So here’s my review of this very unusual magic book. I have a feeling it will be, as we say in the United Kingdom, a Marmite kind of a book – you’ll either love it or hate it. It isn’t like a ‘normal’ magic book in that it isn’t just a book of tricks, or even a book of essays on magic theory. Instead, it is a strange combination of the two, arranged as a series of daily readings.

If you are familiar with his earlier release – Secret Agenda – then you will know exactly what to expect. And it is self-consciously in the same mode.

No Hidden Agenda?

It is a beautifully presented hard bound book (approximately 24×21.5x3cm if you’re the sort of person who’s bothered about these things, or are worried about shelf space!) – very closely matching the style of Secret Agenda – but in dark grey/black with white and silver design rather than the burgundy colour of its predecessor. Vanishing Magic are to be commended for so closely matching the style of a book from another publisher.

As I’ve mentioned it is arranged into daily entries – one for each day of the year – most of which take a single page, but some are a couple of pages long.

These entries include some tricks, some questions to ponder, advice born out of decades of experience, quotes gathered from within and outside of the magical community, some ideas for presentations to try out, thoughts on magical theory, and sometimes even just a photo. There are plenty of photographs and illustrations and the whole thing is very pleasingly set out.

I love the way it has been written to provoke thought and stimulate you to creativity and imagination with your own magic. But if you’re the sort of person who simply loves to know how tricks are done or to slavishly copy someone else’s routine, it may not be for you.

I’m sure that you would get the most value out of Hidden Agenda by strictly observing an entry a day and truly pondering over the content. For me, when I’m into something I enjoy I can’t help ploughing on – so I’m reading many days at a sitting. But I’m sure I’ll come back to it again many times.

Learning from a master

Giobbi is a master teacher as is displayed in his Card College series – which is truly the definitive way to learn card handling for magicians. But at this point in his career, you are also gleaning from the benefit of many years of performance experience.

Hidden Agenda is a delightful read, and I suggest that if you have been fortunate enough to be given some money or magic shop vouchers for Christmas that you rush straight out and buy a copy. And if you order it quick, you can start reading on January the 1st and make it a new year’s resolution to keep going!

In case you haven’t realised this, I’m a great fan of Hidden Agenda, which is available direct from MagicShop.co.uk for £44.50 (at the time of writing)

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

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Our first suggestion is for a youngster just getting interested in magic and looking for their first set. This collection includes some great card magic and coin magic and would make an excellent introduction to the art. £29.99
Our second suggestion is for a magic enthusiast. He probably has a box of magic stuff he never uses, and you don’t know what to buy him. Well Think by Shin Lim has only just hit the shops in the UK. It’s a stunning new card prediction effect and looks devestating. £24.99

Our final suggestion is a wonderful magic book. It is something we’ve mentioned before, but we mention it again because it would make a great Christmas present – in time for the new year. Secret Agenda is a collection of 366 daily readings to make you think more deeply about your magic. Full of wonderful tips and stimulating ideas, but the author of the famous Card College series of books. £34.99 for a year’s worth of learning!

PS – don’t forget you can have a chance of winning some classy Bicycle Cards in our Christmas Competition!

The post Trick of the Month – December 2011 appeared first on Bicycle Cards.

(For lower price alternatives you might consider looking here).

If you’re looking for more in the way of stocking fillers, these Bicycle Transducers (LAVA Edition) would be a really unusual deck of cards for anyone interested in card magic. This limited edition pack is designed by the k3 studio in Japan. £6.95

And if you’re the sort that would rather curl up with a book (and I’m one of them) – this would make a WONDERFUL and most unusual Christmas gift. It’s a beautifully produced book of ‘daily readings’ from Roberto Giobbi – 365 readings covering all aspects of our wonderful art – from the technical mechanics, to business strategy, and more general thoughts and tips. A goldmine from the author of the wonderful Card College series of books. Secret Agenda will keep you stimulated all the year round. £35.95

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