Tony Slydini
(1st September 1901 - 15th January 1991)
Born in Poggia, Italy as Quintino Marucci. Took later the stagename of "Tony Foolem" and eventually "Tony Slydini". Learned as boy in Italy from amateur father. Moved to Argentina as teenager, where he developed his own unique brand of magic. He worked in vaudeville until the depression. Moved to USA, New York and Boston and worked there as pro close-up magician.
Slydini developed a tremendous ability to misdirect by studying every nuance of performer-spectator interaction. Every word is carefully chosen, every movement and look is designed to convince the onlooker that everything is open and natural. Nevertheless miracles happen.
It is hard to describe what and how Slydini does magic. One has to see and witness a performance to fully appreciate his genius. Dick Cavett once asked Dai Vernon who could still fool him. Nobody, the Professor replied almost regretfully, then added with a smile, "Of course, Tony can."
Coauthors: Lewis Ganson
