Annemann: The Life and Times of a Legend.

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Annemann: The Life and Times of a Legend.

Postby Jing » Dec 27th, '05, 18:58



The Effect
This book contains the entire work of one of the foremost greatest mentalists, Theodore Annemann. Included is every edition of his own magic magazine the Jinx. There is a huge wealth of magic and mentalism found within these pages, including comments by the author, a biography of Ted Annemann and a collection of never released photographs.


Cost
£49.99
http://www.magicbox.uk.com/exec.php/pro ... il/11847//

This might seem expensive, but the book is huge. There are 622 pages! It is also a hefty weight, but I think postage is free over £50, so I suggest a pack of bikes or something cheap to take it over the £50 mark.


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)

MgaicBox says that the difficulty is 1, and although some of the effects are quite easy, I would say there are others that go up to 3.

Review
This is a great book, and you certainly get your monies worth. I am very interested in mentalism, and the works in this book, are some of the best, not just in terms of tricks, but also principles of mentalism. This book is one where you can always find something new every time you open it (although I have my favourites aswell). With this book you could perform for months, with a new routine every night.
If you have read and enjoyed other classic mentalism books such as the 13 Steps to Mentalism, by Tony Corinda, or other Annemann books, then this book is worth a look in.

I would suggest that this book is best for people who perform mentalism, or cabaret magic, if you have a table accessible for props and things.

There is some close-up magic and card magic, but there is not as much as the mentalism. Although the close-up magic is also quite strong, and there are some idea that may seem new, but are actually just hidden, as is the case with an old magic book. It’s always nice dust off an old book, and find that gem of a trick you know would fry magicians and lay people alike.

The review on MagicBox says,
‘Here is the complete story of one of the most influential magic writers and editors of all time-the history of Theodore "Ted" Annemann. Every published, and many unpublished, creations of Annemann have been gathered for this unprecedented work, then edited and placed in their proper chronological order.

This huge book contains extensive commentary, which clarifies hundreds of details about his tricks, his contemporaries and the man himself. It is as entertaining as it is informative. Annemann's influence on magic even after his death is explained, as well as the complete genealogy of his creation The Jinx Magazine and all its descendants.

Also included are performance photos, family photos, publicity material and much more. Without question this is the largest collection of Annemann memorabilia ever to be printed. And for the first time, see the extended photo sequence of Annemann performing his death-defying Bullet Catch!

These are merely a few of the features to be found in this comprehensive coverage of Ted Annemann. The scope of the material would take pages to describe. This indispensable book will be of interest to every magician, whether historian, collector, card worker or mentalist. A lifetime of magical creativity contained in one volume. ‘


Overall
This book is quite expensive, but I have bought books for £30 and they have only a limited amount of knowledge. This is a bit more, but it is brimming with useful knowledge and great tricks. I would say this book is primarily for mentalists, and then for cabaret performers, and then close-up people. If you feel your wallet is getting heavy, then this book will lighten that load – and your bookshelf can be heavy instead!

User avatar
Jing
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Posts: 881
Joined: Nov 27th, '03, 18:20
Location: Staffordshire (28:WP)

Book

Postby Piers » Dec 27th, '05, 20:18

What a tempting review !

Thank you.

A lot of cash, but, no more than it costs to fill my car with a tank of petrol.

Piers.

:shock:

Piers
Senior Member
 
Posts: 303
Joined: Apr 19th, '05, 10:45
Location: Herts, UK

Postby Jordan C » Dec 27th, '05, 20:59

Another one to add to the list of must haves, def wants and wallet busting info!!! Sounds like it's well worth the money tho. Good review.

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Jordan C
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Joined: Oct 22nd, '03, 12:00
Location: Cambridgeshire, (38:AH/SH)


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