I am so sorry I did not buy this book sooner. Until reading “In A Class By Himself: The Legacy of Don Alan”, my exposure to Don Alan was unfortunately minimal. It is sad to say, like most of today’s magicians, my main exposure to Don Alan was the Stevens video along with the occasional mention by Eugene Burger. It is however fortunate that this video record of a true magic icon gives a real feel for the man and his magic. I had eyed the book on the magic shop’s bookshelf for a couple of years, the hundreds of freeze frame photos, along with script transcriptions from the video, lead me to believe it was just a rehash Stevens tape by Jon Racherbaumer. I was so wrong!

Yes, it does give a near frame by frame breakdown of Don Alan’s performance for Stevens, but it gives a whole lot more. Of course the effects from the video, along with Don’s Pretty Sneaky Act are fully explained. The real gold is that you don’t only get the effect, you get all the things that made him a legend along with it. All the sub-text, psychology and strategies, with complete breakdown of timing, control and momentum. This is a rare treat, to really get the whys and hows, not an instruction sheet. All in all you are treated to 41 complete presentations.

All magicians (yes, that means Ellusionist and Penguin trained magi as well) should read this for real insight into routining and performing. Learn about personal space and why Don Alan would have never done David Blaine style “Street Magic”. If you really read this book you will think about your magic differently – GUARANTEED!

I nearly forgot the heart felt introduction by Eugene Burger. Also included are scenes from Don Alan’s Magic Ranch television series with assorted photos. This is required reading!