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shomemagic Inner circle Missouri 2232 Posts |
I have my copy but have not started reading it...
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Brian Lehr Inner circle Edmonton, Canada 1605 Posts |
My copy arrived a couple of days ago, and it's now placed in my stack of "must read" books. It looks like a great book, but it's gotta get in line.
Brian |
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drhackenbush Special user 686 Posts |
I got my copy from Denny a few days ago. My impression of "Paths To Enchantment" is that if Dariel Fitzkee had written a fourth volume of his Trilogy, specifically on performing magic for children (as opposed to "doing kid's magic"), this would've been it.
The book focuses on encouraging the reader to develop their own character and style, and while it does spotlight some specific routines used by the author as examples of his theories, it really encourages taking props/tricks you might already have or ideas you have in your head and developing your own routines that, while being informed by a common framework, are uniquely yours and are a true fit with your individual character. (Boy, was that a run-on sentence!) I like the book. Charley |
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Magicalpro Regular user Denver, CO 155 Posts |
I received my copy, I have only scanned some of the pages, reading a page here or there, I do like the book alot, From what I have read so far, I would suspect this will become a strong classic of children's magic, and rank right up there with any other children's magic book.
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The Magic Ref Veteran user Flint, Mi. 302 Posts |
My wife just gave me $40 on Father's day to buy some magic... I just read this post. GREAT TIMING! I'm ordering it today...
Be Young...Have Fun!
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Mumblemore Inner circle 1429 Posts |
I read it cover to cover on the first day; it's a thoughtful identification of different techniques for creating magical interaction. I like it because it goes well beyond just "props" to emphasize approaches and philosophies. I would say that it is uneven, and some of the props discussed in the chapters and appendix are not very clearly explained (for example, after reading the appendix I'm still not sure I could build the Wand Box to specs), but it is a pioneering work. It sorts tricks/props/routines into which of the eleven or so "approaches" to successful interaction apply to it (acknowledging that in fact many routines fit into more than one). Like Seriously Silly, this text tries to get the children's show entertainer to be purposefully thoughtful about what s/he is doing with the objective of getting acts which mix up these techniques ("animation," "magician in trouble," "chaos" on the set, etc.) in exciting and non-repetitive ways. Again, the book is not entirely consistent (for example "chaos" chapter is very short and hardly has any examples, whereas the first chapter, on the old "they see but you don't" technique is long and chuck full of examples). But it is to be lauded for its ambition and for the intelligent help it can offer as a reference for any children's magician revising their act. I give it a 9 out of 10 for ambition, idea generation, and even a few routines I can use ("The Girl with the Blue Nose" is a great one, as is the "Imaginary Balloon").
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
I've just finished reading this book. I have to say that I'm not all that impressed with it. I found it very wordy and I frequently caught myself skimming over multiple paragraphs of introductory tripe with no real purpose. I'd prefer a more concise presentation of his theories without the overwhelming flowery prose and frequent leaps from a topic to a stray thought and back to the topic.
While I generally appreciated Mr. Yaffe's analysis of the eleven kidshow techniques, like Mumbles, I felt that he sometimes failed to clearly explain the creative process behind the technique being discussed. For example, I'm not sure I understand his explanations of the differences between The Frustrated Wizard, Business and Chaos and will have to go back and read each again. I also felt that his presentation of detailed routines for marketed effects that are rare or no longer available to be a breach of faith with the reader. On the other hand, Mr. Yaffe offered several excellent original routines and DIY effects that, once adapted to my style, will be a welcome addition to my shows. If nothing else, his analysis has whacked me into thinking in new creative directions. I'd recommend the book as a study guide for the very serious kidshow performer interested in sparking creative thought. As for creative routine and prop development, I personally felt that David Kaye's "Seriously Silly" was more instructive. It was certainly easier to read.
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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Gerry Walkowski Inner circle 1450 Posts |
This is one reason why I haven't bought this book. David Kaye made this posting in May, and I still haven't seen an outpouring of wonderful comments here on THE MAGIC Café.
I keep saying if it was really a great book, I'm sure we would all know about it because EVERYONE would be praising it like SERIOUSLY SILLY. |
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Joseph_Then Special user 747 Posts |
Looks like a really good book. If it's recommended by David, it has to be good.
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Sal Amangka Special user Manila, Philippines 712 Posts |
This is now part of my wishlist!
Sal |
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The Magic Ref Veteran user Flint, Mi. 302 Posts |
Just a note: I did buy this book. I did read it cover to cover, But I do have to agree with Skip Way's review. David Kaye's book is hands down better in my opinion.
But that is what makes magic books so fun to read. Some will talk to you and some will say BLAH BLAH BLAH. Each reader will hear different things. I think the contents were good, but it was such a dry read for me. It reminded me of having a discussion with a lawyer or an account, not a performer.
Be Young...Have Fun!
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deadcatbounce Special user the Wilds of Ireland 863 Posts |
It's written by an Englishman - and I think that's where it scores - for non-Americans. Just watch your average American adult whoop and holler at a ball game, American Idol, any US game show, and you'll see a display of unbridled enthusiasm.
I wonder why they all have to be so vociferous? I remember years ago, watching the film "Die Hard" in a cinema in the US somewhere, and when the goodies got the upper hand, the audience stood up and hollered and whistled. It was a film. Not a real-life event. Not something that happened to people they knew. It was just something they did - America beat the terrorists. In the UK.. these things are taken as they should be - you're watching a film, which is make believe... and I'll repeat.. make believe. I just wonder if these same people who watched "Die Hard" with me, in that cinema, would have been clapping, cheering, and hollering, if they'd rented it on DVD and taken it home? Is it a mob mentality, I wonder? Or just a diplay of sheer patriotism? If it was the latter, then.. fair play.. I really don't want to involve current politics here - it's not the place. BUT! I've been on flights in the US where people APPLAUD the pilot for landing. I mean - how MAD is that? It's his JOB! That's what he GETS PAID FOR. Do they then, all stuff ten dollar bills in his garter belt? I think not.. However. My point is. Silly Billy and his show is great. Book is wonderful, DVD is marvelous. It's slanted towards the US kids audience. Probably the biggest english speaking audience for kid show stuff. I think he does sterling work. His stuff is wonderful, and plays big for un-inhibited audiences. And there, lies the rub. Audiences outside the US are not usually so un-reserved. This book isn't written for the US market. It's written for the person who seriously wants to educate those who aspire to entertain kids in a thoughtful, constructive manner. I hope I've made my point here, about US peoples being almost too ready to applaud... Overall, I think it's a worthwhile look into another aspect of entertaining the kids... Regards, DCB
"With every mistake - we must surely be learning..." George Harrison.
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Magic1 Elite user Los Angeles 408 Posts |
"Beyond Look, don't See" By Christopher T. Magician might also be able to do what “Paths to Enchantment” set out to do.
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