Books

Supercharts · 2nd August 2003, 10:48 AM

Abracadabra! by Nathaniel Schiffman. 1-57392-163-7 Prometheus Books.

This is a well written book about magic. It doesn't so much explain how the tricks are done but the methods magicians and others use to deceive the audience.
The author has queried Randi, Penn & Teller and many others on this subject.
History of magic, being 'honest', misdirection (both on and off the stage). Excellent overall.

BrianT · 3rd August 2003, 02:58 AM

You should add how the book takes the methods used by magicians and shows how they are used by politicians, in advertising, and such.

Supercharts · 6th August 2003, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BrianT
You should add how the book takes the methods used by magicians and shows how they are used by politicians, in advertising, and such.

You are correct. I'm about 40% through the book and it's astounding on how a magician 'sells' a trick and everyday examples such as politics, car salespeople, Corporationes etc. use the same methods. I especially liked the description of 'brainwashing' during wartime to force people to re-evaluate their beliefs and gradually come to a point where they repudiate their basic beliefs and start to believe lies.

Brown · 7th August 2003, 09:45 AM

I note the book is available on Amazon.com. The Amazon site includes an excerpt (with a bit of a quirk) and a brief review from Scientific American.

I may have to add this book to my shopping cart.

2nd August 2003, 10:48 AM	#1
Supercharts Graduate Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 1,184	Books Abracadabra! by Nathaniel Schiffman. 1-57392-163-7 Prometheus Books. This is a well written book about magic. It doesn't so much explain how the tricks are done but the methods magicians and others use to deceive the audience. The author has queried Randi, Penn & Teller and many others on this subject. History of magic, being 'honest', misdirection (both on and off the stage). Excellent overall.

3rd August 2003, 02:58 AM	#2
BrianT Bitter Old Coot Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Georgetown, TX Posts: 111	You should add how the book takes the methods used by magicians and shows how they are used by politicians, in advertising, and such.
	__________________ "I hate my interests." -Ghost World "Reality is a sandwich I did not order."-Zippy the Pinhead "What a stupid world."-Calvin

7th August 2003, 09:45 AM	#4
Brown Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Twin Cities, Canada Posts: 9,025	I note the book is available on Amazon.com. The Amazon site includes an excerpt (with a bit of a quirk) and a brief review from Scientific American. I may have to add this book to my shopping cart.
	__________________ Klaatu: I'm impatient with stupidity. My people have learned to live without it. Mr. Harley: I'm afraid my people haven't. I am very sorry. I wish it were otherwise. -- The Day The Earth Stood Still, screenplay by Edmund H. North "Don't you get me wrong. I only want to know." -- Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, lyrics by Tim Rice

6th August 2003, 08:57 AM	#3
Supercharts Graduate Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 1,184	Quote: Originally posted by BrianT You should add how the book takes the methods used by magicians and shows how they are used by politicians, in advertising, and such. You are correct. I'm about 40% through the book and it's astounding on how a magician 'sells' a trick and everyday examples such as politics, car salespeople, Corporationes etc. use the same methods. I especially liked the description of 'brainwashing' during wartime to force people to re-evaluate their beliefs and gradually come to a point where they repudiate their basic beliefs and start to believe lies.