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The Magician Loyal user Liverpool 267 Posts |
Hi all, Is the greater magic book for the intermediate to advanced magician. Thanks
The Magician
Expect the Unexpected |
jcards01 Inner circle Waterloo, IL 1438 Posts |
I's say intermediate.
Jimmy 'Cards' Molinari
www.jimmycards.com |
rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
Are you refering to the J.N Hilliard book?
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The Magician Loyal user Liverpool 267 Posts |
Hi rtgreen, Yes I am refering to the J. N Hilliard book
The Magician
Expect the Unexpected |
rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
Greater Magic is a very interesting book. It is more of an encyclopedia of magic than a book of instruction. I think there is something for every level in there, but I would not recommend it for a person wanting to learn new tricks or techniques. There are better books for that.
However, Greater Magic is one of magic's great books and should be read by anyone with a serious interest in the art. Also, I would add, if you have a chance to aquire a copy right now, do it. It has become a hard to find book. I'm sure someone will reprint it again, but for now I have seen it for sale at very high prices. (One seller has it for $800!) I had a good copy, but unfortunately loaned it to a friend a couple of years ago and haven't seen either since. Richard (BTW: I have no hard feelings toward the above mentioned friend. I think his life just took a different direction and he has moved on to other things) |
rmoraleta Special user Philippines 767 Posts |
It concentrates more on Card Magic though.
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Brad Burt Inner circle 2675 Posts |
Yo,
Greater Magic by Hilliard is one of the truly great books. At almost any level you can mine this volume for years and years. It is to be hoped that Kaufman will reprint it again soon and if so get one as soon as it hits the market. Best, BB
Brad Burt
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Frank Tougas Inner circle Minneapolis, MN 1712 Posts |
I read the book cover to cover when I was just getting into magic as it was readily available at both my school and the public library. While the tricks can be a bit dated it is a wonderful look into the history of the craft and there is enough good magic to be found there to fill a thousand programs.
With all the new latest tricks and endless DVD and videos out we can sometimes lose sight of magic's past. It is rich and well worth the journey. If you can get a copy buy it, if you can borrow a copy, read it, if you can steal a copy...stay away from my house. Frank
Frank Tougas The Twin Cities Most "Kid Experienced" Children's Performer :"Creating Positive Memories...One Smile at a Time"
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King Of Pop Veteran user Estonia 392 Posts |
In this book, there is something for every level, for complete beginners up to real experts
God Bless You, I Love You From The Bottom Of My Heart
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magiccarpet New user 59 Posts |
Greater Magic is a must buy. It has so much information you will learn
something every time you look at it. I have had it for years and I still use it. |
Sean Comer New user 48 Posts |
I also have Greater Magic and the book is very infomrativea and I really enjoy the history. I purhcased a copy from Kaufman (Through Al's Magic) back in the mid nineties. Perhaps Kaufman will run another printing of this book.
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KyletheGreat Special user Georgia 560 Posts |
I just saw and had in my hands the second printing in my hands exactly 3 days ago! I met a circus carnie at a fair. I sat and talked to him for a couple of hours and he showed me the book. I checked it out and it is in fact rather interesting. It is a VERY large (thick) book. But it has a lot of classic magic principals in it for new effects. If you want to learn new magic, read old books! If you want to learn old magic, read new books!
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cosermann Regular user Indiana 144 Posts |
I'm fortunate enough to work near a "rare manuscript" library that I can walk over to during lunch and study the 1994 edition. It's in a boxed set that includes a 2nd volume about the making of Greater Magic. I was surprised to learn Hilliard died in Indianapolis.
Here's how the contents break down for those who haven't seen/don't have the book: pp 1-580 - Intro and Cards pp 581-620 - Silks pp 621-664 - Balls (incl. cups and balls) pp 665-720 - Coins pp 721-765 - Cigarettes and Cigars pp 766-782 - Bills (i.e. paper money) pp 783-802 - Ropes pp 803-823 - Chinese Rings pp 824-880 - Selected Tricks pp 881-909 - Mental - Mind Reading pp 910-925 - Magic Squares pp 926-934 - Old and New Apparatus pp 935-948 - Stage Presentation pp 949- - Stage Tricks and Illusions That gives you a little idea of the scope of the book.
Regards,
Eric |
dam0n Regular user 150 Posts |
And the best thing I've learnt from it? gotta be the bluff pass...
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David Gardener New user Hamilton, New Zealand 53 Posts |
Hi It's one of the most used books in our clubs library, I wish I had found it earlier.
I think it's fair to say it has something for everyone. 9/10 |
John Bowlin Special user Maryland 827 Posts |
Have to agree with all these posts...Greater Magic is a wonderful book. I have a 1944 printing handed down from my grandfather but am so reluctant to handle it too much. I'd pick up a new copy if I could find one so I could seal and preserve the old one. I just recently picked up the Tarbell series(shoulda done that years ago) and I can't recommend it highly enough either. Eight volumes that you can buy one at a time. I used to think Tarbell was just a beginner book years ago. My first opening to a page in it was an 11 linking ring routine...so much for that. It's so funny reading through it and finding better and more sensible techniques on many things than are being taught mainstream today(same with greater magic).It's first run was 1927. I think that in the quest for freshness and innovation some of the genius of simplicity gets lost. These old books REALLY stress the importance of performance.
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Aubrey_T Regular user Paso Robles 175 Posts |
Greater Magic has got to be one of the best books written on magic. Many effects from the stars of yester-year. I would say it's great to own to see where many effects you know of today got there thinking from. It's a book that has so many little hidden gems that one could consider it the pride of there collection at any level of collecting. I've seen quite a few guys be stumped by the great principals taught through out this book mainly becuase a lot of it is just subtlety and not amazing sleigh of hand. It isn't necessarily for the beginner but it isn't an advanced book per se. It requires a knowledge of controlling and forcing but that's about it. If you ever have the oppurtunity to purchase it I say it's one of the most sound investments you'll ever make.
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Sleightly_Done New user Danville, KY 77 Posts |
Great classic reference book! Although it has not been in print for a while, they come up on eBay on a regular basis. I have seen a few individuals bid up and purchase numerous copies (because the have been told they are "rare", and hard to find), but if you are patient, you will find one. There are plenty of them out there. Seems that anything under $100 for a nice copy of the most recent printings (1994 I think) is probably within reason.
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Bill Ligon Inner circle A sure sign of a misspent youth: 6437 Posts |
I wouldn't part with mine for anything in the world!
Author of THE HOLY ART: Bizarre Magick From Naljorpa's Cave. NOW IN HARDCOVER! VIEW: <BR>www.lulu.com/content/1399405 ORDER: http://stores.lulu.com/naljorpa
<BR>A TASSEL ON THE LUNATIC FRINGE |
mrunge Inner circle Charleston, SC 3716 Posts |
Like everyone else has mentioned, Greater Magic is a definite "must have" for any magic library. There is so much material as can be seen in the contents as Cosermann listed above. I am glad to have found a copy and it is one of my favorites. Just get it. You'll be glad you did!
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