Woody (or his translators) write well in a very conversational style which makes the book a joy to read. He is a real enthusiast and that enthusiasm is infectious as a reader. However, don’t expect to sit down and read this book in a sitting. This is a book which will repay careful study over time.

I am increasingly convinced that mem deck magic is amongst the most fooling that you can perform – and there is also some satisfaction in the brute achievement of having memorized a whole deck! But beware. Although a few routines in this book will work without having put in the hard work of memorization, this is a serious work for serious magicians who are prepared to invest time and effort for their art.

Before I forget

Woody is very well read and I really appreciate the way he carefully attributes inspirations and techniques in the different routines. In any field of magic we are all standing on the shoulders of giants, but nowhere is this more true than for the mem deck. Juan Tamariz is clearly a huge influence on Woody Aragon and Woody himself encourages you to buy and familiarise yourself with Juan’s magnum opus – Mnemonica – if you really want to appreciate some of the subtleties and techniques which really make mem deck work fly. He also refers to Simon Aronson’s collection Bound to Please as another invaluable resource.

The first thing the book covers is the development of Woody’s stack. A LOT of thought has gone into this. The book is the result of years of study, experimentation and performance. And this is very reassuring – if you’re going to make the investment of time to learn the stack you want the reassurance that the material actually works!

As well as being a joy to read, throughout the book amusing illustrations help you to learn the stack pictorially – although they do not (if I have counted correctly) cover all of them. Perhaps they will be finished in the project volume 2! Plenty of other line and photographic illustrations make sure everything you need to understand is very clear.

Another early chapter describes the method (he calls it a game!) he uses to teach the stack to classes. If you’re familiar with memory techniques, there’s probably nothing new here – but it is a helpful summary nonetheless. He also gives some tips to help revise stack etc.

A plethora of effects

He starts by teaching tricks which don’t require the stack to be memorized – simply to be in order – as a way to help you learn the stack. He then moves on to the idea of the half stack – an incredibly powerful idea. It is easier to learn than the full stack – and the first half of Aragon’s stack has all sorts of clever attributes which open up many strong effects. These include spelling effects, gambling effects, weighing the cards, matching the cards etc.

There are then plenty more effects using the full stack – including more poker effects, some very clever prediction and ‘fishing techniques’ and other more original ideas.

He has a section on effects which aren’t dependent on the stack you use – so even if you already use a different stack there are ideas here for you. And in another chapter he specifically explores how to move between the Memorandum stack and the Tamariz or Aronson stacks. Unless you are a very competent handler of cards (and audiences) I would suggest this might be overkill – though if you have a particular favourite tricks you perform with different stacks I can see why you might want to do this.

For me, one of the most brilliant and exciting concepts in the book is the Siamese deck. I don’t want to give away the details here – but to my mind it opens up some amazing possibilities. I would like to devote some time thinking this principle through in relation to non-memorized deck work too since I think there is a lot of scope with this idea.

In addition to teaching the effects he also teaches how to reset the deck (and some intriguing rules about ‘undoing’ the effect of dealing various hands of poker etc.) – there is something verging on the fanatical in the depth of understanding he has of the mechanics of both his deck and the effect of various shuffles and combinations on a deck order.

There is also a chapter covering some false shuffles and cuts and the explanation of a clever little device you can make yourself with fairly simple craft skills which will help you to switch half a deck for another.

So who is this book for?

Potentially several different people. If you are already a user of mem deck material, then this book is well worth a look. Even if you don’t want to learn a new stack, there are ideas for routines and techniques which you may be able to develop or add to your existing stack and effects.

If you’ve not yet memorised a deck then Woody’s stack would be well worth the investment of time. You may wish to consult some of the other standard works referenced above in order to gain more ideas and techniques, but the Memorandum stack itself is a very powerful tool all on its own. And the book covers all you need to know to get started.

You may never want to memorise a deck but simply (like me) enjoy reading widely in magic to broaden your repertoire of techniques and influences. If that’s you, there is much to commend about this book. As I have mentioned, it has opened up a load of ideas and possibilities in my mind – if I ever get round to spending some more time on them. (To that end, it would also be worth looking at this book in relation to the Marksman Deck we reviewed recently.)

In fact, Memorandum would be well worth a read for anyone who shares my passion for good quality card magic. Don’t bother if you’re a hobbyist who just wants to perform tricks which require no effort, but if you’re prepared to make an investment in your art, then this comes highly recommended.

You can pick up a copy of Memorandum from magicshop.co.uk for £46.50 (at the time of writing)

Review copy kindly provided by Murphys Magic to whom dealer enquiries should be directed.

Woody Aragon – Memorandum – review

4.4 / 5 Reviewer

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We should say at the start that if you are the sort of magician who believes the only value in any magic purchase is in ‘learning some more tricks’ then you should probably stop reading now and certainly shouldn’t buy the book. On the other hand, if you are a magician who loves their art and who wants to think more deeply, develop as a performer, and revel in our shared magical history, then this is essential reading.

Preserving Mystery is the third in a trio of books which Vanishing Magic have just re-published in a beautiful matching edition. Indeed if you buy the complete set you will get a fourth volume unavailable elsewhere. It is beautifully printed to Vanishing Magic’s usual high standards. An understated hard-back volume, appropriately illustrated and typeset in a font which is easy on the eye. Many of the essays have been published before elsewhere but since many of us may not have had access to those magazines this is a welcome addition to the library.

The title essay, which comes last in the book, explores that tension which anyone who loves magic is well familiar with. We start off in magic transported and captivated by the mystery of it all – but as we grow in knowledge and experience it becomes harder to achieve those moments of mystery. Swiss explores this tension and some of its complications with insight and understanding.

The book falls into three sections. I will try to give a flavour of each.

Cannon Fodder

This section contains some of the most ‘theoretical’ essays and explores, amongst other things, the relationship between a hack magician (and potential plagiarist) and a true creative artist, the way we (consciously or not) treat our audience, the difference between mentalism and mental magic, and even the portrayal of magicians in fiction and what we are to learn from that.

Each essay is insightful and clearly argued. I, personally, really enjoy his erudite style and his unashamed convictions. He is prepared to nail his colours to the mast as to what he likes and what he doesn’t – and the unavoidable impression is of a man who dearly loves his art and longs for others to think more deeply and carefully about it.

Yesterdays

As its name suggests, this section takes the form of historical and biographical sketches. He covers Al Flosso (1895-1976), Imam Hossani (1949-2012), Michael Skinner (1941-1998), Herb Zarrow (1925-2008) and Earl Johnson (1923-2009). Although I knew of almost all of these, each essay was a wonderfully personal and evocative sortie into their lives. I love reading about the history of magic and found that each chapter transported me in a delightful way to another world. Swiss not only describes the men, but draws lessons from their lives including (in the case of Michael Skinner) some very specific finesses on particular moves.

A Magician Prepares

This third section is a little more wide-ranging. As an avid reader and collector of magic books, I loved the first essay which was primarily a lament for the personal introduction of many classic magic books. I share some of Swiss’ dislike of the magic video/dvd/download as a way of learning magic, though am slightly more optimistic than him about the future of magic publishing in the light of a number of very fine (to my mind) books which have been published in recent years.

Suiting Repertoire was an argument for having a larger repertoire of effects and moves than you need for your ‘regular’ performing set on the basis that you may otherwise miss out on creating some memorable one-off moments of magic. The illustrations from his own life of successful examples of this felt like the real reason he wanted to write the chapter – but enjoyed the tales and found my own laziness sorely challenged by the approach!

A chapter is devoted to exploring the subtlety of that most-abused sleight, the French Drop. This is followed by a stimulating exploration of how to choose the method (sleight of hand or ‘gaff’) when you are devising or learning a routine. I wish that more of us devoted this level of thinking to our magical performances – and the repeated insight that method affects effect is vital to remember. Footonote 51 was one of favourite in the book (closely followed by 34 in the chapter on the French Drop) – but you will have to read the book yourself to discover why they made me laugh out loud.

The Swiss Sleight Study System takes up most of the rest of this section – and is essentially a plea for magicians to take their study of sleight of hand seriously and an index of references for the most standard card magic sleights (and a much briefer equivalent for coin magic). If you are serious about developing your sleight of hand then this would benefit further study.

I had a wonderful few evenings reading this excellent book and it gets my highest recommendation for anyone who loves magic and wants to be encouraged to think carefully about it. And in case you’re wondering, it was a particular challenge about one’s motivation to practise which made me ask (again) some fundamental questions about priorities in life.

Preserving Mystery is available from the Merchant of Magic for £27.50 (at the time of writing).

Review copy kindly provided by Murphys Magic to whom dealer enquiries should be directed.

Jamy Ian Swiss – Preserving Mystery – review

4.6 / 5 Reviewer

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And I would suggest that if you have any interest in card or close up magic at all and you haven’t seen it then you really need to. It is excellent. It covers the immaculate card magic (and one coin item) of Daryl. There is a reason he is known as “the magician’s magician.” Each routine is beautifully constructed and his attention to detail is extraordinary – more on that later.

Stephen Minch is a great writer – the style is slightly tongue in cheek which makes it a joy to read, without getting in the way of the clarity of the explanations. It has been lavishly illustrated (243 photographic illustrations in a 171-page book!) with some extra photos in this re-release than in the original. The cover design is in colour and is suitably nostalgia-invoking.

The routines

These are largely Daryl’s takes on classic card routines. A Boomerang Card (a card spun out is caught in the deck sandwiched between 2 earlier choices) then two variations on that theme. His take on Elmsley’s ‘Between your palms’ – a signed card lost in the pack turns out to be the card another spectator has been holding between their hands since the outset, and in a final kicker 3 ‘wrong guesses’ turn out to be the mates of the signed card.

There’s a Triumph routine with a very convincing display sequence, a mid-air card-stab using two packets of cards, a Four Ace Assembly (that doesn’t use 4 aces!), and a twist on Vernon’s classic Twisting the Aces – with a final climax where the fourth ace appears face up in the tabled deck.

The coin routine is a lovely “Passage of Silver”/travelling coin routine where 4 coins invisibly travel from one hand to join 4 in the other. And there is an extra routine in this new edition – Double Dazzling Triumph – where a triumph routine appears to go wrong – but the two face up cards turn out to indicate the location of two selections, and there’s an added kicker where the deck is separated into red and black at the end.

The level

This is definitely an intermediate to advanced level book. All the sleights are explained in the book, but standard sleights only briefly. I would the book assumes at least some basic knowledge of card magic, though full references are given to chase up the details.

Even if you already perform versions of these effects there is much to learn from the Puerto Rican Gambler’s careful construction of the routines and wonderful performance tips. In many instances he provides variations for individual elements of the routines to fit different performing scenarios – everything has been both carefully thought out and carries the feel of being well road-tested in the real world.

We think this is a super book – and it rather makes me want to look up the other recent Daryl re-release – For your entertainment pleasure. if you’re still wavering – it comes with a conditional guarantee:

The contents of this volume are fully and conditionally guaranteed to beguile, hoax, deceive, humbug, flimflam, bedazzle, amaze, hoodwink, fool, astound, flabbergast, bamboozle, imboggle, razzle-dazzle, snare, chicane, hornswoggle, hamstring, illude, mislead, hocus, trick and completely entertain in an ingeniously artful manner – if used as recommended.”

Secrets of a Puerto Rican Gambler is available from the Merchant of Magic – only £22.99 (at the time of writing).

Review copy kindly provided by Murphys Magic to whom dealer enquiries should be directed.

The post Stephen Minch – Secrets of a Puerto Rican Gambler – review appeared first on Bicycle Cards.

What do you get?

A nicely printed book. In fact, two books in one, but more about that later…

Regular readers will know that I am a big fan of written instructions, rather than DVDs and so I am so delighted this has been re-released in this format. The explanation is very good and the book is well illustrated making everything clear.

The routine has been so well thought through and that shows. It can be done in the hands (this was a big selling point for me since I was keen to introduce a chop cup routine into my walkaround set) and makes sense. There are no difficult moves to speak of – though you will need a little practise to get the handling smooth.

The big finish will require an extra something – to enable you to vanish the cup full of liquid at the end – but if you don’t have the necessary or don’t want to use this phase the routine has a strong enough conclusion without it. This is just the icing on the cake.

What’s all this about Cups and Balls?

I hadn’t realised before it arrived that the book contains not just the Micro Chop Cup routine, but also the Loomis Cups and Balls routine. In a slightly quirky way the two thinks have been bound back to back and upside down in one volume.

The Cups and Balls routine, too, is excellent. Again, it is clear that careful thought has gone into the structuring of the routine. Reasons are given for, shock horror, departing from the Vernon way of doing things, and for me they are plausible reasons.

This will certainly take more work than the Chop Cup routine, but again it is clearly explained with clear photographic illustrations showing all the moves. I was slightly amused by the frilly cuffs in evidence in the photos – but that simply dates the original pictures I suppose!

After a detailed description of the whole routine there is a really helpful ‘outline’ of the routine in note form with positional diagrams – which would be really useful for practising the whole routine.

The Verdict?

This has clearly been a labour of love for Jamie – obtaining the rights and then re-publishing these classic routines – but it is not just an exercise in nostalgia. These are brilliant, effective, well-constructed routines.

I am certainly going to add the Chop Cup routine to my walkaround repertoire. I’m not sure whether the Cups and Balls Routine will replace my much loved (and rarely performed) Mendoza routine for a Chop Cup and Balls combination set – but that is more due to me being a little lazy rather than any comment on the quality of the routine which is excellent.

So this comes unreservedly recommended. You can get it directly from Jamie for only $27 (USD) and free shipping anywhere in the world. Many thanks to Jamie for re-releasing this great routine and for supplying us with a review copy.

The post Dennis Loomis Micro Chop Cup – Cups and Balls review appeared first on Bicycle Cards.

Unlike most of our reviews, The Approach isn’t brand new – it was published last year – but as I have written elsewhere I feel that it deserves a wider audience since it is such a unique and practical book. It styles itself “a complete guide to becoming a working magician” and it fulfils that brief very well.

The book is divided into 102 chapters – but don’t think chapters in a novel – think entries on a blog – since most are only a couple of pages long. It is incredibly practical covering nitty-gritty details from what tricks to use, how to structure a set, what to wear, what to charge (some real wisdom here), how to prepare, how to get gigs, how to respond to enquiries, how to ‘work the room’ – the list could go on and on. It includes questions that you feel too obvious that you could never ask anyone, and others that I would never have thought about – until you hit them yourself – for example there is a chapter on one-handed spectators!

Much of the information is anecdotal – in other words – you’re learning from Jamie’s mistakes (and successes). The book is also interactive – in the sense that there are practical exercises for you to fill out – which makes sure you are engaging with the material and taking it on board.

There is so much I liked about this book. But for balance I need to record a couple of downs. I may be too shy and retiring and British (actually, I’m not that shy and retiring!) – but some of the ideas and techniques feel that they fit Jamie’s incredibly positive personality, but might not fit everyone’s. That may just be the reality of needing to sell yourself – but you will have to evaluate this to see what it looks like for your particular personality. And on a similar note, bear in mind he is writing from a Canadian context. Whilst we share much cultural heritage with Canada, some things may not transpose directly.

That being said, these are in no way deal breakers – if you are worth your salt you are always going to evaluate this kind of content in the light of your own personality and context. So I have no hesitation in unreservedly recommending this book. Jamie seems to have a knack for putting out quality magic items (see our review of his Industrial Revelation for more evidence of this).

You can get your copy direct from Jamie (who kindly supplied my review copy) for $75 complete with free shipping (as I write).

If you’d prefer to buy from the UK, then you can buy it from Merchant of Magic.

The post The Approach – review appeared first on Bicycle Cards.

Giobbi Aces

Is a nice little opener for a 4 ace routine. In it the spectator cuts to the Ace of Spades, which repeatedly jumps to the top of further packets the spectator has cut, and then all the other aces are discovered on the top of the piles. This is a pleasing little routine which makes a change from just going straight in to a 4 ace effect. The main move required is clearly explained and illustrated (though a few other moves – like getting breaks etc. aren’t described). If I had a criticism it is that you use the same procedure 3 times on the trot (although to be fair he does suggest, though not explain a different move which could be used last time).

Cheese Melt

After a ‘twisting the aces’ type sequence two of the aces swap places with two selections which have been put aside later. This is a good example of something Liam does very well – combining bits of different routines to produce a pleasing overall effect. There’s a lot of magic in this one and it requires only moderate card handling skills (and could be done impromptu). Nice.

Sneak

This is an ace assembly type effect combined with the idea of an invisible palm routine. It is well constructed – building nicely to its climax – but is one of the more technically demanding routines in the booklet.

One Across

This is a sort of thought of cards across routine – where only a single chosen card travels. It disappears from a group of cards in the card box and reappears between two face up jokers in the main deck – appearing there before the thought of card has actually been named. There are some lovely subtleties in the way this has been put together. Although it requires a little memory work and some intermediate card-handling the strength of the effect is out of proportion to its difficulty.

Over Eat

This is a nice little twist on the classic ‘cannibal cards’ plot. 3 cards are ‘eaten’ by the four Kings, and then the Kings turn into 10s at the unexpected conclusion. This is not too movey and can be done more or less impromptu. From a non-magical point of view, this one would have benefited from some slightly more careful editing – since the instructions/patter suggestions overlap a little.

Mambo #5

This is a variation on an Aldo Columbini routine. The spectator chooses a card, then you offer to find it with the help of the four Jacks. These turn into Jokers one at a time, and then into the three aces – which match the spectator’s initial selection. There are a number of different counts and displayed used here, but all are clearly explained. It assumes you know how to force a card. But you do, don’t you?!

Pinch

This is a sandwich effect where both the ‘bread’ and the ‘filling’ are isolated in separate sections of the pack – but still come together to make that sandwich! I can’t quite make my mind up on this one. Liam suggests it might fit as part of a longer routine but I’m just not sure it does much for me. The separation of the elements of the sandwich ought to make this effect more impressive, but for my money I think something of the simplicity of many alternatives is lost in this handling.

Disburse

A kind of ‘reverse collectors’ effect – three chosen cards, sandwiched between 4 of a kind, vanish and return to the deck face up and spread throughout the pack. Requiring only basic sleight of hand and a bit of careful choreography this is a direct (if not earth-shattering) little effect.

Remix

I don’t know the original Bob King effect (Rematch) on which this is based, but the effect, briefly, is as follows. 2 sets of cards are removed from a (can be borrowed) deck – 4 red, 4 black and a joker with each packet. These are mixed up in a spelling procedure where the spectator makes the choices, and surprisingly a pair of jokers turns up. As an extra kicker the other pairs of cards now match (even though originally there were no other matching pairs at all).

Birthday Card

In this effect the spectator deals cards based on their birthday and then creates a playing card based on two cards dealt to. You have predicted the card, and have also discovered their birthday along the way (without them telling you) providing an additional kicker to the prediction.

Diamond Cutter

This is Liam’s take on an Alex Elmsley plot. All the cards of one suit are mixed according to the spectator’s instructions, then they choose one of them and a joker is waved over the packet. In a flash, the cards sort themselves into the right order and a card is seen to be reversed in the centre of the spread. This turns out to be the joker and the original selection is now in your hand! It’s a neat little effect which is probably harder to explain than to do. Worth a look.

Staple Diet

This is a really nice variation on John Scarne’s stapled card. There are some clever subtleties in the routine which you could incorporate into other ideas even if you don’t use the routine. In brief, a pair of jokers which have been stapled together locate a selected card which then swaps places with one of the jokers and ends up stabled to the other one – everything is clean at the end. This requires some preparation but the very strong effect more than makes up for that!

Final thoughts

There’s lots to like about this ebook. Credits are always clearly given and it is well illustrated throughout. Explanations are clear – and patter is even suggested – though to be honest it may well suit Liam’s style but not mine at all! It felt to me like a couple of the effects were ‘filler’ – but there’s still lots of good magic here. The only thing I would have liked to see is a fully hyperlinked index to the book so it is easier to navigate.

Available direct from TrickTastic.com (who kindly provided the review copy) – and currently on sale making it even better value at £8 (instead of £10).

You can get a taste of the contents in this video:

The post Shazam – Liam Montier – Review appeared first on Bicycle Cards.

Card to Envelope

There’s always a buzz about the latest card to impossible location, but here the routine is stripped down to the minimum requirements.  A signed and torn up chosen card reforms and reappears in an envelope which has been in full view all the time.  And did I mention there was only minimal sleight of hand.  This routine is almost as old as I am but it is a gem.

Lie to Me

Here’s another variation on the noble Lie Detector plot.  A lot of magic happens in a fairly small space of time as (with the aid of a magic medallion!) randomly cut to cards provide answers about the spectator’s chosen card, which then reappears in the performer’s pocket.  And as an extra kicker the randomly cut to cards change to make four of a kind with the chosen card.  A little more handling skill required for this one, but a pleasing routine.

Clouseau for Workers

In this neat re-working of an earlier effect, the spectator’s card appears at the position nominated by the spectator in a run of cards set aside at the beginning.  This is apparently an Alex Elmsley plot which I haven’t come across before.  It is certainly an elegant handling – there are no superfluous moves – though the plot doesn’t excite me if I’m honest.

JackAces

This is a nice sandwich effect where the two black jacks locate the selected card and immediately the two red jacks find its three mates.  A small set-up takes it out of the completely impromptu realm but this is not difficult to do and has a strong double climax.

Countless (Ace) Turning

Another approach to the Vernon’s classic Twisting the Aces plot.  This is obviously designed for someone with a fair bit of card experience – moves like Turn-over pass, double cuts, palming and copping cards are required without any additional explanation given.

Matter of Facts

This is another ‘lie detector’ routine where a four-card packet reveals the identity of the spectator’s freely chosen card.  This relies on subtlety more than sleight of hand and so is well within the reach of all card men (should that be card people?!).  A really neat solution which looks extremely fair.  Well worth a play with this one.

Twister’s Bluff

A Royal Flush in Spades turns over one card at a time and the final card (the ace) disappears only to be found in your pocket.  The starting point here is the Alex Elmsley ‘Twister’s Flush’ effect – but the effect and method are somewhat different.  For some reason this grabs me less than some of the other effects in the book, and it requires a working knowledge of quite a few sleights and counts.  Perhaps a bluff too far…

Return of the 7

A spectator selects six cards from the deck and then another one.  They’re mixed together and when one card is turned face up, they all turn face up with the exception of the chosen card – which is also of the opposite colour to the other six.  Short and sweet.

Homing Cards

This is a simple variation on Carlyle’s Homing Card.  Briefly – two cards are chosen and lost in the deck.  The first appears in your pocket and is placed in an obvious visible place (e.g. sticking out of the deck) then it reappears in your pocket and the second card is found to have swapped places with the other card.  A direct, strong effect.  But you will need to be able to palm a card.  You didn’t think it was real magic did you?

Little Sympathy

A neat little packet trick with eight cards.  One is chosen and the others mixed face up and down.  In a flash they all turn the same way with the exception of the ‘mate’ of the chosen card.  To my mind it will need a decent presentation to move it out of the realms of ‘just a puzzle’ – but a nice little effect.

Blackstone in my pocket

This is a ‘bonus effect’ which owes something to an original observation by Chip Kleiman.  (Incidentally – what makes a ‘bonus effect’ a ‘bonus’ – how do you know how many effects should appear in a book or on a dvd?)  This is a really unusual effect which rather appeals to me.  It combines mind-reading with the vanish and reappearance of a chosen card in your pocket – and best of all, a quirky presentational angle.  A very pleasant bonus indeed!

Final Thoughts

There’s quite a variety of material here in such a short book.  Some definitely feel stronger than others – though I haven’t road tested them on audiences to assess how well they play to laypeople.

My main criticism would be the absence of explanation for the majority of the moves required.  There’s nothing too obscure, but for someone just starting out they would need some extra resources.  I lost track of how many routines seemed to require a half pass, for example.  I know you can’t explain everything in such a short book, but even some references to chase up would help the total newbie.

But if you have an intermediate level of competency with cards there is nothing here which should be too challenging.  And for the incredibly reasonable price of $15 (= roughly £9.38 at the time of reviewing) – which is barely enough to buy two decks of the latest bicycle cards that seem to keep cropping up – even if you only find one or two routines to use you should be happy.

Hooked on Cards is available from MagicShop.co.uk (with thanks to Peter Duffie who kindly provided the review copy).

The post Two by Duffie – Celtic Cabal and Hooked on Cards – Part 2 appeared first on Bicycle Cards.

We can’t describe or comment on every individual effect, but we will pick out a couple of the gems and offer some general thoughts – and Part 1 of this review will focus on Celtic Cabal.  This was actually released in 2010 but we have only just had a look at it…

As regular readers will know, I have a small leaning in the direction of mentalism, and so appreciate that the first 40 odd pages (of this 181 page book) cover this area.  The largest section covers card magic (70 odd pages) and there are small close up (non-card) and stage sections and a bonus manuscript from Tom Sellers.  This is a lot of magic for your money.  Here are a few highlights of the various sections.

Mentalism

There are some interesting twists on some standard effects, some new presentations (including a neat ‘just chance’ effect with straws), some work on magic squares, and even an essay on the performance of mentalism.  I particularly enjoyed a routine with standard ESP cards partly based on the work of the ubiquitous Max Maven and a series of variations on the ‘diary trick’ – at least one of which may end up in my working set.  Peter himself contributes one of those diabolical all but self-working effects based on Bob Hummer’s CATO principle which could be a go-to impromptu effect.

Card Magic

Again a whole variety of effects including spelling tricks, ace tricks, transpositions etc. Some require reasonably advanced card handling, some are all but self-working.  A couple that caught my eye were an Alan Rorrison idea which provides a really elegant addition to an effect I already use in various forms to make a really strong routine and Steve Thompson’s incredibly subtle solution to a problem with some forms of OOTW.  I love his thinking on this. R Paul Wilson also contributes a nice and easy take on a four ace routine.

Close-Up Magic

This starts with a matrix effect that almost makes it into the card section because it’s not just the coins that are magical in this routine! There’s an interesting essay on creativity from Geraint Clarke who also includes a neat torn and restored bank note routine.  Trevor Lewis contributes a routine involving a nun (!) and a slightly risqué card trick slips in on the grounds that it is more than a card trick! There is also a two-stage story-based presentation from Dominic Lavin which seems to owe much to a Robert Neale presentation of the same effect.

Stage Magic

Pat Fallon contributes his presentation for the classic anti-gravity glasses.  There’s also an unusual routine for the Lota Bowl utilising the principle in a different way.  An updated version of the classic Fogel Bewitched, Bottled and Bewildered routine adds a mental twist and the mix is completed with a children’s routine and even the design for a magic table!

As a bonus, there’s a reprint of a Tom Sellers Manuscript – Royal Flush – detailing various false shuffles and moves and routines using them.

This is one of the most varied ebooks I have seen in a long time – literally something for every kind of performer.  Everything is clearly explained and well-illustrated where necessary.  The book is nicely laid out – and extremely easy to navigate with a properly hyperlinked table of contents.  All in all an excellent read and much that will stimulate your thinking.

We salute our Celtic Fringes!  Available from Merchant of Magic (with thanks to Peter Duffie who kindly provided the review copy) for only $22.50 (about £14 in real money – or less than 31p per item!).

[You can read part 2 here]

The post Two by Duffie – Celtic Cabal and Hooked on Cards – Part 1 appeared first on Bicycle Cards.

Volume Two includes a smaller number of routines, but some of them are much meatier routines resulting in a slightly larger book than the first (this one rocks in at 80 pages).  Don’t be alarmed by the picture – the actual printed volume is a more subdued shade of blue!

As before space means I will only comment on some of the routines but will try to describe the effects of them all.

The Routines

1-2-3 Jumbo Cards Across – I have to confess that I have come up with my own version of this effect which I am very happy with, but Mark’s version has many strengths of its own.  He has a number of helpful observations about the shape of the effect and his routine is easily adaptable for an audience of adults or children.  Some clever gaffs do most of the work for you leaving you to concentrate on the presentation.

The Blankety-Blank Pack – three cards are chosen from a double blank deck.  Almost immediately the deck becomes fully printed and the selections develop faces.

Diary of a Nobody – like Mark I have long had a soft spot for the diary trick and have played around with a number of different routines over the years.  I have one in my current working set, but here’s another version from ML.  The strength of this version is the extra kicker where your own ‘birthday card’ (with a different coloured back) is shown to match the spectator’s freely chosen card.  But for me, the use of the dealing procedure in the selection process makes it a less elegant solution than some on the market.

Corrector – this is similar in effect to Switchback in volume one but uses a different (and very old) kind of switching envelope to achieve its effect.

Seeing is believing – this is a nice little packet trick which I actually bought from Mark many years ago.  Two handlings are provided for this effect where four blank faced cards become printed.

The Free Selection Collectors – this is a massive routine (originally published as one of Mark’s Master Routine Series).  It has several phases.  A card is selected and signed by a spectator.  It is inserted into the ribbon spread deck and finds its mate.  These two cards then manage to find a third matching value card and the fourth of the set appears in your pocket.  The signed card is then placed in the card box and its mates are inserted into the deck at various points.  These instantly turn into Aces – as does the card in the box.  And the original signed card is discovered reversed in the middle of the deck.  This is a really nicely constructed routine and is full of magic.  It is the most complex routine in terms of handling skills but I would say is still accessible to the intermediate level magician.  There are some clever touches in the routining and the whole thing is very clearly explained and illustrated.  Well worth spending some time on.

It Pays to be a Lady – is an unusual twist on the three card trick and utilises jumbo cards.  Unlike many similar tricks, the lady is consistently found, but each time real bank notes are discovered underneath with an extra gag finish.  You will need to spend a bit of time with your craft knife to make this one up but it is a novel effect which is worth the effort.

007 – a spy theme (can you guess which spy?!) provides the motivation for this coin on card effect.  There are a number of subtleties in this routine which appeal to me and the theme seems timelessly relevant.  I like this one a lot.

The Modest Card – this is a sort of Card Warp variation utilising a cardboard ‘sleeve’ and incorporating a colour-changing back kicker.

Transparent Switch – this effect feels like it is just here to illustrate another kind of a switch wallet (the effect is materially the same as Corrector).  There is something about using a transparent wallet which makes this seem very fair – so you may well find your own uses for the principle.

Conclusion

Another good variety of effects here.  As ever they won’t all suit everyone, but for the price of the book, if you only get one or two routines then it is still good value.  Available direct from Mark Leveridge for only £15.

Exclusive offer for readers of Bicycle-Cards.co.uk

Mark is offering a special deal exclusively for readers of this site.  The normal price is £15 each volume, but he is offering us the two volumes together for £20.  This special deal is valid until the end of June 2013. To get the deal, you need to order direct from Mark Leveridge Magic and put ‘Bicycle Cards’ in the ‘Additional Comments’ box at the foot of the checkout page. You will initially pay the full price and then Mark will refund to your payment card £10.

The post Collected Card Magic of Mark Leveridge Volume Two – Review appeared first on Bicycle Cards.

Special Update – see the end of the article for an exclusive deal!

Some Background

Mark Leveridge has been producing and marketing magic tricks for over 30 years and now he has decided to collect together the best of the card routines that he has published or sold over the years in a projected series of 4 volumes.

Volume one features 15 routines. Space doesn’t permit going into massive detail on each item, but I will describe the effects and offer some thoughts on several of them.

I’m surprised you didn’t notice – this routine shows off what we perceive to be one of Mark’s great strengths which is in clever routining to simplify method. A lot of magic happens as a chosen card is repeatedly located and in a climax becomes the only card with a face in an otherwise blank deck. You end clean and there is no heavy finger-flinging involved.

Name dropper is a lovely effect where a spectator’s signature jumps off a playing card on to your business card. It is a great way of getting your business card out and looks very magical. With almost no re-set it looks to have real potential for walkaround magic.

Switchback demonstrates another of Mark’s passions – magic with envelopes. This is a prediction effect which serves as a vehicle for demonstrating a useful switching envelope. The plot here – of the magician getting it wrong and then everything being corrected by magic seems to come up quite regularly in these two volumes.

Give me a number is a long lost cousin of an ACAAN effect – really a named card at given number. It requires a special deck and a bit of memory work. This one doesn’t really do it for me though it is not unpractical…

Instant Card Reversal – not a great mystery but a nice quickie which is one of the few effects in the book which can be performed impromptu with a borrowed deck. I can see myself using this.

The Unprint Button – a nice little packet trick where four cards become ‘unprinted’ with an extra surprise at the end. The plot here suits Mark’s rather gentle performance style very well. I like it, but it wouldn’t suit everyone.

Cards on Parade – just when you thought there couldn’t be any more variations on the Parade of the Kings/B’wave type effect here’s one more.

It’s a giveaway – this is the second routine in the book utilizing playing card sized business cards – this time in a neat in the spectator’s hand transposition. The two of them together are seriously tempting me to get some cards made up…

New Aces Through Newspaper – Does what it says on the tin. Not a plot which inspires me (nor suits my normal working environment) but a clean piece of table magic.

Thought Indicator Cards – a blank card prints itself to match a spectator’s selection. Really a vehicle for a nice visual little move.

Spin Out – after correctly reading the spectator’s mind to reveal his chosen card, the card itself then spins out of the boxed deck. There’s nothing amazingly innovative here but it is a very pleasing little effect which would work well in a strolling situation and could be done with a borrowed deck.

Pacey Aces – a very clean four ace effect utilising some faked aces.

Three Card Tricky – a queen vanishes from an envelope leaving your business card in its place amongst two other cards and re-appears in a previously empty wallet. This is ‘straight line’ magic which is easy to follow and easy to do.

Ultimate Jumbo Stretch – A jumbo card stretches between two others with a surprise kicker.

Brainstormer – this is a very nice effect where you and the spectator both freely select a card from a blank faced deck, and then the cards magically swap places and print themselves. A funny combination of ‘Do as I do’ and the ‘Brainwave’ and ‘Nudist Deck’. Well worth a look.

Final thoughts

This is a nice mixed bag of card magic and I think there really is something for everyone here. Many of the ideas lend themselves to your own variations. If I had a criticism it would be that many of the effects require special decks or set ups which make them ‘one trick wonders’ – but to some extent that is a payoff for keeping the working simple and the effects direct.

Mark is good on crediting sources and inspirations and provides clear (though brief) explanations of all the necessary moves and some alternative handlings are provided. He writes clearly and concisely which is always a bonus.

I think there is a danger that some magicians will avoid this kind of magic because it feels too straightforward – it is clear that Mark is more interested in magic that plays strongly for lay-people than in finger-flinging or impressing magicians. But to my mind that is the right way round – so I would encourage you to take a look. Only £15 and available direct from Mark Leveridge Magic.

Review of Volume 2 will follow shortly…

Special Update!  Mark is offering a special deal exclusively for readers of this site.  The normal price is £15 each volume, but he is offering us the two volumes together for £20.  This special deal is valid until the end of June 2013. To get the deal, you need to order direct from Mark Leveridge Magic and put ‘Bicycle Cards’ in the ‘Additional Comments’ box at the foot of the checkout page. You will initially pay the full price and then Mark will refund to your payment card £10.

The post Collected Card Magic of Mark Leveridge – Review appeared first on Bicycle Cards.