Https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic/......trilogy/

Got an email about this newest book. Although I don't currently have any of his books, I do know who he is and that his writing is respectable. I have not seen any buzz on the new book in the "Latest and Greatest" (but a book requires reading and is usually not "Trick of the week" material) so I thought I would try here.

I did a search and came up empty on his first two books from this set. Has anyone already reviewed them in the past, or care to share a bit about them? The take I am getting is that they are not really books with new effects to be learned but essays on a few key moves and info on presentation and looking "differently" at the magic you do. Almost along the lines of "Strong Magic" and "Designing Miracles" by Darwin Ortiz. Am I correct?

Also, if someone could break down the two previous book as far as "who they are for" (mentalists, close up card guys, stand up / parlor, stage...) or who they lean more towards. I am just looking for a starting point as I just picked up 3 highly recommended books this month at great prices and I already have at least 2 more books on my "gonna get soon" list.
(The books that should arrive this week are "Drawing Room Deceptions" "Jennings 67" and "52 Memories" my gonna get soon are "Secrets of Brother John Hamman" and "Confident Deceptions") <-- to give an idea of what I like to read presently. Lots of card stuff, not afraid of the hard stuff, yet I do like nice "worker" effects that play out fun and don't necessarily have to be knucklebusters.

Thanks in advance

I had Shattering Illusions and loved it. No tricks whatsoever (which I prefer). Theory and commentary on the world of magic. Great writer. Opinionated but backs it up with experience, facts, and reason. To sample his writing style I strongly recommend you read his weekly posts on the Magicana site under Lyons Den. Hope that helps!

I ordered the basic set from Vanishing Inc, and got sent the deluxe set.

I immediately contacted them, and they made me a great offer so I could keep the deluxe numbered set (#43 of 250)

Still haven't had a chance to break them open.


Dave

It happened to me in the past. I had made a huge order at L&L publishing and I had received deluxe set of Pallbear's and The cardwright instead of the basic ones.
It was the golden age of L&L.

Swiss doesn't make unanimity but his essays are always insightful and have the potential to initiate personal thoughts.

I'm missing his reviews in Genii.

You got a good deal then Boomer because the 4th book (of reviews over the years) is not for sale any other way that with the deluxe set.

Rachmaninov, "Missing his reviews in Genii?" I thought he still does them. I have a digital subscription to Genii and have read some (although I don't recall how far back the issues were as I have access to every Genii since the beginning). Did he stop recently?

As I stated in the original post, I am familiar with his writing style, I am just wondering if "All 3" books are going to appeal to me as a "Close Up only" (cards, coins, rubber bands, chop cup... basic close up but no stage and little of what I would even consider a parlor size show) kind of entertainer. If one of the books was focussed mostly on mentalism or stage magic, I probably would just skip that one. But if it also had a relevant amount of close up still, it may still be worth picking up. This is where my inquiry is pointed.

I ordered the deluxe 4 book set, awaiting delivery.

I believe he was dumped as Genii reviewer after publicly talking smack about Genii editor Richard Kaufman at the first Genii convention.

I feel this loss, since I learned an enormous amount of magical history and contemporary culture/context from his reviews, and I believe they contributed a great deal to Genii's status. But after seeing him live this January at Columbus Magi-Fest, my conclusion is that he may be best experienced on the page.

He's currently writing articles and reviews for David Ben's Magicana.com:

http://www.magicana.com/blog-category/lyons-den

I didn't know the reasons but Jamy is not doing books review since a long time.

In Genii I mean. Thanks for the magicana link, very interesting things. David Ben is awesome, and not in the star system of our little world, which I appreciate a lot because he has more time to write wonderful books

I was a huge Jamy Ian Swiss fan before seing him for the first time at The Session in january. His lecture there I had to walk out on because I felt sorry for him. I know others did as well. Same at Magi Fest. Just can read his books with the same enthusiasm as before. I will buy his new book though. Mainly because of the chapters on some of his heroes. Specially on Michael Skinner.

The problem with Jamy seems to be a recent one. I've heard he was a great performer. Maybe a personal difficulty.

I think it has been going on for white a while, according to others.

He also did a talk on mental magic vs mentalism that I thought he shouldn't have done

I feel like Tim Cavendish wrote earlier in this thread:

"But after seeing him live this January at Columbus Magi-Fest, my conclusion is that he may be best experienced on the page."

Nothing wrong with a controversial point of view, especially if you back up your opinion so it can be counterpointed. I read thru quite a bit of his stuff on the blog and like the topics he chooses and his writing style.

That's sad to hear?... I saw him many years ago at the Davenport's centenary and his was super slick and his sleight of hand was frankly perfect.
He did a version of the ambitious card where it visually moved to the top and a fantastic signed card to matchbook which was brilliant. So I'm really shocked to hear he was
So bad at the sessions which I wasn't able to attend.... so what exactly was the ussue was his sleight of hand bad?

I bought this collection. I find his writing to be above the rest, opinionated, useful. Having said that I was not impressed with the one time I saw him at The Magic Castle, but as they say in acting "Those that can't act teach". Mind you, he has the chops. I just didn't prefer his style. I think his books are a great addition to the art of magic.

I disagree with this aphorism : those that can't act teach". It is true for a lot of people but a lot remain who are performing and teaching. Teaching is very demanding and you just like it or not.

I haven't seen Jamy perform, but I absolutely LOVE his writing. I found Preserving Mystery to be an outstanding and stimulating read which stirred me to think more carefully about my magic and more. You can read my review (which is rather more detailed and breaks down the content a bit for those who are still unsure) here: http://www.bicycle-cards.co.uk/2017/06/2......-review/