It’s sad but true, but to many Magicians today, the Name Jack Kodell is almost unknown.
Thankfully, with the arrival of Jeff Peirce’s new book “KODELL, DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT” Written by the great man himself, this is a situation that will change.
At first glance, what will strike the reader, is just how many of today’s greats owe so much to Jack Kodell. Indeed, both David Copperfield. And Lance Burton have contributed forewords to the book, along with Mr Electric himself, the great Marvin Roy.
This book, tells how Jack, Born in November 1927, turned professional at the age of 13, and quite literally toured the globe amazing all with his wonderful act.
During his tours, he played almost every major variety venue in the world, including the London Palladium, and the Hippodrome..
Jack Kodell caused a global sensation, because he was the first person ever to perform an act that exclusively used birds, Specifically Parakeets.
Not only that, but these intelligent little creatures would perform the effects, because they wanted too.
The Parakeet act, unlike dove acts, included small scale versions of large stage Illusions. They would make their initial appearance perched on Jacks fingers, looking to the entire world like living, breathing, fluttering billiard balls.
The Birds then performed substitutions, vanishes, colour changes, etc. using clear plastic apparatus. The handling of the birds has been published By Jack Kodell in Frances Marshal’s book “Parakeet Magic.”
This book was a major influence on our own Johnnie Hart, who featured Parakeets in his award winning act.
During the book, we discover how at the age of 20, Jack became the first magician ever to work in what is now the magic capital of the world, Las Vegas. And how he forged a lifetime’s friendship, with Comedy magic legend, Don Allan.
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In 1949, Kodell was booked to play he bird act in England. It was during this season he met English singer Mary Naylor, who would one day become his wife. Indeed More than 58 years after their first meeting, they are both still happily married.
In 1952, Jack discovered that great British theatrical tradition, panto. In doing so he became the first magician ever, to work his act on ice skates.
Jack Kodell “ retired” from performing at the age of 33. Why? Read the book and find out.
Overall, this book has so much to offer the reader, as it is not just the story of one mans life time, but is also a history of the international variety scene over the second half of the last century, and beyond.
It is an inspiring, and entertaining story that offers the reader an insight into the real secrets of magic, without exposing any of the technical aspects that are oh so often given away on television, and in print.
This is an absolute must read for anybody interested in the history of our art, and for those who wish to contribute to its future.
There are 3 editions of this excellent book…
Regular, special edition, and downloadable pdf.
1. The regular hardback edition, with dust jacket. Sells for $59.95 +postage.
2. The Special Edition is the hardback book, signed and numbered by Jack Kodell.
This also comes with A signed 14X20 colour poster rolled in a shipping tube, A DVD with 120 minutes of audio and video of Jack Kodell, A 21 page manuscript called "Kodell's Three Card Trick" which is a in-the-hands three card Monte effect. That's right, a card trick!, Seven 5X7 B&W photographs, each only seen for one weekend in 1953 in the British newspapers.
This costs $99.95+ postage. and will I’m sure become a collectors item very soon.
3. The online PDF costs $29.95. Post free.
For further details or to Pre order this wonderful work contact Jeff at
http://jeffpiercemagic.com/store/
