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Darren Roberts Loyal user 222 Posts |
I've recently been super energized in my magical pursuits by three books:
"The Magic of Eddie Fechter" by Jerry Mentzer "Tricks" by David Ben and "Williamson's Wonders" by Richard Kaufman I feel that these books have a lot more to offer than a lot of the "stuff" that's being released on a daily basis. Other than the basic RRTCM, Card College, etc., what books do you feel stand out from the rest? I'm looking for books that offer true advancements to the world of magic and creativity. They can be classic texts as well as newer releases. (Yes, I do own "Strong Magic" and would include it as an exceptional book). By the way, for those of you who recommend AOA, WHY should I buy those??? I've read so much about them that I'm kind of sick of hearing about how great they are. What sets them apart as superb resources????? |
david_a_whitehead Inner circle USA 2122 Posts |
Darren, I think art of astonishment is a tad overhyped. they are splendid books, but with the hype they get you will probably be disappointed, especially if you like eddie fechter and david williamson books. books that stand above the rest? - I would say Simon Aronson books. they are exceptional and contain all sorts of genius thinking within the pages. then I would probably name darwin ortiz and pit hartling, and juan Tamariz. Of course the vernon/marlo/lorayne classics are there too.
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Darren Roberts Loyal user 222 Posts |
A person that I highly trust recommended the following three as must have books for card magic:
Harry Lorayne's "Close Up Card Magic" "The Card Magic of LePaul" Dai Vernon's "Inner Card Trilogy" I'm looking forward to researching everyone's suggestions as you post them. I like a variety of magic, so cards do not have to be the focus. David, thanks for letting me know that the AOA books are slightly over-hyped. Now I don't feel so out of place that I don't have them. It seems like EVERYONE but me must perform stuff from these books! I have no doubt that they're very good, but I don't think we should all be performing the same stuff. |
Zach Allen Elite user 466 Posts |
On the AOA series...I believe that the reason that everyone says such good things about them is that, well, they are such good things. Paul Harris is a creative man, and he offers such a variety of effects in these. For instance, some magicians are known because they do excellent card work. Others are known because they do excellent coin work. Therefore, when you buy something that has been written by them, most of the time it will be about what they are known for.
In Paul's books, on the other hand, the bulk of the work is cards, but there is so much material in them that uses completely different objects. Also, even with the card material, Paul is the originator of so many different plots (the linking cards, Solid Deception, Reset, etc.) Can you tell I like these yet? Anyway, that's why I like them, at least. I can take one of the volumes with me, and whether I want to work with cards, coins, paperclips, swiss army knives, Silly Putty, or whatever, I can do that. Whether they are overhyped, I cannot say. All I know is I sure got my money's worth out of these, and then some. Just my opinion, anyways... Back to the subject, books that stand above the rest? Bannon's Impossibilia is a great one, and I'm told that Smoke and Mirrors (Bannon as well) is excellent as well. Zach
Check out all 6 of my e-books!
The Magic of Zach Allen Also, here is a free PDF of ideas: Starlit Circles |
andre combrinck Special user South Africa 953 Posts |
I wouldn't say AOA is 'overhyped'.These are a brilliant set of books.I you have ever seen Paul in action you will know that he has many off the wall type of effects.I would recommend these highly.
John Bannon is another creative thinker.His Smoke and Mirrors is nothing short of brilliant. Dai Vernon is probably the first person I think of when I hear creativity.Anything with his name on is a good buy--especially the Ganson books. Sorry,I left out Tommy Wonder's Books of Wonder. Andre |
david_a_whitehead Inner circle USA 2122 Posts |
I stand by my opinion, but that's just me I honestly, don't use anything from paul Harris in my repertoire. mind you, his stuff is very good, but just isn't what I perform. Darren, if you want a taste of his material, buy AOA volume 1, IMO, it is his best of the three. it also contains the best essays of the three as well. if you eally like that book, then consider getting the other two.
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jeline Regular user Baltimore 150 Posts |
Book of Secrets - John Carney
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Xavier Loyal user Australia 209 Posts |
"Theater of the Mind" by Barrie Richards
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ugdini13 Loyal user Chino,Ca 259 Posts |
Check out Experts Portfolio Vol 1 by Jack Carpenter, or his book Modus Operandi, both has good stuff that's entertaining to both magicians and laypeople.
Kelly
"Perfection is in the details, but detail is no Perfection"-Dai Vernon
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Iain Moran Special user Manchester, England 693 Posts |
Anything by Darwin Ortiz and Simon Aronson. These gentlemen raise the bar time and time again.
Iain. |
Nir Dahan Inner circle Munich, Germany 1390 Posts |
If you want magic that is remembered and even easy to do. something different. try one of Bob Neale's books. simple effects (so simple it is sometimes absurd) but each one accompanied with a great story or parable. people just remember that and it will give you a boost on you presentational skills.
again - nothing visual, eye popping there. just good structured magic which is easy to do and above all different than what you usually find. I see give it a try, nir p.s. the books are quite cheap too |
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