Price$37.00
Media TypeBook
CategoryClose Up
Date AddedMar 16, 2003
Life, Death, and Other Card Tricks
Neale, Robert E.
Hermetic Press
(Based on 2 reviews)
Reviews
(Top ▲)
I agree with everything in Sergeant's review. I want to focus on one specific routine: "Thirteen at Table". This book was recommended to me because I like to tell stories with my magic, and want to do more of this rather than performing tricks in the style of "hey, look at what I can do!".
I read most of the book: there is so much material to digest that I decided to stop reading and start working. I chose the "Thirteen at Table" routine because the story has some depth and drama. Eugene Burger has published good further thoughts on the routine. [Editor's note: See this link for Mr. Burger's thoughts.]
But I am finding the basic move difficult. It requires a Hammon count with a larger stack than Brother Hamman used to use, and it has taken me some months to get it to a stage where I can perform it confidently. Even so, I still rely largely on some misdirection during the move, rather than being confident that I can be burned while doing it.
Not all of the stories in this book resonate with me, but more than enough do. Most of the other pieces from his book that are on my learning list will be easier than "Thirteen at Table" because either the slieghts are simpler or because I already know them.
I am very glad I invested in this book. I purchase few books, but this was worth it.
I read most of the book: there is so much material to digest that I decided to stop reading and start working. I chose the "Thirteen at Table" routine because the story has some depth and drama. Eugene Burger has published good further thoughts on the routine. [Editor's note: See this link for Mr. Burger's thoughts.]
But I am finding the basic move difficult. It requires a Hammon count with a larger stack than Brother Hamman used to use, and it has taken me some months to get it to a stage where I can perform it confidently. Even so, I still rely largely on some misdirection during the move, rather than being confident that I can be burned while doing it.
Not all of the stories in this book resonate with me, but more than enough do. Most of the other pieces from his book that are on my learning list will be easier than "Thirteen at Table" because either the slieghts are simpler or because I already know them.
I am very glad I invested in this book. I purchase few books, but this was worth it.
(Top ▲)
This is a nicely printed, thick book containing 401 pages. That is a lot of card tricks. But, is it any good?
Well, what do you consider good. If you are looking for the newest, slickest, quickest card moves, move along in your search. If you are looking for fascinating and compelling presentations for card tricks, then this is your book.
What Robert Neal has done is take many standard or already existing card tricks and encased them into very unique and well thought out story lines. You will find a very interesting take on the Jonah Card where every one wins.
There is fun with the Homing Card principle, The Anniversary Waltz, Roy Walton’s Kaleidoscope, and on and on. I think you get the idea. What sets this book apart is the effort that is made to make the tricks not only theatrically entertaining but also steering away from the classic “magician wins / spectator loses” presentations.
Robert Neal gives a comprehensive list of references after each trick. This allows you to not only learn where the trick came from but also where the idea of the presentation came from. This is a valuable learning tool for those that wish to improve their presentational abilities.
This book is an absolute sleeper for real world performers. When this book came out in 2000, it was well received but not a big seller. I believe that is because it focused on theatrical presentation and not wild and crazy new tricks. It is like the difference between a good drama and a good action movie. This is the type of book that shows one how to take a ordinary card trick, put some dramatic direction into it and turn it into a moving and amazing presentation.
5 stars
Sergeant
Well, what do you consider good. If you are looking for the newest, slickest, quickest card moves, move along in your search. If you are looking for fascinating and compelling presentations for card tricks, then this is your book.
What Robert Neal has done is take many standard or already existing card tricks and encased them into very unique and well thought out story lines. You will find a very interesting take on the Jonah Card where every one wins.
There is fun with the Homing Card principle, The Anniversary Waltz, Roy Walton’s Kaleidoscope, and on and on. I think you get the idea. What sets this book apart is the effort that is made to make the tricks not only theatrically entertaining but also steering away from the classic “magician wins / spectator loses” presentations.
Robert Neal gives a comprehensive list of references after each trick. This allows you to not only learn where the trick came from but also where the idea of the presentation came from. This is a valuable learning tool for those that wish to improve their presentational abilities.
This book is an absolute sleeper for real world performers. When this book came out in 2000, it was well received but not a big seller. I believe that is because it focused on theatrical presentation and not wild and crazy new tricks. It is like the difference between a good drama and a good action movie. This is the type of book that shows one how to take a ordinary card trick, put some dramatic direction into it and turn it into a moving and amazing presentation.
5 stars
Sergeant