Tmi!!!!

[kittynh]

I was at the worlds best used book store today looking for some used magic books as a gift for a friend that seems to like magic.

I found a couple of great books for my friend (one with an introduction by Orson Welles!). I then found a book with wonderful illustrations that I could use to make some cards, and in my artwork.

Problem is, I'm learning too much. I don't WANT to know how a trick is done. I'm not reading it, but even the illustrations are enough that I'm getting some tricks that I've seen done recently. No wonder magicians collect magic books, one of the tricks here was "reworked" by Penn and Teller, and I feel sad that I now "get" how it was done.


Still, the illustrations are not to be missed, so I will hope I don't "get" too much more!

If you see a copy of "Dunninger's Complete Encyclopedia of Magic" at least take a peek! And if you want to know how to do some tricks, it seems pretty clear, if I can understand a trick, then anyone can.

[Brown]

If you see a copy of "Dunninger's Complete Encyclopedia of Magic" at least take a peek! And if you want to know how to do some tricks, it seems pretty clear, if I can understand a trick, then anyone can.I believe I came across this book several years ago. The book I saw was oversized (with larger pages than most books) and had what I would call comic-book-like illustrations, considerably more detailed and realistic than the simple line drawings in many conjuring instruction books.

[kittynh]

yes, it's very nice. I kind of enjoy the drawings a lot. But the problem is you can follow a whole trick just be reading the "cartoon". Usually I find if I don't READ the directions I can't follow the trick.

Still, there is a great difference is knowing how a trick is done, and seeing a master doing it.

[Brown]

Still, there is a great difference is knowing how a trick is done, and seeing a master doing it.You are wise, Grasshopper! This is one of the most amazing things about the art of conjuring. So much of the entertainment is in the performance, rather than in the "secret." Some performers are so good that they are entertaining even if the secret is known!

One thing I remember about the Dunninger book is that although some of the effects are still performed today, some of the secrets are dated, if not totally obsolete. Today's performers would probably not use Dunninger's methods or props exactly as described.

[kittynh]

oh good!

though I love reading about the bunny from a hat. You know, that trick is just not performed in real life. I've never seen a magician pull a rabbit from a hat! I know, doves are easier to work with. But if I were a full time magician, I'd do the bunny trick.

At least Teller gives work to countless bunnies in his act.

[Ducky]

I equate that to several artists that I refuse to learn the music to their songs, because it completely destroys the "magic" of the music.

For example, I refuse to learn any Ani DiFranco songs because it would then ruin the mystique of her playing and writing style for me.

[Kiless]

You REALLY want too much information?

http://www.miraclefactory.org/AbbottInfo.html

I got the signed edition for someone special. :)

[kittynh]

Actually, I just kind of want a bunny....

[Kiless]

Dingoes eat bunnies! :(