Month: July 2018

I’m not 100% sure why Johnny Hart had such am impact on me, but I remember being so mesmerized by his magic. He would sometimes perform the same effects as other world-class magicians but when they were in Johnny’s hands I swear he used different methods unique to himself, because the magic looked so much better. When you watched Johnny Hart you were inspired to work harder on your own act because he always delivered and made you want to do better.

Stephen Short has put together an amazing account of the life and magic of Johnny Hart which will surely be loved by any one who was lucky enough to see Johnny, or just heard about this incredible performer. He truly was in a class of his own, and this book brings all the great memories I had of Johnny back. Thank-you Stephen for taking the time to put together such a wonderful tribute to one of the all time great performers of our time.

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What a beautiful set of books featuring the unique and amazing creations of the talented Gaetan Bloom. I rarely buy books these days but every now and then I spot a few that I think should be in my longer term library for those times in my future when I finally settle down and have time to practice and read all that I have missed!

A set that takes a unique look into the fertile mind of Gaetan Bloom. These books have been years in the making. Over 150 effects about Stage Magic, Close up, Illusions, Cabaret and Mentalism. Hundreds of beautiful James Hodges drawings. Historic photos of Gaetan and many great magicians. All of Gaetan´s lecture notes.

Rounding out the surfeit of magic are intros from Todd Karr, Kevin James and Gaetan Bloom; a few essays by Gaetan; chapters on Gaetan’s marketed items (the Intercessor, the Escorial Monte, the Escalator); and a two-chapter appreciation of Winston Freer.

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I’ve been meaning to get the full set of Bascom Jones’ masterpiece for some time and finally broke down and brought a set from the publisher and my good friend George Robinson. One day in the not too distant future I hope to have time to fully read these volumes and experience the the real Magick! These volumes are beautifully produced with over 2400 pages of material culled from 1000’s of contributions by the best thinking performers in Magic and Mentalism. Over 1400 effects!

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This item is the brainchild of the the talented Norwegian Øyvind Kaurstad and it has been causing quite a stir over at the Cafe and on YouTube. Check-out Rob Rand’s wonderful video to view the action!

It is a very clever device built to some pretty tight tolerances using a Digital Printer and some people even prefer it to Richard Gerlitz’s Family Ties which of course was based upon Ian Ogilvey Blocks of San Yen. There is no doubt it looks very convincing. I found setting it up to be a pain, but Øyvind assures me it gets easier with practice. This is one of those effects where the set-up is harder than the performance for sure. If you have poor eye-sight, arthritis or lack of patience I would not recommend this item, because you may struggle to set it up. I will say that Øyvind provides excellent printed and online instructions to help with the set-up and it certainly makes it easier if you watch the video first.

Once you have it set-up you have a rare and amazing fooler on your hands for sure!

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I love this item from Thomas! More magical and more convincing than any item like it (even than the beautiful Mystery of the Pyramids Outdone by Wellington). It is just 6″ high and you can show inside the the tube before and after each move, you can separate the cubes during the routine, and you also have the cubes changing color at the end too!

I think it is one of the cleverest things that Thomas has put out in the last few years. Really clever magic and now hard to find.

Great Job Thomas!

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