ten Card Poker Slam
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by hal barlow (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 26 July, 2023)
Good routine, but note that you will have to make or buy gimmick cards. For that reason, I gave it 2 stars. I think it should have been noted in the ad copy.
First Call to Cards
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by hal barlow (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 24 July, 2023)
Occasionally interesting card material from the past. Most of the tricks do not seem very commercial. Much dealing and mathematical processes. There was nothing there I would ever show to a paying audience.
Palm'r Clip: Magic More Series
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Leslie Warren (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 23 July, 2023)
I learned classic palm and various finger palms of coins.
I am sure I can get used to this "palm." There are good explanations and pictures.
I am sure a video would be very useful too.
Practical Mental Effects
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Robert Herdman (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 22 July, 2023)
Amazing book. So much information and as I am new to mentalism this is a perfect start.
Cherokee's Red Moon
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Simon Bate (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 21 July, 2023)
The instructions are a little confusing. It would have been better with a demo DVD.
Joe Karson Compilation
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher M. Reynolds (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 17 July, 2023)
Magic historians may know that Joe Karson invented the Zombie Floating Ball, but few magicians associate his name with it. When Karson first advertised Zombie in 1943, it was a sensation.
However, due to alcoholism, he slipped into obscurity and disappeared from the magic community, dying in 1980 at age 67.
The Joe Karson Compilation is a collection of books, magazines, and instruction sheets created by magician Joe Karson. Author and magician Michael E. Rose has compiled these long-lost materials to introduce modern performers to this forgotten icon and his creations.
Joseph Alexander Chrzanowski, also known as Joe Karson, was born on November 12th, 1912, in Providence, Rhode Island. As a child, he became interested in magic after seeing a local magician, and by the age of sixteen was working behind the counter at a magic shop in Springfield, Massachusetts, and performing his Asian-themed magic act around New England.
During the 1930s and 1940s, Karson became a popular comedic performer, frequently stealing the show at magic conventions.
He made a name for himself as a magic dealer by founding the Magic Dealers' Association, inventing and building much of the illusions he sold in his Springfield, Massachusetts shop named Karson's Xclusives.
Karson's Xclusives published booklets on various types of magic, including Illusion Magic in 1943, featuring "The Rubberneck Illusion." This gadget, now known as the Head Twister, is still used in many Las Vegas comedy magic acts.
Get all of Joe Karson's publications in one PDF for only $24.00. Discover the secrets behind his original card tricks, hypnotism, stage illusions, and more in 268 pages.
Most of Karson's published tricks lack patter, but his signature effect, The World's Fastest Card Trick, is explained in an eight-page pamphlet, including the scripting and subtleties that Karson used. The trick is simple, but it can become a comedy masterpiece with the right performer.
Two-person codes are always a winner with me, and the Karson Kard Kode is an easy, practical addition to any telepathy act.
Other highlights include a two-part work on hypnotrix, which are pseudo-scientific body tricks made to resemble genuine hypnotism.
My favorite thing about the Karson collection is his disregard for safety, as he published the secret methods for performing a dangerous bullet catch and the controversial pseudo-hypnosis trick, "The Subject Sleeps in One Minute." This "trick" involves applying pressure to a spectator's neck that can cause the subject to blackout or even die.
A 1934 booklet called "Sensational Poison Swallowing Act" teaches how to perform an entire act, making the audience believe the performer resists poisons.
Please don't try this one at home (or at all!)
Another favorite but less dangerous trick is a simple levitation using only a sheet and an assistant, reducing a typically cumbersome stage illusion to the bare bones.
As a magic book collector, I found the Joe Karson compilation to be a glimpse into the mind of a creative and prolific writer. Still, there's plenty of material that modern performers can use.
About the author:
Michael Rose has been a professional magician since he was young, starting his interest in magic at the age of eight when he received an Adams magic set. He has performed his comedy magic all over the United States and Canada in various settings, including dinner theaters, corporate events, street performing, and even at a Presidential Inauguration. He is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians, and the Magic Collectors' Association.
ARCAANS
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Darren Purshall
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 16 July, 2023)
Another very clever effect from Biagio! This “Any Card At Any Number” pays Homage to the great Ramón Riobóo with a little bit of Barrie Richardson, Diego Allegri and last but not least Woody Aragon. With its semi-automatic method you will even fool yourself. It does involve an ingenious one time setup which is hidden when counting down to the chosen card, making it possible to show some of the cards face up. There’s no slight of hand involved which is good for me, depending on the number created from a clever idea by Ramón Riobóo, it may involve one move which will flow by the Spectators while observing the array of mixed face up cards dealt to the table. The beauty of this routine is that the onlooker can name any value card with a freely created number to count down to. If you’re an A.C.A.A.N. lover like me, you will need to add this one to your collection. I have purchased a few effects from Biagio Fasano and I’m very impressed with his ingenious methods. He gave me a review copy of this effect which I think is going to be a winner. Treat yourself to this great fooler and impress your friends and family, Great for close up, parlour and stage.
Darren Purshall A.K.A Trinity
ARCAANS (Italian)
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Darren Purshall
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 16 July, 2023)
Un altro effetto molto intelligente di Biagio! Questo "Any Card At Any Number" rende omaggio al grande Ramón Riobóo con un pizzico di Barrie Richardson, Diego Allegri e, non ultimo, Woody Aragon. Con il suo metodo semi-automatico, potrete ingannare anche voi stessi. Si tratta di un ingegnoso setup una tantum che viene nascosto durante il conteggio alla ricerca della carta prescelta, consentendo di mostrare alcune carte a faccia in su. Non é richiesta nessuna manipolazione o tecnica, il che è un bene per me, perché a seconda del numero, creato per mezzo di un'idea intelligente di Ramón Riobóo, può comportare solo una semplice mossa che verrà eseguita mentre gli spettatori osservano la serie di carte mescolate e scoperte distribuite sul tavolo. Il bello di questa routine è che lo spettatore può nominare qualsiasi carta e un numero verrà liberamente creato per il conto alla rovescia. Se siete amanti dell'A.C.A.A.N. come me, dovrete aggiungerlo alla vostra collezione. Ho acquistato alcuni effetti da Biagio Fasano e sono molto colpito dai suoi metodi ingegnosi. Mi ha dato una copia recensione di questo effetto che credo sarà un successo. Regalatevi questo grande fooler e stupite i vostri amici e familiari, ottimo per il close up, il salotto e il palcoscenico.
Darren Purshall A.K.A. Trinity
Anthology of Card Magic
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Reynolds (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 15 July, 2023)
If you like Jean Hugard's Encyclopedia of Card Tricks, you'll love The Anthology of Card Magic by Gordon Miller.
As a reader, I love card trick anthologies because they provide an inexpensive way to experiment with many different styles of tricks, techniques, and presentations. Additionally, they introduce you to a wide range of talent.
And the talent on display in The Anthology of Card Magic is impressive. It's a smorgasbord of vintage card tricks from classic names like John Scarne and Ted Annemann to lesser-known contributors such as Bob Hummer and Joe Karson.
Gordon Miller, a 30-year staff member at Abbott Magic, compiled a collection of over 300 effects from the archives. Each was featured in one of Abbott Magic Company's retail catalogs, including titles previously out-of-print or forgotten, such as Amazing Card Miracles, Card System Deluxe, and Klever Kard Kodes.
In his introduction, he writes, "No apology should be afforded for the quantity or quality of the material provided."
Regarding quality in some magic compilations, there is a redundant amount of B- level tricks. However, in this case, Miller has collected abundant A-plus material covering everything from sleight-of-hand to pre-arranged packs, short cards, and more.
One trick I found especially interesting was the Fortune Telling Card Trick, a mind-boggling effect combining fortune telling, mind reading, and "pick-a-card" type magic.
Using two packs of cards, the magician demonstrates their fortune-telling skills, revealing to the spectator their age, how many siblings they have, whom they are expecting a letter from, the month of their birth, the year something important happened in their lives, and other interesting facts.
Klever Kard Kodes was the highlight of the anthology. It is a twenty-page treatise on two-person telepathy using playing cards, highlighting dozens of sneaky silent and verbal codes mentalists and confederates can use.
Whether you're a professional performer looking for new material or an amateur like me who enjoys browsing compilations and trying new tricks, this eBook is a goldmine.
At the low price of $12.95, it's more than a bargain. It's a steal. If you love card magic, buy this now.
Novel Magic
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brett McCarron
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 15 July, 2023)
(Note: I am affiliated with Magic World Publishers; however, the following reviews were not written by me.)
Some comments from the magic press regarding this book:
"Twenty-seven effects for professional and amateur magicians. There is a cigar band stunt that can be used in bars or parlors which is exceptionally good. Under the heading 'Matches of Jinx', Lu Brent has about as cute an effect as any amateur would want. For the stage and night club magician, he has a non-mechanical 'Glass Through Hat' which he terms 'My Pet Trick'. You will like it." (Walter B. Gibson in "Conjuror's")
"First class material. Mr. Brent uses a number of the tricks described in his own act. 'Novel Magic' is smart magic." (J. G. Thompson, Jr. in "The Linking Ring")
"Lu Brent has put his best in this book and you must have it for your library." (Joe Berg in "The Linking Ring")
"Some of the cleverest and most entertaining effects seen in a long time." (Mitch Kanter in "Genii")
"Crammed full of clever club effects and routines. If you do club or nite club work, you must have this book." (Elray in "The Linking Ring")
My Personal Stack
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Sam Thirouin (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 12 July, 2023)
The DaOrtiz stack is exactly what I have been looking for. It’s deceptive (unlike the Si Stebbins), yet easy to get the hang of (unlike Mnemonica), and so many built-in properties to create otherworldly effects. Well worth the $12 and then some.
Modern Magic Manual
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Chris Johnson (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 09 July, 2023)
I love it.
This book formed part of the foundation of my magical training when I borrowed it from one of my oldest friends.
Now that I have it in digital form, so many years since my friend passed, I can remember him again and the days we often spent yakking about magic.
The material inside is first-class too. Although some things may have dated, a lot of the props necessary are still accessible in today's age -- apart from Australia where we no longer use paper money -- it's all the polymer stuff.
So this book means a lot to me.
In The Play of Shadows: The Tarot Effect
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Fredrick Matzner (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 01 July, 2023)
Wonderful to be able to use the Tarot in magic tricks. One of my favorites.
Cellini: The Royal Touch
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Eric Arnall (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 29 June, 2023)
I Love it! So much insight!
Magicians' Tricks
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Reynolds (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 21 June, 2023)
If you want to learn about classic magic tricks and their execution, "Magicians Tricks and How They Are Done" is an excellent book to explore. In 1910, Hatton and Plate, two skilled magicians, wrote a book that provided solutions to previously unsolvable illusions. Their book, Magicians' Tricks, is a classic in the world of magic, and it is essential for both amateur and professional magicians today.
This how-to manual is a must-have whether you are new to magic or have experience. It teaches you to perform 140 tricks using everyday items such as cards, coins, balls, eggs, and handkerchiefs. The manual also includes 194 black-and-white illustrations to guide you through the process.
This book has a detailed section on card magic that covers a wide range of techniques such as passes, palms, forces, changes, false shuffles, a second deal, and various effects like Making a Card Disappear from a Glass and Tearing a Pack of Cards in Two.
Aspiring magicians can learn how to perform tricks using coins like the Penetrating Coin, Passing a Coin Through a Hat, and The Disappearing Coin.
They'll also learn how to create unique effects with billiard balls, make handkerchiefs disappear, tear and restore paper strips, produce something from nothing, and more.
Many tricks come with suggested stage "patter" to engage or distract the audience.
This book is an excellent guide if you're interested in learning magic. Its well-drawn illustrations clarify movements, detailing finger and hand positions. The instructions for each trick are easy to follow and understand, and the author's years of experience and practice make them reliable, making it a complete resource for individuals interested in the art of magic.
About the authors:
Adrian Plate, born in Utrecht, Holland, on June 10, 1844, served as an officer in the Dutch army before moving to New York in 1877. For over 35 years, he worked as an accountant for a railroad company while pursuing his passion for magic as a famous society magician. Plate was particularly adept at card manipulation, mentalism, and memory feats.
Dr. Ellison, a renowned magic collector, amateur magician, and magic journalist John Northern Hilliard acknowledged Plate's sleight of hand card work as unparalleled and superior to any they had ever witnessed.
In 1902, he became one of the first members of the Society of American Magicians (S.A.M. # 25).
Plate was passionate about collecting books on magic and the occult, and his collection included rare English translations of necromancy. His apartment in Upper New York was a popular destination for visiting magicians. In addition to the extensive book collection, he kept scrapbooks filled with pictures and handbills of past magicians.
After Adrian Plate passed away, Harry Houdini obtained his vast library, currently housed at the Library of Congress.
In August Roterberg's book, "New Era Card Tricks," Plate's unique sleight, the Excelsior exchange, was featured. He also co-wrote a book called "Magicians Tricks and How They Are Done" with Henry Hatton, considered one of the top ten books on magic by historian and collector H. Adrian Smith.
On February 24, 1919, he passed away at 74.
Henry Hatton was a magician and writer who taught himself everything he knew. He was born Patrick Henry Cannon in New York City on December 16, 1837, but later changed his name to Henry Hatton. After being inspired by seeing the great John Henry Anderson, he became a professional touring magician in 1867. Henry also wrote a series called "Lessons in Magic" for the children's magazine "Our Young Folks" from 1865 to 1867.
He joined S.A.M. in 1902 as Member #21 and later became the President of S.A.M. from 1912 to 1914.
Hatton coauthored the book "Magicians' Tricks" in 1910 with Adrian Plate. This book is considered a classic in the field of magic and was even referred to as the "first American general textbook" by Henry Hay (also known as Barrows Mussey).
On December 24, 1922, at 85, he passed away on Christmas Eve.
Get Gigs Right Now
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Greg Youngs (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 14 June, 2023)
This ebook is fine. The ideas in it are good. But the concept is a simple one that could easily be laid out in a few pages. So, while it is good information, it is VERY overpriced. This is a $9.95 product. The stars are based on value for money. The price makes you feel taken advantage of.
E-Z Square 1
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by David Frydman (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 14 June, 2023)
I have used only the simpler approach. And it is a very easy magic square to remember and fun to do.
Balloon Shows
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by David Frydman (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 14 June, 2023)
There is a large difference between making balloon animals and making a show with them. This book fills that gap.
Below the Threshold
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Leslie Warren (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 11 June, 2023)
I haven't tried the method. It is bold, simple and may work.
I am going to use the word "misdirection."
The spectator writes on a card. The spectator also writes on a slate which helps the performer secretly get the information.