Self-Working Table Magic

Fulves, Karl

Dover

(Based on 1 review)
97 mystifying tricks done with ordinary objects that can be borrowed from the audience. Make coins appear or disappear; matchsticks jump into the air; classic cups and balls; pierce balloons without bursting them; plus tricks with dice, rubber bands, eggs, safety pins, pens and pencils, more. 185 illustrations.

Reviews

Stephan Sloan

Official Reviewer

Sep 23, 2022

Effect

Self-Working Table Magic is a book that contains 97 tricks using everyday objects. The items used for these effects are coins, match sticks, dice, rubber bands, safety pins, handkerchiefs, cloth napkins, pencils, pens and other objects found lying around the house, office or restaurant.

Method

The concept of this collection is to be able to perform at a moment’s notice with objects that would be viewed as unexceptional and innocuous. Although many tricks in this book would be considered by some as bar bets, puzzles and gags, don’t underestimate the power of a presentation made with an object(s) most people would not even notice. Like any other magic trick, the secret to success is familiarity, fluidity and presentation.

Product Quality

The book is a paperback book of standard quality. Every trick is written up in the most basic way. At least a half page, to a page and a half, is devoted to each trick. The book is formatted in such a way that mini shows can be created by stringing one effect with the next. Very little dialogue is offered. The writing and presentations are dated although that should not keep you from purchasing it. If there is a presentation, more than likely you will need to be polish it up to bring it to today’s cultural standards and expectations.

Ad Copy Integrity

As far as ad copy integrity goes, the books easily matches up to all claims.
The description of the book parallels the succinct writing style used to present these “illusions”. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is the saying and it applies to this book as well. Many magicians will turn their nose up at what is offered here because in their view the tricks are “too simplistic”. Many well-known performers created masterpieces from such simple tricks.

Suggestions

If you would like to see how a simple trick can be turned into a masterful performance, I highly recommend Five Minutes With A Pocket Handkerchief by Quentin Reynolds and The Pennies by Giovanni Livera. In both instances you can see how an artist can turn a silly trick into a stellar performance piece.

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