While going through my books it inspired me to write some reviews for the ones that don't seem to be have reviewed before (I did check, although I may well have missed it...) - I also posted this over on the Bunny too so I hope that isn't a problem?
A couple of the books (although not all) are out of print but are still available pre owned.
My first review so please be gentle....Hopefully I will get around to posting some more over the next few days so feel free to offer your feedback.
Name
The Topit Handbook
Author:
Patrick Page - Illustrated by Ali Bongo
Price:
N/A – I believe this is now out of print but I have seen them available pre-owned
Date:
Not 100% sure as I couldn't find a date on it
Pages:
16 Pages
Contents
The book starts off with “A few words about the Topit”, followed by “A few more words about the Topit where Pat explains what it is, the history behind it and how to use it.
I won't describe the effects because I think they are pretty much self explanatory, but I will list them here to give you an idea of what you get.
To Vanish a billiard ball
To switch one item for another
An Impromptu Glass vanish
The perfect ring penetration
To vanish a cigarette lighter
The pick up vanish
to vanish a wine glass
The vanishing cane in newspaper
The Jardine Ellis Ring on String
The George Davenport Section
To quote a passage from the book:
Every Saturday morning at the Davenport Magic Shop, all the Saturday morning regulars used to delight in seeing George Davenport demonstrate Topit to a customer who had never seen it before. The look of sheer amazement on the face was enough to have them rolling about Most of the regulars had become accustom to seeing George almost Paralyze customers in the shop, but what the casual customer didn't know was that they were watching an expert. A REAL expert!
The section then goes on to explain some of the effects he used to perform (including the explanations) including:
To Vanish a deck of cards – this is the effect that started it all....
To vanish a coin under a matchbox
The Stack of Pence Trick
The Vanish of a billiard ball under a glass
To Vanish a full glass of Whiskey (Yes, you read that correctly - To vanish a glass full of Whiskey using a Topit....)
Out of 10:
Difficult one because it is not something I will use but I believe it is very well written by someone who clearly knows what they are talking about so for that reason I will say 8/10
Comments
Now I personally don't use a Topit but even so I found it a delight to read. The book (or booklet) itself is only 16 pages long. The Topit Handbook is illustrated by the great by Ali Bongo, well I say that but the illustrations are actually on a separate glossy A3 sheet which is folded into 4 to fit inside the book. The reason given for the illustrations being separate is so that you can lay the sheet out in front of you to study as you read the text.
All in all a handy little guide written by a true master of the art!