Dai Vernon has once said Edward Victor is one of the most competent sleight-of-hands artists in his time. So I am wondering what others think about this man and his book.

Thanks for input!

Alex Hui

'one of the most competent' almost sounds like an insult...

I mean one of the best....no intention of insultation...

Alex Hui

I have his book, the Magic of Edward Victor's Hands, I believe. It's a compilation. It's excellent. I have found many gems in there. His work with paddles and paddle moves was amazing in it's own right. He does everything from thimbles to cards to coins to matches. You can't go wrong, buying it Alex. My opinion.

So, how about "Classic Card Tricks" by Edward Victor? Thank you.

Sorry, but for those who had bought it, what means Magic of Hands (Trilogy)? Does it refer to "The Magic of the Hands", "More Magic of the Hands" and "Further Magic of the Hands"? Thanks.

The Magic Of The Hands Trilogy is a collection in one book of four booklets issued seperately 50 or so years ago.
The Magic Of Edward Victors Hands is a more recent collection of material from magazines, marketed items, and from his notebooks.

Although the former was important in its day, and still a great read, its best material has been worked on by Vernon ( and others ) and may now be a bit old fashoned. Or a basis for reworking yourself ?

I have the Vernon "quote" somewere and think that Vernon was refering to Ramsay, Victor, and another whose name escapes me, as the three best slight-of-hand men in the world.

And before anyone asks why a triogy was in four bookletss - the second, More magic Of The Hands, came out in two parts.

Hi, eddieloughran, you are so considerable (before anyone asks why a triogy was in 4 booklets)! Thank you. So, should I purchase the later if I have bought the former? Please advise again, thanks a lot.

Save your money for something you know has materail you will use. These are more of a reference book at this point in time.

Hi anytime,

Haven't seen you lately, how are you?

I agreed with wmhegbli if you don't sure if the materials are for you, save the money to buy other books which you know better. It's a 'reference' book which you may not find many 'new' ideas there.

Alex Hui

Thank you wmhegbli & Alex. I will then have a deep thought before buying any magic book. However, being a magic-learner (or semi-layman) who don't have any idea in mind, every magic book contains NEW idea in my view.

As to Alex's question: thank you, but not fine. Just seeking someone who can give me some guidance on my magic road. Either go ahead or give up. How to go ahead? What should I learn? How to learn? I am still trying my best to find out the answer. It is an important question which needs an intensive discussion and thorough consideration.

Anytime,

We have many great magicians and thinkers on Café who can give valuable advises to you.

If you love magic, don't give up whatever problem you face. Magic will help you overcome the problem.

Alex Hui

Thank you for your encouragement, Alex. However, "love" is a two-way communication. I love magic, but does magic love me too? Except solving your "52", I didn't have any improvement for the past 3 months. Back to the question of going ahead or giving up, I will spend several months to find the answer. If I am unable to answer myself or still haven't any improvement, I think I have no choice.

Hi Anytime,
first off - don't give up. All that will happen is you will spend the rest of your life wondering if you could of made it.
I'm concerned that you think you have not made progress in the past three months; try some of the things that were too hard for you then !
Maybe you should change the learning medium; try video's or dvd's instead of books ?
Even buy some dealer items ?

Back to the Victor books. I don't think they are beginner books, and frankly although it is fashonable to say " buy old books ", the best stuff is still in print. ( Maybe ).
Royal Road and Bobo are getting on !

Perhaps you just need to plan your learning.
I like semi-layman.

Eddie

Hi Eddie, you are the first magician I have met saying "like semi-layman"! You are very kind! Thank you for your encouragement. Have you read my long PM to you which was sent about 7 hours ago?