I am now able to inform the multitude that the book is now obtainable on my website at
https://www.marklewisentertainment.com/ ... cians.html $50 (US dollars) and shipping to the United Kingdom is free. That is because the books are printed both Tennessee and Milton Keynes!
Anyway here is a review by Barry Allen
REVIEW - The Annotated Royal Road to Card Magic (RRTCM) - Mark Lewis
Being 'old skool' and preferring the written word to reading on a screen, I was initially hesitant to purchase my first eBook. However, as I have always held both The Royal Road to Card Magic AND Mark Lewis in such high esteem, the combination of both was too much to simply overlook.
BACKGROUND
Many of us have cut our teeth on RRTCM; it's often recommended to beginners that want to get started in the Art of Card Magic. My first reading of the book was by borrowing it constantly from the library around 1976; as an enthusiastic 12 year old. The book certainly didn't disappoint. Until becoming hooked on Harry Lorayne books a few years later, as a kid with very little pocket money, the library copy of the RRTCM became my bible. Over the years, we all tend to buy more magic props, books, etc; convincing ourselves that this will improve our ability as Magicians. However, we also overlook at times the very foundations of where our passion commenced. I have been as guilty of this as much as the next person. However, Mark Lewis's Annotations to this classic work have enabled me to study, in-depth once again, this superb, often overlooked book.
WHY BUY AN ANNOTATED VERSION?
That may be the question that you will initially ask yourself. If you have the book already, what more is there to learn? In a nutshell, you will be buying in to a professional magicians' lifetime of 'working this book' in the Real World. It will re-ignite your passion for so many sleights and effects that you may have either forgotten about or simply overlooked.
For example, one of the first tricks within the book is Topsy-Turvy Cards. A decent enough effect but something I long thought I'd grown out of. What Mark has done is to give this effect a new, powerful, multi-phase routine. This is strong, commercial magic. I also adore Mark's take on Now You See It - his thinking adds value to an effect that I have been performing for many, many years. In fact, as you work your way through the pages, you realise that Mark adds creative thinking to the vast majority of the plots within.
Sleights are given similar treatment throughout; with more clarity being provided where necessary. Additional sleights are also added into the mix for your consideration; nothing knuckle-busting; just a Pro relating his years of experience; outlining alternative methods of handling, for your due consideration.
The majority of Mark's Annotations (easily identifiable in red type) are supported with clear, colour photographs throughout the book. These supplement the original (excellent) illustrations superbly.
As an added bonus, Mark has included some additional effects and sleights that were due to be released in a separate manuscript many years ago.
OVERVIEW
RRTCM is undoubtedly a classic work of Card Magic. What Mark has managed to achieve, is that he has taken a Classic to a completely new level of quality and content.
This book has truly been an inspiration to me. So many sleights and effects that I have overlooked previously, have had me constantly reaching for a pack of cards over the past few months. Studying and learning the content, has been pure joy. I can't say that for many books I've read over the years.
As someone who adores Card Magic; and has read many, many books on the subject; this book brings you back down to planet Earth. You realise the sheer quality of magic contained within this book when it was first released. You fall back in love with so many things that have been cast aside; realising just how powerful this material can be for audiences.
This is UNRESERVEDLY RECOMMENDED to ANYONE interested in performing solid, entertaining, commercial Card Magic. It has been one of the highlights of my lifetime within Magic, studying this Annotated contribution to our Art.
Mark Lewis hasn't simply 'given the old girl a new dress' by improving a Classic, he has also shared a lifetime of study and performance within his superb Annotations. I am quite sure that Jean Hugard and Frederick Braue would be proud of him!
Link for the PDF version:
https://www.lybrary.com/the-annotated-r ... 23422.html
Link for the hard copy version:
http://www.marklewisentertainment.com/h ... cians.html