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chappy Special user 764 Posts |
I've recently finished work on a book project The Devil's Staircase that I'll be sharing with the magic community very soon. I still need a little help before the book is released. I am looking for a few people here on the Café who'd be interested in receiving a preview copy and providing their feedback. If you are interested please PM me. There will be only a few preview copies.
I am posting this here in this section first because the book contains a fair amount of stacked and memorized deck work. The book's full of routines and ideas for performers of card magic, and I am really excited to get this material out there. I'll post the website link soon where there are more details including the full contents of the book. Over the past twelve months I have had sections of the material reviewed by some really great people. "I thoroughly enjoyed Chapter 7 of your book. You're a great writer and explain everything extremely well. The chapter is comprehensive, and I learned a great deal that I haven't read anywhere else. I like the way you take the reader by the hand, and gradually lead him through the effect, covering every single nuance along the way. "Pure and Simple" is a delightful effect. I particularly enjoyed the mind reading section, especially the information on reading tells and how you tell how many cards are in the participant's packet. I can't wait to buy a copy from you when it's published, as I can see I'm only skimming the surface of this fascinating subject." - Richard Webster While the book itself is finished, the foreword is not yet ready to be added, so I have a little time to wait until I will know when I can finally release it, but I hope to have it available by November, and will post about it in the Books, Pamphlets & Lecture Notes section of this forum. To those who've already provided feedback on parts of this project, thanks for your help. I really appreciate it. Greg Chapman
FARO FUNDAMENTALS, DETAILS OF DECEPTION and THE DEVIL'S STAIRCASE at www.thedevilsstaircase.com
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Vlad_77 Inner circle The Netherlands 5829 Posts |
Hi all,
I had the privilege of reviewing a very early draft of Greg's book. There is a lot of great workers in the book but what I really want focus on is Greg's focus on theory. Simply put, if you are a fan of John Guastaferro and/or David Regal, this book is a must buy. Greg artfully weaves the "why" into the "how" and the end product is nothing short of stunning. It became quite obvious to me very quickly that Greg has immersed himself in the literature and is well versed in card magic and for aficionados of memdeck/stack work, there really is a LOT to sink your teeth into. Greg's writing style is clear and conversational. His scholarship is impressive and the magic in the book is absolutely stunning. I mentioned David Regal and John Guastaferro because I prize the essays that these two authors include in their books. Too many magic books contain just "tricks" but in my estimation at least there is precious little theory. When I invest in a book, I want more than just the "how" and Greg delivers in the same way that Regal, Guastaferro, LaGerould, Giobbi, and others do. I will also include magic's greatest writer - in my opinion - Harry Lorayne because Greg's style is similar to Harry Lorayne in that in reading, I really felt that Greg was "with" me and teaching me. It's been said that reading a book well is not a passive endeavor. The reader actively engages with the author in a dialog. The reader actively gets inside the author's head and vice-versa setting up a beautiful synergy. The material is not for novices and Greg assumes that the reader is pretty well schooled. That said, the advanced beginner would benefit from the theory in the book and compel her/him to acquire the skills needed to perform these wonderful gems. If you love card magic, if you love a good dialog with an author, and you are looking for some SERIOUS study, I unreservedly recommend The Devil's Staircase. DISCLAIMER: I have not received any remuneration for my editing nor would I accept it. Greg asked me to do some proofreading on an early draft and I was pleased to do so. But, I could not offer an honest first impression if I had received remuneration or the book itself. Greg has kindly offered me a free copy of the finished book, but, I will refuse because I want to buy this book to support this author. Additionally, I want to write an in-depth review of the book - something I have not done in a long while and I want that review to be informed by the fact that I purchased the book. Shipping to Europe is expensive, but, I feel that this book may well turn out to be the book of the year for 2014 and that's saying a lot considering that Simon Aronson's new book is due in November and the Complete Al Leech is already out - and I hope to buy those as well. |
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Magic-Daniel Inner circle Denmark 1328 Posts |
When will this be out?
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chappy Special user 764 Posts |
Vlad, WOW! As I said via email, I'm left a bit speechless by your comments. But thank you for your kind words. It means a lot.
Magic-Daniel, I am busy working to have the book out by late November. There will be website for the book up and running very shorty, to give more information on the books contents etc. and release announcements. Best, Greg
FARO FUNDAMENTALS, DETAILS OF DECEPTION and THE DEVIL'S STAIRCASE at www.thedevilsstaircase.com
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chappy Special user 764 Posts |
By the way thanks to those who sent messages offering help. You should have receieved an email from me. Thanks again for your help.
FARO FUNDAMENTALS, DETAILS OF DECEPTION and THE DEVIL'S STAIRCASE at www.thedevilsstaircase.com
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chappy Special user 764 Posts |
Shortly I will be staring a new thread in the Books, Pamphlets and Lecture Notes section and will post information about the book and the release date for this project.
I have been pretty overwhelmed with the interest I have received about the book so far. And I am very excited with the feedback the book is receiving, and wanted to share this from Michael Vincent, and thank him here for his kind words about The Devil's Staircase: "The Devil's Staircase is book which provides an opportunity to all discerning cardmen to meet Greg Chapman. This is Greg's first publication and it is excellent. He is a man after my own heart and this book reflects his careful and considerate evaluation on sleight of hand card magic. The subject of card magic has reached a point where information has exploded beyond all recognition, so it was delightful to read this book and discover a new card man who appreciates the "how", the "why" and more importantly, consideration for the audiences thoughts and feelings. This is an outstanding book and one which I feel all card men study - the effects are varied and personalised handling on classic plots. This book covers a wide range of topics from Overhand Stacking Run Ups, based on Dai Vernon's seminal methodology from his "Poker Demonstration". Amazing effects with The Memorised Deck, Greg's own Stack Arrangement with fascinating features and properties. One of the highlights is Pure and Simple, a stunning effect which can look and feel like pure Mind Reading to a lay audience. What I found most interesting was the tools of "his trade"; here, he shares the techniques which work for him and why. This appealed to me simply because, I am passionate about my students mastering the fundamentals of card magic impeccably before anything else. Greg outlines his thinking along with his tools so that we, the readers of this fine book can develop an understanding for how a dedicated practitioner approaches his craft and what works for him. When I read a new book on card magic, I am not looking for new effects, I am looking to be stimulated so that I can approach my passion for the subject from a new and refreshing angle. This book was successful on all counts. I would like to personally acknowledge Greg for being so generous in sharing this work with me - we have never met and yet through his book, I have discovered a kindred spirit, someone who I look forward to sharing thoughts and secrets with at some point in the future. Highly recommended." Michael Vincent London 2014 Thank you Michael. Best, Greg
FARO FUNDAMENTALS, DETAILS OF DECEPTION and THE DEVIL'S STAIRCASE at www.thedevilsstaircase.com
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magicianphiltay Regular user Birmingham / UK 118 Posts |
Sounds interesting.
Magic is not the suspension of reality, but the expansion of possibility, inviting us to question the limits of what we believe to be true.
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landmark Inner circle within a triangle 5194 Posts |
I see in Latest and Greatest that Greg's book is almost ready for release. It's a fantastic book. I had the pleasure of seeing a pre-release version of the entire book. I got to do some proofreading and what not. It was not an easy job to focus on because the book was so darn fascinating to read!
Check out the video link he has in the post. Warning: Prepare to have your mind shattered into little pieces on viewing. Here's a link to his entire post for easy reference: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......orum=218 I'll post more about the book when Greg has it officially out.
Click here to get Gerald Deutsch's Perverse Magic: The First Sixteen Years
All proceeds to Open Heart Magic charity. |
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JanForster Inner circle Germany ... when not traveling... 4190 Posts |
I thought it is better to post it here: I had the pleasure to read already the entire chapter around the memorized deck section and already that was a true joy to study! Knowing that the "rest" of the book will be of the same high caliber quality I can state already now that "The Devil's Staircase" is a must buy for myself. Although being into MD magic for decades I found new routines and extremely clever approaches for this tool. Superb brain food! I am looking forward to have the entire book in my hands. My highest recommendation! Jan
Jan Forster
www.janforster.de |
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chappy Special user 764 Posts |
Thanks Jan
I thought it best in this section to share with all the stack workers a small part of a message I received from Eric Richardson about the book: "Greg Chapman's The Devil's Staircase is full of great ideas and superb routines. I found his work with shuffle stacking and the memorized deck especially insightful. Greg knows how to create strong, magical and entertaining effects and it is great that he is sharing his work with all of us." - Eric Richardson Over in Latest and Greatest there is a link to the FULL CONTENTS for those interested. Best, Greg
FARO FUNDAMENTALS, DETAILS OF DECEPTION and THE DEVIL'S STAIRCASE at www.thedevilsstaircase.com
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chappy Special user 764 Posts |
Hi folks
Someone suggested that I post the contents here as well. FOREWORD by Sal Piacente INTRODUCTION 1. TOOLS 1.1 Stacks and Arrangements 1.2 Overhand Shuffle and Overhand Run-ups 1.3 Memory and Estimation 1.4 Bottom Card Glimpse 1.5 Faro Shuffle 1.6 Jokers 2. FROM A SHUFFLED DECK 2.1 Snap Transposition 2.2 Backfire 2.3 Thought of Card Across 2.4 Countless 2.5 Searchers Undone 3. MY STACK 3.1 Stack Order 3.2 Arranging the Stack from New Deck Order 3.3 Properties of the Stack 3.4 Returning to New Deck Order 3.5 Shuffling the stack 4. STACK WORK 4.1 Jokers as Substitution Cards 4.2 Single Card Displacements 4.3 Switchable Pairs 4.4 Work in the Cards 4.5 Fixed Floating Key Cards 4.6 Estimation 4.7 Stack-friendly Effects 4.8 Out-faro Sequence 5. MEMORIZED DECK EFFECTS 5.1 Pure & Simple 5.2 Mind-reading with a Memorized Deck 5.3 Miles Ahead 5.4 One Card Missing & the 53rd Card Concept 5.5 A Stacked Sandwich 6. OVERHAND RUN-UP SHUFFLE SYSTEMS 6.1 Stacking Four Cards (any number of players) 6.2 Stacking Five Cards (any number of players) 6.3 Stacking Multiple Hands 6.4 Stacking a Fifth Card in a Double-duke Scenario 6.5 Bringing the Slug into Position 6.6 Four Seconds on Fourth 6.7 Stacking Any Combination 7. USING THE OVERHAND RUN-UP WITH A FULL DECK STACK 7.1 Aces for Aronson (five card set-up) 7.2 Aces for Aronson (Aronson stack) 8. BUILT-IN EFFECTS 8.1 Lucky Sevens (two versions) 8.2 Dealing the Aces 8.3 Four of a Kind Locations: Queens, threes, fours. 8.4 Finding Any Number 8.5 Four-of-a-Kind Locations: Sixes, sevens, eights. 8.6 Texas Hold’em Ideas 9. ENCORE 9.1 Dirty Tactics ONE LAST THING ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FARO FUNDAMENTALS, DETAILS OF DECEPTION and THE DEVIL'S STAIRCASE at www.thedevilsstaircase.com
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chappy Special user 764 Posts |
IT'S READY! I have been working on this project for the past two years! And finally...
I am happy to announce that The Devils' Staircase is now available to order at www.thedevilsstaircase.com "This is an outstanding book and one which I feel all card men should study. Highly recommended." - Michael Vincent, London 2014 Thanks for all of your support! Best, Greg
FARO FUNDAMENTALS, DETAILS OF DECEPTION and THE DEVIL'S STAIRCASE at www.thedevilsstaircase.com
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shakuni Inner circle 1170 Posts |
Hi Sir, when it will be available with magic retailers?
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chappy Special user 764 Posts |
Hi shakuni,
For now, the book is only available at the website above. I am working on having it with dealers as soon as possible. Best, Greg
FARO FUNDAMENTALS, DETAILS OF DECEPTION and THE DEVIL'S STAIRCASE at www.thedevilsstaircase.com
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Kabbalah Inner circle 1621 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 20, 2014, chappy wrote: I think shakuni is in India, so postage cost might be prohibitive. I checked today on mailing a legal sized flat to Denmark...$43.00!
"Long may magicians fascinate and continue to be fascinated by the mystery potential in a pack of cards."
~Cliff Green "The greatest tricks ever performed are not done at all. The audience simply think they see them." ~ John Northern Hilliard |
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chappy Special user 764 Posts |
Thanks Kabbalah
Postage can be a killer. Denmark seems to be one of the more expensive places to ship, but I can get it there for around $24.00 Shakuni, if you pm me your address and I can let you know the best I can do for tracked shipping. Best, Greg
FARO FUNDAMENTALS, DETAILS OF DECEPTION and THE DEVIL'S STAIRCASE at www.thedevilsstaircase.com
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shakuni Inner circle 1170 Posts |
Hi Sir, Kabbalah is right. I am from India. I will send you a PM shortly. Thanks!
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doriancaudal Inner circle 1532 Posts |
How much of the book is adaptable to a personal stack ?
Hands-off ACAAN - freely chosen card and number : http://doriancaudal.wix.com/miracaan
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landmark Inner circle within a triangle 5194 Posts |
Basically the bulk of the book except for chapters 3, 7 and 8 is stack-independent information and effects (see the Table of Contents above). With some thought, even some of the material in those chapters can be adapted to a personal stack.
You will find lots of use from this book no matter what stack you use. And frankly, even if you don't use a stack, IMO, Chapter 2 is an incredible set of FASDIU effects that are just killer.
Click here to get Gerald Deutsch's Perverse Magic: The First Sixteen Years
All proceeds to Open Heart Magic charity. |
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Pasteboard Alchemist Special user 502 Posts |
It seems so very rare these days to find any books with any decent amount of inspiring stack-independent principles (the last two I can think of of Denis Behr's and John Born's, and both those have been out for quite a while) so I'm definitely adding this one to my Christmas list. Thanks for that info, Landmark.
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