If you're learning card magic, this is your bible. By it and memorize it.
3 of 3 magicians found this helpful.
It's amazing that a book published in 1902 could read so easily and give such incredibly useful
guidance. Sure, many of the techniques in this book have been tweaked over the decades, but others
are still state-of-the-art. If you really want to refine your card handling, and also get sage
advice on presentation of magic, this book is a gem.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
A must have for the serious card worker. This is the book that started it all for so many and one
that Vernon not only mastered but talked about frequently. If you want to learn card slights this is
the book you must have in your library. Do not hesitate buy it now and enjoy.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
This has some of the basics to the very advanced in card sleights. There is really a lot to be found
in this book it's like bobo's modern coin magic, if you get this you can be kept busy for a very
long time and since there is such a variety you can choose which ones you want and what ones don't
like and it doesn't matter if you don't use it all because it is super cheap anyway! A must in your
library!
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
WHen it comes to classical magic texts, I try not to review them because usually the auther is dead
or it's a proven gem and doesn't need a review. But I want to make an exception with this one. I
think that only now is it coming into play with a lot of magicians and we should realize it's real
potential.
FIrst off, this is something I should address. The instruction is very difficult
to understand. He uses slang words and other terms used in the gambling scene that some of us might
not understand. But if you are looking for some excellent techniques, go here. THere are a ton of
things in here that are hidden and not commonly used. ALl of it requires pristine practice and
effort. You might find yourself like I did, working for months on one sleight. But the BEST
description of the pass is in here. Just a heads up.
Over all I need to give this a 4 out
of 5. The reason being the illustrations were also a little bit hard to understand at time and the
descriptions are a little "varried". But I want to make sure you read the forward/introduction.
Martin Gardner is an AMAZING writer and I highly recommend you read it. You gain a lot of good
insight to the book that can help you out later on. I know you want that out of a product :)
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
ECELLENT BOOK WISH I HAD THIS BOOK WHEN I FIRST STARTED IN MAGIC IN THE EARLY 70'S.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
Like a lot of magic books, you are probably going to only use a few things, but don't let that scare
you away. Although you probably won't use a lot of the 'tricks' in the book, you will certainly take
some of the ideas. If you are a beginner, it will give you a good understanding of how magic works
and you will improve as a magician. The price isn't that bad so I would recommend it.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
This book has been known as the cardman's bible for a very long time. Surprisingly, many who have
declared themselves card magicians have not even picked up this book. And yes, I was among them
until recently. At the recommendation of a few big card guys, I decided to finally pick up this
book, and it is actually easier than you think. Given that this was written more than a century ago,
there are still a lot of items in the book that are relevant to modern conjurers. If you're a close
up card guy and you're interested in table work, this is the book for you. Study it. Dai Vernon was
most famous for his intense study of this work, and maybe that says something about the book.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
this is where dai vernon got started. i think thats all i have to say.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
I'll be completely honest. I struggled greatly with this book. I got it as a freebie with the
"Wesley James" DVD-set that covers this book. I stayed true to reading it but found S.W. Erdnase (or
E.S. Andrews or whatever his name was) style really hard to follow. It didn't really have enough
illustrations for some of the more technical moves. On top of that, at some points, it seemed like
there was no rhyme or reason to what was coming next in the book. Unlike Royal Road, this book felt
less "journey like" and more sporadic.
All that said, I think it's important to read this
book but, as with Royal Road, I would encourage reading it with the DVD-set as an accompaniment. I
found engaging my mind with the book and then moving on to the visual/audio of the DVD to be an
effective way of learning.
Either way, $9 is not much for a classic piece of literature
from the magic/gambling world.
Hint: By the DVD set (if I haven't made that clear enough
yet)
1 of 2 magicians found this helpful.