Another Café thread includes some discussion of Steve Drury' new book Dice Mysteries, but it is not explicit in the thread's title; I decided that as many people as possible deserve to know about this book.

Drury's ambitious project is a comprehensive 580 page collection of writings (by Drury and others) about an ancient, perennial, and most prominent type of "random number generator." The reader learns about the history of dice and their longterm and widespread use in number generation, divination, games, gambling, cheating, and other expressions. There is also some discussion of other random number generators and of many types of dice and dice-like props.

The book's main focus is on the use of dice within mystery entertainment. About 25 articles (from almost as many writers) introduce a range of possible effects for mentalism performers; several of the articles unpack a range of effects or variations. (At least six of these effects may find their way into some of my performances .)

Some effects, of course, require a special device or prop to perform the effect. I was inspired to spring for a set of automatic forcing dice and the Alan Wakeling "Loaded Dice" wooden box (both from Viking).

I enjoy performing with dice. They are portable, recognizable, and interesting to people. I bought (from Amazon) a set of six two-inch dice, in the six basic colors, for when I perform Docc Hilford's E'Voque for a larger audience.

John Carey's "Dice, Dice Baby" kit recently refocused my energy for dice effects. Then Drury's book came in the mail. I wholeheartedly commend Dice Mysteries to this community, and welcome other reports and reflections.

George Hunter

Thanks for the recommendation. Just googled a link, for completeness.

https://www.mysteryentertainerproducts.com/mysteries

Thank you for the recommendation George!

Thanks for sharing,I also want more source of dice tricks!!

Just saw about this in MagicSeen and went to order it. Drury is evidently using print to order on Lulu.com since that is where I was directed from his page. Used coupon code ONEFIVE and scored 15% off. Should have next week. The John Carey disc really got me thinking about dice magic so very excited to get this one.

Carey’s kit moved this to front burner for me also.

George