In Search of the Sensational.

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In Search of the Sensational.

Postby Max Gordon » Sep 7th, '07, 13:05



I may only at page 102 (over 400 pages in total) but felt compelled to write to say how much I am enjoying this book.

To read the lengths Fogel went to to achieve publicity is a lesson in itself and worth the price of the the book. Not only does the book detail Fogel's career but also the methods employed in many of his routines.

At over £40 this is not a cheap book, but is beautifully produced and IMO Value for money 10/10

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Postby dat8962 » Sep 7th, '07, 15:08

Fogel was a very interesting character.

There's a chap who I think is the historian at the Magic Circle who lectures on Fogul and Houdin amongst others and I attended one of his lectures at the beginning of the year.

To be honest, I though that it was going to be a rather dull lecture but was very pleasantly surprised and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you get the chance to go then I'd recommend it.

I may check out this book myself and thanks for the nod.

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Postby mark lewis » Sep 7th, '07, 18:20

I knew Maurice personally and he was quite a character. He was probably the greatest mentalist Britain has ever produced. He would have rivalled Dunninger.

He liked my card tricks so that alone puts him among the immortals.

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Postby magicofthemind » Sep 8th, '07, 09:22

I'm also a quarter of the way through this book and it really is excellent. I've seen a number of reviews, all along the lines of "just buy it - now".

There's a video review on YouTube - just put Maurice Fogel into the search box.

The cheapest source (at least in the UK) seems to be the official website

http://www.mauricefogel.com/

Barry

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Postby mark lewis » Sep 8th, '07, 13:51

I wish there was a video of Maurice himself. To my knowledge there isn't very much if anything on film anywhere. He was probably the greatest mentalist I have ever seen.

The book made me melancholy for some odd reason. I knew virtually everybody mentioned and the nostalgia made me sad. And also the revelation that even the great Maurice Fogel had his ups and downs in showbusiness and had to struggle to get work seemed terribly unfair and sad to me.

Don't get me wrong. He did reasonably well and worked for Butlins every summer for a quarter of a century. I just got a feeling he didn't get the full success he deserved and it made me sad.

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Postby magicofthemind » Sep 8th, '07, 14:06

I think he must be all but forgotten in the UK. I'm in my mid fifties but I had never heard of him until I read the interview in 13 Steps.

I have seen some footage of Russian Roulette - I believe it was originally included in the David Nixon show but I saw it in a compilation show of magic classics a few years ago. (I shouldn't think the younger generation have heard of David Nixon either - my 27 year old daughter hasn't.)

Shame.

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Postby Max Gordon » Sep 10th, '07, 14:53

I must add one brief negative element to my review, posted a few days ago. It refers to the page / print quality. The pages have been designed to have a "oiled" effect on the magin of each page, however owners take note (on my copy at least) the ink is not colour fast. If your finger tips are even slightly moist the print will transfer to your fingers which can then mark the page as you handle the book. Collectors beware!

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