|
|
CardStudent New user Greer, SC 57 Posts |
I just re-read this. I had read it once several years ago, and I had forgotten how good it was. I have also read Tarbell, Wilson, Hay, and Jay, and I think this one is the best choice for beginners. I also think experts could probably stand to be reminded of a couple of the items.
Here are a few of the items that stood out to me: Cards: The Acrobatic Deck... Fun and amazing. One at a Time Aces... One of the best non-gimmick ace assembly routines I've read. This Guy & the Drinker... Self-working card magic par excellence. Coins: I am not much of a coin man, but the material in this chapter seems really strong to me. Copper and Silver... The most logical coin transposition routine I've read. The Traveling Salesmen... A perfect handling of my favorite coin opener when there's a table. Like Mr. Lorayne, I have come across many more "sophisticated" coin assembly routines, but this one seems to make just as much of an impact on laypeople... and it's easier! Numbers: Your audience really will believe you are a mathematical genius when you perform this stuff. The Missing Digit... This one can be made to look like genuine mind reading, with no conceivable explanation. Mental Effects: The Larger the Bill... I had forgotten about this one, but I'll start performing it a lot now. Miscellaneous: The Ring-String Thing... This has always been one of my favorite non-card items. Ultra Bind... This effect allows you to create one of the more astonishing moments from a very expensive (hundreds of dollars) routine with a couple of items you probably already have in your house.
"Cards are the poetry of magic." J.N. Hofzinser
|
magicfish Inner circle 7004 Posts |
Excellent book.
|
the fritz Special user 647 Posts |
This is one of my favorite all-time magic books ever since I first checked it out of the library decades ago as a school boy. Great stuff still today. It is also part of a collection I'm saving to give my son when he's old enough to appreciate it (if he is into magic as much as I am, of course)! This, along with The Amateur Magician's Handbook, Hugard's Modern Magic Manual, Mark Wilson's Course in Magic and Greater Magic is my ultimate top five for all-around magic books, beginner to expert.
|
White Rodent New user Australia 84 Posts |
This is one of the best books for beginners who want to learn magic. And a *** good book for non beginners too. I think it is one of the best books that Harry has ever written and interestingly enough it is the only magic book he has ever written for the general public.
|
Garrette Special user 926 Posts |
This is the one book I always recommend for beginners, including those who aren't sure whether they are interested in magic or not, and regardless which genre (magic, mentalism, other) they may be interested in. Most people I know recommend "Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic" which is excellent in it's own way but which, in my opinion, is too much information without proper context for a beginner.
Not only is "The Magic Book" marvelous for content, context, and exposition, it is supremely clearly written. |
Merc Man Inner circle NUNEATON, Warwickshire 2537 Posts |
I'll make one comment about this book (and this is truly from the heart; not sucking up to HL):
"If every magician owned just this one book, learnt it's content (as expertly taught) and then spent the rest of their lives simply practising, and working on their presentation of just those tricks within it's covers - then magic, as a form of entertainment, would possibly be in a much better place for many magicians than where it is now". The book inspired me as a 14 year-old boy on 1978, and it continues to inspire me to this day. Unquestionably, not just a book - but something that has proven to have been so very influential during my lifetime.
Barry Allen
Over 14 years have passed - and still missing Abra Magazine arriving every Saturday morning. |
magicthree Special user 619 Posts |
When as a young kid you see magicians on TV or magic video's and when I watched Harry doing his magic it just got me more interested into the craft. One of my favorites.
|
SDMoore1 New user 71 Posts |
I recently purchased this book, and simply find Lorayne's writing style enjoyable. I don't know how else to say it. The man's writing style clicks with me.
|
Harry Lorayne 1926 - 2023 New York City 8558 Posts |
Tried to post this in Workers, but couldn't. I either did it incorrectly (I'm really a lousy computer person) or it simply isn't allowed - don't know why. I'll try it here - perhaps the few who asked about it will see this --- if it's allowed to remain. Here 'tis:
Interesting - a company is advertising this great special "Harry Lorayne's latest book (which it isn't; BEFORE I FORGET came after it) SPECIAL EFFECTS, collector's item, autographed, for $100.00. What's interesting is that SPECIAL EFFECTS is on my magic website (listed under this post - the one with the word "magic" in it) for less money and - you can have it autographed to you personally! Interesting. Just go to the site and click on "Magic Books." HL.
[email]harrylorayne@earthlink.net[/email]
http://www.harrylorayne.com http://www.harryloraynemagic.com |
dr34 New user Ohio 26 Posts |
Found this book recently--wish I had found it sooner. Thanks Harry. It's written in a simple, direct manner, yet covers all you need to know about the various tricks (patter, angles, what to look out for.) All the "little" things that actually allow you to perform a trick successfully. It's a great book.
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Books, Pamphlets & Lecture Notes » » Harry Lorayne's "The Magic Book" (2 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |