If youre a fan of card magic and youre not already aware of the name Paul Gordon, i would suggest you check his website. Pauls Dvds have been highly recommended on TM, and i was deciding which ones to get myself for xmas, when i saw that he was publishing a book. Gold dust is a massive collection of Paul Gordons best work, and the website has links to lots of the routines being performed on youtube so you get an idea of the standard of his work
http://www.paulgordon.net/golddust.htmlNeedless to say, i bought the book, or this wouldnt be a review!
(This review isnt the place or a book vs dvd discussion, so ill just say that i realise some people learn in different ways and so i can see why some would prefer the dvds)
The Book
The book itself was delivered quickly and looks extremely professional. It has gold writing embossed onto the cover and looks really nice on any bookshelf. In my opinion its also a nice size to carry and this makes it easy to read anywhere (bus / desk at work etc)
The Effects / Review
With 150 effects, where do i start? There are so many routines here that you will be spoiled for choice. I was initially concerned as there are a few 'key' moves that i can do yet (palming for example) but i emailed Paul directly and he responded explaining that there would only be a few routines that i wouldnt be able to do, amazing customer service.
There really are a massive variety of types of routines here, and the first routine (which is self working) has already fooled my friends and family. Im about half way through the book so far and already have 6 or 7 routines which i am learning and more that i plan on trying after learning these. There are so many ideas and routines that im certain everyone will find loads of things that they will use. Although the majority of the book is the routines, there is also a sleights section at the rear with good descriptions and plenty of clear photographs.
My only small criticism is that i prefer books which begin each trick with a synopsis of the effect. This book starts with a small history of the routine and then heads straight into the effect description.
Cost
£50 from Paul directly,
http://www.paulgordon.net/golddust.htmlDifficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
1-5, something for every ability level
Overall
Overall this is one of my favourite purchases ive made in a long time. £50 isnt cheap, but this is only the price of a few '1 trick dvds' and theres so much material here. Head over to Pauls site now and have a look at some of the demos, and see what you think. 9/10