This small tome is done up very nicely, but it just isn't for me--far too much card and silly stuff.
Card guys seem to believe that no other magic exists beyond cards, or that nothing else is
worthy of their time. I believe that if you purport to practice "magic", then you owe it to your
audiences to demonstrate magic with many various props (they expect you to), and not bore them to
tears with a hundred renditions of "I'll find your card"--a hundred different ways.
I
mean, nearly EVERYONE knows a "card trick" or two, so how does that separate you from the rabble?
In order to amaze laymen, you must be proficient with many things. They won't call you a magic man
if they can do what you do! Everybody knows that card tricks are just that--TRICKS! They can do
them, so they aren't amazed if you do them too. At best, I doubt they'd consider you a magician,
without claiming the same for themselves. I understand that nobody believes in magic anyway, but it
is our unique job to blur the boundaries considerably, and make them question their disbelief!
Otherwise, what's the point?
Today, it would appear that magic has been diluted to the
extent that nothing beyond card tricks and mentalism qualifies as "magic" to most magicians. Just
check out the "Best Sellers" at Penguin and tally up the cards/card tricks and mentalism, and then
see whats left. I rest my case. . .
Rest WHAT case, you buzzkill? That YOU don't like card tricks? Okay, I didn't hear or see anyone ask; so move on because giving a product the lowest review because YOU can't handle anything heavier than 52 pieces of card stock is pure A-hole, pal. Seriously; you need to start looking for a job now and get out of your parents' basement, okay?
Hi! Josh Burch here with Penguin Magic Monthly. I'm sorry you don't love card magic. As you are aware it is a very popular branch of magic. John Carey, and Jason Ladanye are among the best card guys in the world and we intend to continue to provide excellent magic in this periodical, be it card magic or otherwise.
Your critique does not apply to this issue of the magazine. This issue teaches 6 effects that are not card tricks. I'll describe them below.
Old McDonald Finds Love- The word "HATE" written on several index cards magically transforms itself into the word "LOVE". This is a poetic formal close-up piece of magic. This is a beautiful, unique piece of magic.
Harbin's Paper- The magician hypnotizes a volunteer to believe that a piece of paper is actually a a cinnamon roll. This has been performed on stage by many professionals.
Forcing 9- This is a clever way to force the number 9. It is applied to a card trick here but you could easily apply the method to another object.
The Flying Match Rides Again- A match vanishes from within a spectator's hand. This is one of the best presentations for this effect I have ever seen. This alone is worth $10.
Falling Bottle- This is an off the cuff piece of telekinesis, that is extremely magical. If you had real psychic powers this is what it would look like.
Poison- The participant narrowly avoids death by poison in this effect.
I understand that we can't please everyone, and you must understand that not everyone agrees with you on how magic should be performed and presented. If your only gripe is that there wasn't enough varied magic included in this issue I'm sure you are mistaken. Most books and DVDs won't provide you with such a diverse mix of magic with an equally diverse set of props and presentations for under $10.
Wonderfully handled and well-said, Josh. I'm gonna keep praying for your gift of patience, bud!
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