talkmagic.co.uk

Ok people, you have seen past comments I have made about Mark, so you know this IS NOT here as a plug for him.

On topic.
Mark, when I first started, I had a copy of a catalogue from Magic By Post, which sold gag and joke stuff, along with some magic. I wasn't very impressed, but to the point of my post.
I seem to remember there was something about a mouse, along with a booklet or something by the "creator" of the routine. I'm not sure if it was you, or if this is different. I am wondering if this is something for a childrens show, (which I hope) or to be used in close up etc.

Secondly, are your svengali instructions likely tyo be easy to understand for my son, who isn't a teenager yet, but likes magic?

I am also interested by other peoples comments, who have bought these from Mark.

Yes, I am asking for reviews, aswell as personal comments by the seller and/or creator.

No, I didn't want it in the review section, as people would see part of the title and dismiss it as advertising.

Mark, I understand if you are reluctant to answer, given my past comments, but I ask to let sleeping dogs lie. This wont be advertising anyway, as I am asking direct questions.

Thanks

Darrel.

OK fuse lit, now stand well back......

only kidding the review is here if you haven't read it

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic12876.php&highlight=long+short

In all fairness, I think personally (sorry to tread on Mark's toes, I am sure he'll give me 'what for' if he fancies it) that the book's aim may be a tad over your son's head.

However, that's an unfair statement by myself, as I have no idea as of what level of magic your son is at. But the book really does assume that you NEED to work with the Svengali deck, rather than 'give it a go'.

Saying that, the Sven deck is a great utility for younger magicians as it has an almost instant result, and this is appealing. Mark's book explores the deck in ways which you would not have thought obvious, and that is it's strength.

However, why don't YOU get the book for yourself and then be the judge? Not a single soul I know who owns this piece of work would find it to be anything but useful, informative, and worthy of a place on your shelves.

However, of course, I'm biased

Stevie, thanks for the link. I had read it, but needed more info ref my son.

Siege, thanks for the honest reply. From what I have seen, I must (grudgingly, JOKE) admit it seems that I should get it, even if is just for me. If my son thinks he would be ok with it, I can get him a copy later to learn while at his mums.

Still curious about the mouse and also what the skill level would be. IE, is it worth getting for me for childrens shows, or something "easy" that he can start learning.

Just wondered if something like that could look right being done by somone that age.

I must say that I am quite disgusted by the blatant advertising of my book here. Quite disgraceful.
It really shouldn't be allowed. Other members have complained about it in the past and it still goes on.
There is obviously some bias going on among the moderators here and I think it quite reprehensible on a supposedly reputable forum such as this.

I shall immediately inform Lord Freddie so he send a few private messages about it. If that doesn't work because of moderator bias he can always make a public post about it.

If that doesn't work there is always the Bunny Forum. The trouble is that he may contract myximatosis there.

Am I missing something here????? Maybe there is more to this that I am unaware of, but ---WTF???

Don't worry moodini, there has been history between myself and Mark on the forums, quite apart from the "advertising" points. The information is whether it is something my son could learn at his age, so isn't covered in normal reviews.

I am asking for advice on certain products, so there is no "plug" for Mark.
It may be that he says they aren't suitable for someone under teenage years. Hardly advertising if he says that!!

Mark, have PM'd you to go into further detail.

Am I the only one here thinking that this is some sort of weird code, or perhaps subliminal messages trying to make us choose 'Sheperd's Bush Green (page 82, grid reference 2E)'.

sorry it's late.....

I think your son would find Mark Wilson's "Complete Course In Magic" a useful tome if he hasn't got it already. It's written by what seems to be a nice chap who relys on word-of-mouth reviews and recommendations and has no need to plug it himself. And he's actually a well known entertainer.

He has got MWCCIM. If you haven't got these products from Mark Lewis, you haven't got any advice for me on this issue, I'm afraid.

Think I will give up on this thread.

No. Don't give up. I haven't answered you yet out of sheer exhaustion. Not because of any malice. Patience is a virtue and everything comes to he who waits.

Please continue to argue with Lord Freddie though. Nothing would give me greater joy.

Darrel wrote:He has got MWCCIM. If you haven't got these products from Mark Lewis, you haven't got any advice for me on this issue, I'm afraid.

Think I will give up on this thread.

Just trying to help.
Backtrack and suck up then, sonny boy!

Thanks Mark.


Lord Freddie,
Not sucking up, just practicing what I said, putting the past behind.
I have had disagreements with Craig browning before. It doesn't stop me taking relevant advice from him, so I figure this is no different.

Backtracking, yes, see above reason. Sucking up, No, treating mark as anybody else, viewing his posts with tongue in cheek, when required.

( Mods have just let out a huge sigh of relief!!!)

I think I'll bring out me own tawdry pamphlet about a gimmicked deck and be a complete ***** **** ******* on any forum I can find!
Reverse psychology works!

Frederick my boy. I have not produced a "tawdry pamphlet" I have produced a literary masterpiece of the first order.

It has received nothing but positive reviews and everyone agrees reluctantly or not reluctantly that it is the best information EVER written on the svengali deck.

I challenge you to produce a better work on this item. Of course you can't because in order to do so you would have to have read the book which of course you haven't.

However I shall tell who has. And each and every person has praised the book. Paul Harris, Michael Close, Bill Nagler MD, Chris Wasshuber, Todd Robbins etc; etc;

If you require reviews that are not by the moderator of this forum or not by David Ben on the Genii place I suggest you look at the In-Visions board or the Little Egypt place.

Not that I wish to be accused of blatant advertising of course. I didn't start this thread after all and neither did one of my friends. In fact it is one of my enemies who started it but who now wishes to grovel before Mark Lewis because he needs a bit of information.

At least he has learned the important lesson that if you require information that it is the information that is important rather than the individual quirks of the teacher.

Since Darrel has seen fit to have the guts to prostrate himself before me it would be churlish for me to refuse. I must first check on his previous impertinence first. After that I will judge the speediness of my response to him. However the response will eventually come. I am referring to his private message that he sent me regarding the svengali deck. I was too tired to read it and I haven't done so yet.

As to the conversation here I am not sure if the mouse thing put out by Magic Books by Post is mine or not. That may possibly be something by someone else. Other people have put out things about the mouse in the past but they are not in the same class as my book. The date of the catalogue will give a clue. If it is a recent catalogue then the item may be mine but if it is a few years old it won't be.

As for the Mark Wilson book it is indeed an excellent work but I don't think it has anything about the svengali deck therein or if there is it can't be very much.

My wondrous booklet of course is devoted to nothing else but the svengali deck so the silly Mark Wilson argument is irrelevant.

As to whether the 11 year old in question can master the contents that will of course depend on the intelligence and aptitude of the 11 year old. And the willingness of the father to tear himself away from this forum to help the lad with his studies.

Since I see all sorts of urchins at these awful "Magic Camps" over here learning magic I don't see why the Darrell offspring should have a problem providing he gets a little assistance from his dad who will no doubt be tempted to learn the handling himself.

Since I see 9 year old kids over here doing zombies and linking rings I don't see why the svengali deck should be a particular obstacle. I must rush in to say that I cannot bear the sight of these awful urchins over here doing the cups and balls, zombie and the linking rings but people tell me I am an old fashioned dinosaur and I should "get up with the times"

The svengali deck however is different somehow. It has always been regarded as a right of passage for the youngster learning magic and many a professional magician has gotten their early start from buying a deck of cards like this from an awful person like me.

My routine and handling does take a bit of practice but the bottom line is that if the kid is bright and his dad helps him then he should have no trouble. Presumably his father will tell him of the importance of practice.

There Tomo. That is how you advertise a book. I might not need that little signature after all although if you feel like I shall allow you to impart the information. I can tell you are trying to admire me but can't quite manage it yet.

Of course Lord Freddie is a lost cause.

For the moment