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DrTodd · Advanced Member Joined: 05 Feb 2006 Posts: 1933

Switchcraft
The Billet Work of Elliott J. Bresler

122 page e-book, $19.99

Available from: http://ebswitch.googlepages.com/home

Hate to peek? Can’t peek? Want an alternative to peeking?

Elliot Bresler’s brilliant new billet manuscript shows how the billet switch provides an unbelievably versatile utility for all sorts of mental effects.

In his own words, Bresler states, ‘…just about any effect in Mentalism can be accomplished with a billet switch.’

The book provides a comprehensive explanation of the EB Switch and many variants. Bresler gives you 13 switch techniques in total, all of which are illustrated with multiple colour photographs using different coloured billets to show in a really accessible manner the moves you need to learn step by step.

The prose is humorous and entertaining. The techniques cover the first 76 pages, which are then followed by a selection of powerful effects, suggestions, musings, and further ideas on how the switch can achieve a variety of effects (the disappearing elephant is hilarious).

He also provides frequent reference to other mentalism tomes, further readings, and the history of his ideas, so you get a great sense of the history of billet work. There is a nice application of the flower principle from Banacek’s Psychological Subtleties that is really superb!

The book finishes with a very helpful glossary.

If you are new to mentalism, billet work is essential (see Craig Browning’s sticky in support and tips). If you are not, Bresler’s take on things is a must read!

Overall, this is great value for money. Loads of great ideas for a fraction of what many of the other ‘billeteers’ are charging. If you want a good introduction or more fodder for the masses, I can highly recommend this manuscript.

10/10

Mooch · Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2006 6:54 pm Post subject:

Very nice review DrTodd. I've actually been after some material teaching a variety of billet switches, and this looks perfect. With any luck, I should be getting this within the next couple of weeks.

Thanks again for the review.

DrTodd · Advanced Member Joined: 05 Feb 2006 Posts: 1933

Mooch: you will not be disappointed!

ElliottB · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 1:04 am Post subject:

Thank you very much Dr. Landman.

This is absolutely awesome!!

Elliott

ElliottB · Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 2:49 am Post subject:

My book finally showed up on a second board. Yes!!!

Here’s a link:

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=188442&forum=15

Thanks again and I hope everyone who ordered is enjoying the book.

Elliott

Craig Browning · Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 3:58 am Post subject:

I feel a bit out of place here in that Eliot has been kind enough to keep me in the loop with this project and my schedule has kept me far too busy to give him more than a passing thumbs up for a job well done on some material that will prove beneficial to the newbie and old fart alike. Then again, I've reviewed about five major billet books or dvds that have come out recently and I'm starting to see little pieces of paper everywhere I look... it's spooky! Twisted Evil

Here's One For You... I'm working on a video series that may be out next fall. It's not so much teaching the basis of billet handling but rather touches on the performance angles when it comes to this "Art". Far too many of us are hung up on the habit of seeing the billet as a "trick" when in truth it is supposed to be "nothing". I hope that I can do justice in my referencing material such as Eliott has given us as well others like my old friend Millard Longman, Alan Zingg and a rather obscure hero in the group known to most as Bev Moor (his POST JUSTIFY material is priceless!)

DrTodd · Advanced Member Joined: 05 Feb 2006 Posts: 1933

Yes, I like the idea of the billet being 'incidental' to what you are doing. Millard Longman also makes this point and Elliot's techniques are of equal value in that respect.

ElliottB · Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 2:33 am Post subject:

I try to keep the billet “incidental” as well. Although, I do stray from time to time Smile

Craig,

Thanks again, and I would be honored if you referenced my material on your videos. You can bet that I will be one of your first customers.

Elliott

ElliottB · Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 12:29 am Post subject:

bananafish · Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 10:39 am Post subject:

I'm not sure why the cafe link fails. If you cut and paste in into a browser window it works ok.

ElliottB · Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 3:53 am Post subject:

Thanks bananafish.

It’s strange how it works (or doesn’t work) that way. Like you said, cutting and pasting seems to do the trick. That thread is really getting good. Smile

Thanks again,

Elliott

ElliottB · Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 1:44 am Post subject:

Added some new testimonials (and other updates) to the site.

Elliott

ElliottB · Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:15 am Post subject:

I just added another testimonial and review link to the site.

Keep them coming folks!!! Smile

Elliott

Lownatic · Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 11:42 am Post subject:

Received my copy a couple of weeks ago, and am well into it. Its my first journey into billets, apart from Anneman, and I love it. Written in an easy to read laid-back style with excellent photographs, it is my best purchase this year by far. Thanks Elliott!!

IAIN · Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 5:27 pm Post subject:

...just ordered this, but cos im at work it's been blocked...d'oh! should of thought of that before hand... Embarassed