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Steven Steele Chief of Staff 1868 Posts |
'Foundations' by Eberhard Riese
Description: This book is self-described as a manual on 'The Art of Staging Magic'. In other words, it's about creating original and entertaining magic routines (or improving ones you are already performing). While the focus is certainly on Stage Magic, the information will work equally well for a Stand-Up Act and much of the material will be valuable to Close-Up Performers. I am always on the lookout for books that will make me a better performer and Mr. Riese 'hit one out of the ball park' with this publication. It starts out with a Forward written by Jim Steinmeyer. That was followed by another forward by Topas (a student of Mr. Riese). And then another forward by another student, Franklin. Why all the accolades? Well, as Mr. Steinmeyer points out, Mr. Riese is the primary reason that there are so many emerging magicians, grabbing our attention, coming out of Germany. Mr. Riese takes his years of experience as a producer/director of magicians and lays his ideas and suggestions out for us in a very readable and understandable book. The book is divided into 3 main parts. The First Stage: The Dreamer looks at the Theory and Planning of the act. It covers such topics as Character, Costume, Objects, Effects, Focus and Plots, Music, Patter, The Fairer Sex, and Double Acts. The Second Stage: The Realisttells you how to put your act together. Topics included are Choice of Effects, Effects and Techniques, Structure, Drama, and Narrative Sequence, Music and Patter, Lights, as well as How to Practice. The Third Stage: The Critic is all about Attainment and Quality Control. It talks about Stage Fright and Attainment Control, Formats, and Magic and Television. This book isn't something you'll just read. It is intended to cause you to really think about what you're doing. And to that extent it is really successful. It has made me re-think of many things I am doing and each and every idea is a good one. I won't need everything in this book, but it is certainly going to be a book that is forever going to be close to my fingertips. This is a valuable resource for the performer. It is much different in it's content, it's not really a fair comparison, but this book is right up with 'Strong Magic' in it's ability to make us a better performer. There are no secrets to any tricks here, but the secrets that are imparted to the reader are truly magic! My rating 5 Stars Hard Bound, 175 Pages Suggested retail is $68.95
Coram Deo
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wkitwizard Elite user Los Angeles 466 Posts |
This is going to be the "Showmanship for Magicians" of the 21st Century. Buy this book and learn how to entertain, instead of just puzzle.
Nothing is truer than the incomprehensible, because the sum total of our knowledge consists of the fact that we know nothing. Our reality is an illusion. Thus illusion is reality-Punx
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John Tudor Loyal user Columbia, SC 209 Posts |
Yes, I have to agree. This is the BEST book ever written on this topic and I've read most of them. It's actually much like a very clear college textbook.
Outstanding...I can't say enough about it! John Tudor
"Ars longa, vita brevis." (Life is short, the art so long to learn) -Hippocrates
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kentfgunn Inner circle Merritt Island FL 1639 Posts |
Steely-eyed one,
Thanks for the review! Can you tell us where to get a copy, from the author? Kent |
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John Tudor Loyal user Columbia, SC 209 Posts |
H & R Books is handling it.
http://www.magicbookshop.com/product_inf......id=11465
"Ars longa, vita brevis." (Life is short, the art so long to learn) -Hippocrates
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daffelglass Regular user 120 Posts |
Sounds great, but I've seen so many other books about marketing. Don't they have what this book has, with more?
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ASW Inner circle 1879 Posts |
It doesn't look like a book about marketing. How did you get that? It's about staging, act structure, etc.
Whenever I find myself gripping anything too tightly I just ask myself "How would Guy Hollingworth hold this?"
A magician on the Genii Forum "I would respect VIPs if they respect history." Hideo Kato |
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John Tudor Loyal user Columbia, SC 209 Posts |
It has nothing to do with marketing, read this first post in this thread and you'll see.
"Ars longa, vita brevis." (Life is short, the art so long to learn) -Hippocrates
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Donal Chayce Inner circle 1770 Posts |
I'm interested in this book, but I'm concerned that the contents are primarily applicable to a "FISM style" act; i.e., a silent 8-12 minute act done to music. I wanted to take a look at the book at the recent IBM/SAM convention in order to gauge whether or not that is true, but Riese had only a few (5) copies with him, and H&R books didn't have any at their booth. Can anyone give me an informed opinion as to the book's value with respect to a 30-40 minute talking act?
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sumit New user 77 Posts |
I looked at the book very briefly - but from my cursory look it was more than a book for a "FISM style" act. It looked like there was some solid material on acts etc in there. The thing I didn't like is the look of the book inside - pics, color etc. It looked like one of those popular how to books that are too common in the regular books (not magic books). Some may actually find this appealing though. I plan on ordering it and will give more info once I have it.
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Steven Steele Chief of Staff 1868 Posts |
Kent, you can pick this up at almost any magic shop. I'm certain Misdirections up in your area would have it or can get it. I got mine from Paul at Hocus-Pocus.
As to the 'FISM' type act, the book doesn't focus on that at all. Think 'routine' and entire act. Think 'thematic' magic. This book will not build the act for you, but describe the critical components of an act and cause you to think about what you're doing and why. As to the pictures, I found them to complement the accompanying discussion. They served as good examples of what was being discussed. I especially enjoyed the matrices that were placed throughout the book for laying out various options and objectives. And finally, the book is NOT about marketing. It is focused entirely on the construction of an act. Nothing more and nothing less.
Coram Deo
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Donal Chayce Inner circle 1770 Posts |
Thanks for your response, Steven, and thanks to sumit as well.
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CinChiller Elite user Germany 404 Posts |
The best book about performing is "Maximum Entertainment" from Ken Weber.
The Gaff Book Collection - the right tool for your booktest.
Music for mentalism and psychic entertainment. Visit: http://stores.lulu.com/dankworth01 |
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Steven Steele Chief of Staff 1868 Posts |
"Maximum Entertainment" is a great book as well. However, it should be used as a complement to "Foundations" as the two have considerable overlap. They each have material that the other leaves out or doesn't cover as comprehensively. I would be hard pressed to say one is better than the other and that's not really the purpose of this topic. I'm only wanted to provide my opinion of "Foundations". Your mileage may vary.
Coram Deo
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The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-08-12 20:41, Donal Chayce wrote: Donal, I think the book is valuable even if you never have any aspirations to performing in any magic contest. My show is primarily made up of talking effects and I found the book helpful in that I wanted a portion of my show to have a character piece (call it FISM styled) as an opener. For me it provided me with tons of insight into developing an original piece of magical theatre. Someone already mentioned that it is a perfect complement to Maximum Entertainment. I'm a big fan/student of Eugene Burger and one of the goals that I have for my magic is to add more texture to my program. A silent/to music piece is something that would achieve exactly that. I'm also working at including magic with my Axtell Animatronic Chimp for exactly the same reason. That is, to add texture to the show. jeff |
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Ben Train Inner circle Erdnase never had 4639 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-08-18 15:20, CinChiller wrote: Have you read Foundations?
If you're reading this you're my favourite magician.
Check out www.TorontoMagicCompany.com for upcoming shows, and instagram.com/train.ben for god knows what! |
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Hansel Inner circle Puerto Rico 2492 Posts |
I found this book EXCELLENT but for make an act for competition on a convention...Is great but for regular shows for coorporate or that kind I prefeer Ken Weber Maximun Entertainment...But Foundations is very good!
My best, Hansel!
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Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Hansels-Comedy-and-Magic-Show-929625643774678/ Youtube: HanselSP Twitter: @HanselSP Instagram: HanselSP |
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leolaurindo New user 53 Posts |
This book are recommended for those who do Parlour / Cabaret magic?
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Magic-Daniel Inner circle Denmark 1328 Posts |
Can this book help me to become a better close-up performer?
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hcs Special user Germany, Magdeburg 506 Posts |
BTW Mr. Eberhard Riese is the president of MZvD - The Magic Circle of Germany.
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