This Week's Top 20

Magic and Showmanship by Henning Nelms - Book


$5 FLAT-RATE SHIPPING TO UNITED STATES. FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $100.
List price:$15.95
Price: $13.08
You save: $2.87 (17%)

A Handbook for Conjurers

Like theatrical presentations, conjuring is an art of illusion. A magician skilled in the craft is able to convince an audience that he or she can read minds, communicate with the spirit world, make objects appear or disappear and perform other acts of of seemingly genuine magic.

Without having mastered the art of presentation or "showmanship" however, even the most competent sleight-of-hand artist can fall short in performance. With this in mind, noted authority Henning Nelms goes beyond the basics to show how techniques developed for the stage by playwrights, directors and actors can heighten the dramatic effect of a magician's performance.

In this instructive book, Nelms analyzes every phase of conjuring-from sleights, devices and illusions to misdirection, controlling the audience's attention, incorporating "patter" and the effective use of assistants. Of particular interest is a chapter on body language, posture-positioning and movement. Also included are some 60 original routines-from simple card tricks to such major illusions as having the performer suddenly appear at stage center.

Indispensable as an instruction manual for novices, this how-to-guide, enhanced with nearly 200 of the author's illustrations, will also serve as a lasting source of advice and inspiration for veteran conjurers.

Pages 322 - Softbound, Illustrated

Have a question about this product?
ASK HERE

Featured Magic Tricks

Customer Reviews (showing 1 - of 3)
Showing the
reviews with
containing
Intelligent, challenging, Funny, Organic Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on April 4th, 2019
This book brings your mind to life.
Very challenging as the book is going to ridicule some of "our" limits and misconceptions magicians somehow acquire from bad teachings, prejudices, laziness, or misperceptions about what an audience will/should/ go along with.
Meaning the book is all about improving and increasing the dramatic/thematic energy possible.
The book's constant theme of conviction and how to maintain and increase it is very educational and guides you to greater more impactful and logical feats or performances
It's beautifully written with great phrases and clear thoughts.
If you are a timid performer, I also believe this book will challenge you to try bolder things.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
Did this review help you? Do you want to respond to this review?
Must read Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on March 7th, 2019
Excellent book on showmanship and dramatization of tricks. For me it is a perfect supplementary material to Ortiz's Strong magic. The examples are not only references to tricks in other books, but actual effects are described and the ideas are presented on them.

It contains a huge amount of practical information including cold reading, speech exercises (which I've found very useful), stretching exercises and much more.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
Did this review help you? Do you want to respond to this review?
Great Read! Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on March 13th, 2017
Beginners ans seasoned conjures can benefit from reading this book. This gives you the tools to formulate a routine and developers characters.
Did this review help you? Do you want to respond to this review?
Bestsellers
See all bestsellers



Act Builder beta



     Get To Know Us

     Shipping and Store Policies

     Need Help?

Home | About Penguin Magic | The Penguin Foundation

Mail orders: Penguin Magic, 3299 Monier Circle, Unit A, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Call us at 800-880-2592 | International Dial: +1 707-317-6733

© 2002-2023 Penguin Magic. All Rights Reserved.
We hope you found the magic tricks you were looking for!