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Ihop Inner circle Glen Spey, NY 1604 Posts |
First of all, kudos to Dan Harlan for his monumental project of producing Harlan Tarbell's 8 volume course in magic to video instruction (or is it 7 volumes?). I only have Chapters 1,2,3,15.
Dan, This will be your legacy. Your interpretation and modernization is superb. Now, to what I expect to be a controversial topic. I have all of the Tarbell books. I have not read them cover to cover but instead I use them as an instructional reference. e.g. When I wanted to learn coin magic, I would read and learn those relevant chapter(s). Same with silk magic, cards, etc. I find Tarbell's courses (books) difficult to follow. First, because of the lack of detail and the archaic instructional terminology used. It was written almost 90 years ago. Many of you probably learned your magic from Tarbell but that was the best resource for many years. I did the same. Well, things have changed. I compared Tarbell's Chapter 3 (coin sleights) with Dan's Chapter 3. (Note: I was already familiar with some of the sleights, but I did not master all of them). First, I read Tarbell's instructions and tried to follow along. To me, it seemed almost like quick & dirty lessons. I then watched Dan's interpretation of the same chapter and "Presto", there it was. Clearer, more concise instructions. I followed the same procedure with Chapter 15 (Torn & Restored) and reached the same conclusion. I realize that Tarbell's courses are considered the Bible of magic lessons but I feel the lessons are outdated. I'm not talking about the tricks. They are truly 'classics' and are worth studying. I'm referring to the teaching style and terminology used. It's time to move on. I have to say this as a preemptive response. For those of you who may say that I am too lazy to read: In my 40 year career as a research chemist, I had to read technical and instructional publications daily. I also read 2 novels per month. After I retired, I now read 1 novel per week as well as magic, chemistry, computer, news articles & magazines. I enjoy reading. I also have no problem comprehending more modern written magic instructions. I will be buying more of Dan's courses. Hopefully, I will get them all. I may have to sell my Tarbell books to help pay for it. Let's discuss this nicely. No name calling. I am very sensitive. Just kidding about the sensitive part.
Ihor
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jcroop Special user 771 Posts |
Dan's interprétations and updates are great additions to these classics.
A great collaboration between Dan and Penguin. But I might run out of money by the time we get to volume 8. There is so much to consider in these volumes. |
magicjoe Special user 758 Posts |
I have not purchased the Tarbell yet because I am waiting to the end to see what they do with all of the lessons.
With that said I am very much looking forward to seeing them, he does a great job with the penguin lectures. |
Ihop Inner circle Glen Spey, NY 1604 Posts |
Quote:
On Dec 9, 2014, magicjoe wrote: The nice thing about it is that you can purchase only the lessons you are interested in.
Ihor
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John Long Inner circle New Jersey 2826 Posts |
Ihop:
First, I just notice that you are just down the road from me, I too worked as a chemist, am reading tons of stuff, and recently retired.. maybe we could meet sometime Anyway, I was more interested in Dan's routining, than his instructions. I would appreciate hearing thoughts on that aspect. I can use routining/presentational ideas for parlor shows. John
Breathtaking Magic;
Not Breath Taking |
Ihop Inner circle Glen Spey, NY 1604 Posts |
John,
I PMed you.
Ihor
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1KJ Inner circle Warning: We will run out of new tricks in 4385 Posts |
Ihop,
I agree with you that Dan has done a terrific job with this. I think he is doing it just perfectly by presenting it in a way that makes is stronger and easier to learn. Kudos Dan. KJ |
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