The Publisher describes this book: “The complete beginner’s guide to anytime, anywhere, sleight-of-hand magic.”
Cost
$29.95, although I found dozens of used copies for sale at prices ranging from $5.00 to $220.27! www.addall.com
Outline of the book
This book covers many aspects of magic, not just cards. Some of the chapters include:
CARD FLOURISHES
- Ribbon Spread
Charlier Cut
- Jog Shuffle
Slip Shuffle
Instead of the Pass (for those of you –hmmm, those of us—who can’t do the pass
Several false cuts
Hindu Shuffle—regular and false
DL—three methods
The Palm—two methods
Four forces—crisscross, classic, etc
17 effects including The Color Changing Deck and The Ambitious Card
PRACTICALLY SELF-WORKING ROUTINES
9 tricks and routines
BASIC COIN SLEIGHTS
Four sections including The Finger Palm and the Basic Coin Switch
COIN MAGIC
Nine tricks including Copper and Silver and Four Coins Across
NUMBER MAGIC
Six tricks, including The Magic Square
MENTAL EFFECTS
Seven tricks that involve one ahead, magician’s force, etc.
MISCELLANEOUS MAGIC
Nineteen effects that use salt shakers, matches, rings, string etc.
I remember buying a Harry Lorayne memory book as a kid. When I discovered he was also an accomplished magician I was thrilled. My wife bought me his 4 volume DVD set Harry Lorayne’s Best Ever Collection. Good stuff on the DVD, but I find that his writing is far easier to understand! (Hope she doesn't read this...)
This is an incredible collection of beginner stuff. If you, or someone you know, want to start out in magic then this book is THE one to buy. It is certainly aimed at the beginner, but the beginner better be serious. Mr. Lorayne’s aim is to teach a selection of basic skills that have to be practiced until they become second nature. He includes tricks, that use these basic sleights, that are worth learning.
The following excerpt illustrates the level of understanding he expects of his readers. From his explanation of The Color Changing Deck :
- ”... The best-known version, among cardmen, using a gimmicked card is Paul Curry’s. My own ending eliminates the need for gimmicking or palming out. ... It utilizes sleights you’ve already learned: the Hindu Shuffle, the DL, a variation of the Kick Cut, and the Slip Shuffle.”
There are several commercial grade tricks in this book. For example
- The Ambitious Card is being sold by L&L for $19.95,
The Color Changing Deck by Magic Pro Shop for $24.95;
The Magic Square is virtually identical to the Luke Jermay version sold by Penguin for $12.95.
Overall Rating
10/10 for the serious beginner. There is nothing very difficult in this book. But, don't buy it unless you are prepared to put in the time, otherwise you'll be like to guy who buys a season ticket and never goes to a game.