Magician's Magic by Paul Curry

Review area devoted to Magic books, leaflets and other printed material

Moderators: nickj, Lady of Mystery, Mandrake, bananafish, support

Magician's Magic by Paul Curry

Postby Lord Freddie » Nov 6th, '07, 18:25



The Effect
A book that discloses the secrets behind a collection of close-up magic tricks, including the author's "Out of the World", reputed to be the best card trick of the past century.



Cost
£6.56 from http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magicians-Magic ... 397&sr=8-8
Though magic dealers will charge you a lot more


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)
1



Review

This book is not for the advanced magician and is really a primer for those who may be interested. The effects, although some are good, contain little or no sleights, so if you are expecting a volume of new material to use, look elsewhere as the best effect in here is Curry's own "Out of this World".
So what does it contain?

Well, the first half of the book is a kind of potted history of magic and although there are no new astounding revelations it makes for an enjoyable read.
The effects themselves, in the main, cover stage illusions such as sawing a woman in half, levitating a woman, etc which are interesting to read, clearly explained and well illustrated, if you are wanting to perform them.
Out Of This World is the gem of this book and most magicians (including myself) already know this from other sources, but it's nice to read it described by it's inventor.
Overall, the book is not crammed with groundbreaking effects, but for just under seven quid makes an enjoyable diversion and is written in an easy style.
You will no doubt, as I did, finish it in a day, but you will enjoy doing so.




Overall
7/10

www.themysticmenagerie.com

"You're like Yoda ..... you'd sell out to a Vodaphone advert if the money was right."
User avatar
Lord Freddie
Elite Member
 
Posts: 3657
Joined: Oct 8th, '06, 15:23
Location: Berkshire

Postby Renato » Nov 6th, '07, 20:15

Absolutely agree. As far as material goes it's not at all shabby, but I enjoy reading it just because it's concise blend of history, effects and general musings.

"The Case of the Missing Hat" - try that one out and you really will fool yourself.

It's worth it though just to have a Curry write-up of the original Out Of This World.

Renato
Elite Member
 
Posts: 2636
Joined: Sep 29th, '05, 16:07

Postby Mandrake » Nov 7th, '07, 09:44

It's a superb book and well worth adding to any magician's library. Also reviewed at http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic2892.php

User avatar
Mandrake
'
 
Posts: 27494
Joined: Apr 20th, '03, 21:00
Location: UK (74:AH)

Postby HenryHoudini » Nov 7th, '07, 17:19

seems good, and a great price. I'm finally going to admit something.

I don't know what OOTW is exactly. :?

I know, a true sin isnt it?
Well, could someone tell me what the effect is?

User avatar
HenryHoudini
Senior Member
 
Posts: 729
Joined: Jun 10th, '07, 17:45

Postby greedoniz » Nov 7th, '07, 17:22

Look in the Art of Astonishment that you are currently studying and look for an effect called Galaxy.
This is a Paul harris version of OOTW... and very good it is too

User avatar
greedoniz
Elite Member
 
Posts: 3251
Joined: Jan 12th, '06, 18:42
Location: London (36: SH)

Postby Replicant » Nov 7th, '07, 17:31

greedoniz wrote:Look in the Art of Astonishment that you are currently studying and look for an effect called Galaxy.
This is a Paul harris version of OOTW... and very good it is too


Which volume of Art of Astonishment does Galaxy appear in? Thanks.

User avatar
Replicant
Elite Member
 
Posts: 3951
Joined: Jun 7th, '05, 13:46
Location: Hertfordshire, UK (36:AH)

Postby Mandrake » Nov 7th, '07, 18:00

HenryHoudini wrote:I don't know what OOTW is exactly
It's shorthand for Out Of This World.

User avatar
Mandrake
'
 
Posts: 27494
Joined: Apr 20th, '03, 21:00
Location: UK (74:AH)

Postby HenryHoudini » Nov 7th, '07, 21:00

Mandrake wrote:
HenryHoudini wrote:I don't know what OOTW is exactly
It's shorthand for Out Of This World.

yeah I know, I don't know what the effect is exactly... like, the effect, not what the abbreviation is for. I knew that a loooooooooooong time ago,
:D
and thanks for mentioning Galaxy, I'll be sure to check it out

User avatar
HenryHoudini
Senior Member
 
Posts: 729
Joined: Jun 10th, '07, 17:45

Postby Lord Freddie » Nov 7th, '07, 21:08

Paul Curry's description in this book is clear and of course, from the original source. For the price that Amazon are selling this book for, it's a worthwhile and engaging read and although there are only a couple of effects that are usable, the history section is an enjoyable excursion into the past greats of magic and I particularly enjoy the descriptions of well know stage illusions.

www.themysticmenagerie.com

"You're like Yoda ..... you'd sell out to a Vodaphone advert if the money was right."
User avatar
Lord Freddie
Elite Member
 
Posts: 3657
Joined: Oct 8th, '06, 15:23
Location: Berkshire

Postby Mandrake » Nov 7th, '07, 21:52

Out Of This World actually doesn't tell you anything about the routine, you might seen it done without realsiing it, but it's a colour sepration of the deck by the spec as they freely deal the cards face down into two piles.

User avatar
Mandrake
'
 
Posts: 27494
Joined: Apr 20th, '03, 21:00
Location: UK (74:AH)

Postby greedoniz » Nov 7th, '07, 22:26

Bicycle808 wrote:
greedoniz wrote:Look in the Art of Astonishment that you are currently studying and look for an effect called Galaxy.
This is a Paul harris version of OOTW... and very good it is too


Which volume of Art of Astonishment does Galaxy appear in? Thanks.


Book 3

User avatar
greedoniz
Elite Member
 
Posts: 3251
Joined: Jan 12th, '06, 18:42
Location: London (36: SH)


Return to Reviews - Books and other printed formats

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 8 guests