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Dunninger's complete Encyclopedia of Magic
This isn't particularly a review, although I must say that this book is one of the most enchanting magic tombs I have been lucky enough to read.

It is wonderfully illustrated with black and white drawings and is choc a block full of magic tricks, optical illusions, end science experiments from a bygone age. This is a real boy's own book of magic and something that will fascinate boys (and girls) of ages from 8 to 80. (Possible 81. And I am sure some 6 and seven year olds would get a lot out of it too).

Some of the magic effects described are frankly so out there that they make the effects revealed on that recent BBC television show seem workable (you know the one with Danny Butler getting electrically charged so he could light a light bulb, and where john Lenahan filled up cups of different flavoured juices from rubber tubes wrapped around the body). And yet - you have to believe that everything in the book is a proven working method that has been used somewhere by a magiician - maybe even Mr. Dunninger himself.

And it's not just parlour tricks either, it ranges from full blown stage illusions to "pub tricks". Even magic that is better described as a science experiment. (How to have a test tube of boiling water with an ice cube in it for example).

I am not saying that this book is full of ideas that you will immediately take an add to your act, but it won't half broaden your knowledge of all things magic.

I really can't recommend this book enough - although more for it's curiosity or history value (in the same way as "Hiding the Elephant" is, for example).

The single one article that prompted me to write this review (which isn't really a review) is for possibly the most un-politically correct piece of magic in the world...

How To Vanish a Midget.
I appreciate that I shouldn't be copying bits out of books, but this is so funny that it would be criminally wrong of me to exclude it.

The text reads something like (I apologise I forgot to copy it out word for word).

"You hold a cloth in front of the midget and after a few seconds whip the cloth away to show that the midget has disappeared. What actually occurs is that he climbs onto the specially built frame on your back and hides there."

And below is the accompaning illustration. Pure gold.

Strange stuff!

Although using midgets may be iffy, it could work with a well trained child - assuming that's not a contradiction in terms.

Bananafish

I think that this is the most brilliant vanish i have EVER seen !!! I would NEVER have guessed how it was done !

Now I've picked myself up off the floor (!) I shall be going on-line to my magic supplier straight away and see how much it will cost me for one of their 'Tiny' Box jumpers. I called in to my local shop, but they told me that since your posting the little rascals were in such popular demand they have sold out and won't be getting any more stock for a while

If you can think of an alternative let me know


L8R

You know what. I reckon that the device in the illustration could easily be made up and sold under the Tom Lauten stable of magic.

Tom Lauten's MDP (Midget Disappearing Device). Although perhaps the VoLP (Vanishing of Little People) may be a less offensive name?

Can just imagine having to walk off stage sideways so that you don't turn your back.

Anyone know where I can buy a midget?

It could be a great comedy finish - do all the dramatic stuff and vanish the Vertically Challenged Assistant - then just turn round and walk off as normal to reveal the VCA seated nonchalantly in the back frame, possibly eating sandwiches or reading a book or something!

there are at least two acts touring the world that use this piece of aparatus. Its far from comical, its extemly practical.
As far as i am aware both acts come from the soviet Union.
Nechporenko ( sp), for example, uses it to produce, vanish, and transform a number of Rusian Nesting dolls, and his small, but lovely wife.
It scored very highly at FISM one year, for its originality, and contents.

That's really wierd - I was reading this book last night. I have it on loan from a friend at the moment. There are a couple of second hand copies available from http://abebooks.com for next to nothing (around $5). I bought a copy online the other day only to find someone had bought the very copy just before me so it wasn't available anymore. I just haven't got around to going on and buying another copy.

Its far from comical, its extemly practical

The aparatus itself may well be extremely pratical. I still find that the vanishing of a midget - in this ever increasing world of political correctness is (imo) very amusing. And why stop there. Why not produce one from a top hat? Or better still, get three to stand on each others shoulders with the top one waering a large trench coat, and you could have a zig zag box where all three parts can be removed and STILL have the head, hand and foot visible.

Midgets is the way to go I say. There are endless possibilities...



I know it's wrong to laugh, but the mental image that that projects just has me creased up here. I promise I am not laughing at Little People per se, just the fact that they could conceivably be used as a magicians assistant.

Mind you, I guess most lovely assistants are used for their slightness of size and flexibility, so why not use a little person for their height?

And as for the "lp" munching on sandwiches and reading a book behind the magicians back whilst the magician gets on with the show. Well let's just say my eyes are still watering.

Anyone ever seen Kevin James do his "Cutting in half"?
Performed at Blackpool in 2003.
Midgets involved as well as more extreme stuff.

This wasn't funny - it was really disturbing!!!

I agree with you saxmad. nearly everyone i spoke to after that performance in Blackpool, had allot of negative things to say about that performance. Very tasteless

I gotta get one of those, if only the midget was included

Yeah I know, I found the book, but none of the suppliers carry the midget.

Ahhh so frustrating.