The Classic Magic of Larry Jennings

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The Classic Magic of Larry Jennings

Postby greedoniz » Jul 26th, '07, 10:43



What They Say

Within this beautifully produced volume you'll find all of the Larry Jennings classics, expertly described and meticulously illustrated. Open Travellers, The Homing Card, Peripatetic Coins, The Visitor, Visual Copper and Silver and so much more. 80 groundbreaking effects in all, ready to find a home in your repertoire.

"An absolute must for all lovers of the poetry of magic." - Dai Vernon

Cost

£23.99 from MagicBox

Difficulty
(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)


Most of these I would say are intermediate to difficult 3 to 5. I've not read every effect but I've found no self workers yet



Review

I decided to get this as a certain effect ' Homing Card' was mentioned in Darwin Ortiz 'Strong Magic' book and it seemed to be something that would suit my performance style right down to the ground. so I looked more into Larry Jennings and the more I learnt, the more I was keen to get the book.
Firstly when I received the book I was struck by the quality of the item itself, beautifully printed, set out and bound. It starts with several introductions written by Dai Vernon, Mike Maxwell and Larry Jennings himself.
Then comes the index which, of course, has the names of the effects, the page numbers and a very handy addition of the sleights used in each effect printed under the title.
To the effects themselves, there are roughly 264 pages containing a mixture of card and coins with the added bonus of Larry Jennings 'Single Cup & Balls Routine' at the end. Not only are the mechanics of the tricks explained but with suggested patter and most importantly the smalll nuances such as pacing and use of misdirection.
Overall each effect is vividly described and the illustrations clear.
Each effect I have read so far are wonderfully thought out, have obviously been audience tested and would be a great routine to add to any magicians arsenal.
The only problem I have encountered so far is that I have come across one or two effects that require lapping which isn't practical for most of the real work I do but it is still a handy thing to know when the situation arises.
Lastly I think I ned to comment of the price as it really is a bargain. For £23 delivered you get a really well made hardbound book full of great routines, original sleights by Larry Jennings and some fantastic advice about performance and practicing in the intros.
For anyone looking for some well thought out card and coin magic (mostly card) then look no further than this book. To be honest I am surprised that this isn't often citied as a must get classic but am happy it isn't as this means less people will be performing the effects I am currently trying to learn.
If Dai Vernon himself rated Larry Jennings as one of the best magicians he ever saw and writes a glowing review in the book of the material within then you know you are in for a bit of a treat.



Overall

I always said I wouldn't give anything a 10 but for the quality of book and the effects contained within all for that price it has to be a 10.

Dont buy it though as I want it all to myself.

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greedoniz
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Postby Al Doty » Aug 15th, '07, 10:20

I had the pleasure of seeing Larry Jennings perform at the Magic Castle and was totally amazed by his flawless and entertaining routines. This book is on my must have list. Thanks for the good review.
Cheers
Al

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Postby kevsashark » Aug 15th, '07, 15:23

Thanks for the review, Al. I will definitely move this item up on my list. Out of curiosity, are the illustrations in color, or are they more like the traditional sketches from Expert at the Card Table??? Also, now that you have the book, how does that "homing card" effect work out for you??

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Postby greedoniz » Aug 15th, '07, 23:28

In answer to your question the sketches in the book are hand drawn black and white. Although basic I find they are very clear and in most cases due to the very concise writing are pretty much not needed.

With the homing card after reading the method I find that this will be a routine I would like to perform often but first I need to practice and perfect the final sleight in the effect as it is a new one on me.

If you are looking for really good effects that have been careful thought out then this book is a goldmine.

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Postby kevsashark » Aug 16th, '07, 15:26

Thanks so much for the reply. I will definitely add this to my list.

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Postby Lenoir » Jun 9th, '09, 18:20

Just ordered this, I've wanted it for a long while!

"I want to do magic...but I don't want to be referred to as a magician." - A layman chatting to me about magic.
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Postby Ray Noble » Jun 10th, '09, 06:55

WOW, it sure is funny that a book that has been out for so many years is once again getting notice.

I bought this book back in the 80’s and dug right in. I took it with me around the world and studied every effect in the book.

This book should be considered a master works of card magic, with a few coins and the cup and balls thrown in for good measure. LOL

I learn so much from this book that I would honestly say that it is the ONE book that influence me the most! In this book, you not only learn effects but also MANY techniques of card mechanics.

I use to do so many routines from this book, but now, since I am doing mentalism, I find myself not doing much card magic anymore. I spend YEARS learning from this book and I find that when I am ask to do a card trick, I will do one effect that I have been doing since 1983 because it is so powerful and MAGICAL.

Many of the routines in this book are very magical and if you could only have one book on close up magic, this would be the one that I would choose.

Ray

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Postby greedoniz » Jun 10th, '09, 13:24

I also think this book has the best self working card effect I've come across "Impossible".
I have performed this to a few magi's who have all come up with theories involving all kinds of advanced sleights.

Great book!

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