Price$2.00
Media TypeBook
CategoryGeneral
Date AddedJan 31, 2004
Cups, The
(Based on 1 review)
Soft cover, 48 numbered pages.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
I was in grade school when this book first came out. I didn't know about it until I was in my twenties. I'm quite glad to see that it's still available, and that it's listed here on MLA. So much GOLD for the staggering price of 2$! Let me explain why I'm taking the time to review a booklet, which noone ever recommended to me-compared with Dai Vernon's routine, (and other works on the subject): the presence of Mohammed Bey's version of the trick.
Roy Fromer put this booklet together, and accurately notes the contrast of his own light, carefree approach to magic-and Beys serious, scholarly approach. Indeed, the work is two books in one-Fromer's novel ideas, many of which I'd never use-and Bey's 'Cups of Cairo', which takes more patient reading, study and practice. Fromer includes suggestions about dressing the cups and balls with holiday flavor (Xmas, Halloween); tips on making a set of paper 'hobo' cups; specially prepared paper or styrofoam cups with holes in the back, and/or half bottom additions for loads; different ways to paint cups-stuff that anyone with a bit of creativity may come up with. There are a couple of vanishes from Fromer here that I have found to be effective-and a very pretty opening sequence from British magician Tony Shields, where the wand produces the balls from the hand in very deceptive ways. Also included, is the simple routine that Carl Brema published when he marketed his cups way back when. Sprinkled throughout, are reproductions of woodcuts and engravings showing magicians from the middle ages, performing the effect. Made me want to revisit my art history books! The authentic Hindu Cups moves and routines, are more kernals of gold in my opinion.
The final section is devoted to Bey-who passed away just prior to the publication of this work. Bey's routine is quite different than Vernon's, although ends with the classic production of three pieces of fruit. Having only recently found this book again, it Bey's routine that motivated me to tracking it down (having learned the routine 15 years ago). I basically wanted an alternative cups and balls routine, and, this one is most effective yet accessable. It relies more on subleties than sleights. Like anything I've studied of Mohammed Bey, the man's attention to detail is incredible-every descriptive word and sentence, is relevant. No waste.
So, I recommend this booklet to anyone interested in, or, who already performs cups and balls-more so for Bey's routine, thankfully preserved by Roy Fromer.
Roy Fromer put this booklet together, and accurately notes the contrast of his own light, carefree approach to magic-and Beys serious, scholarly approach. Indeed, the work is two books in one-Fromer's novel ideas, many of which I'd never use-and Bey's 'Cups of Cairo', which takes more patient reading, study and practice. Fromer includes suggestions about dressing the cups and balls with holiday flavor (Xmas, Halloween); tips on making a set of paper 'hobo' cups; specially prepared paper or styrofoam cups with holes in the back, and/or half bottom additions for loads; different ways to paint cups-stuff that anyone with a bit of creativity may come up with. There are a couple of vanishes from Fromer here that I have found to be effective-and a very pretty opening sequence from British magician Tony Shields, where the wand produces the balls from the hand in very deceptive ways. Also included, is the simple routine that Carl Brema published when he marketed his cups way back when. Sprinkled throughout, are reproductions of woodcuts and engravings showing magicians from the middle ages, performing the effect. Made me want to revisit my art history books! The authentic Hindu Cups moves and routines, are more kernals of gold in my opinion.
The final section is devoted to Bey-who passed away just prior to the publication of this work. Bey's routine is quite different than Vernon's, although ends with the classic production of three pieces of fruit. Having only recently found this book again, it Bey's routine that motivated me to tracking it down (having learned the routine 15 years ago). I basically wanted an alternative cups and balls routine, and, this one is most effective yet accessable. It relies more on subleties than sleights. Like anything I've studied of Mohammed Bey, the man's attention to detail is incredible-every descriptive word and sentence, is relevant. No waste.
So, I recommend this booklet to anyone interested in, or, who already performs cups and balls-more so for Bey's routine, thankfully preserved by Roy Fromer.