Price$35.00
Media TypeBook
CategoryGeneral, Close Up, Philosophy
Date AddedMar 16, 2003
Shattering Illusions
Jamy Ian Swiss
Hermetic Press
(Based on 3 reviews)
Reviews
(Top ▲)
The problem with a book of opinions is that, nearly without fail, the reviews of the book tend to be reviews of the opinion; hence, if you disagree with the author, the book sucks and if you agree with the author, the book is a godsend.
This is especially true with any book in which the author attacks his targets with cynical, sarcastic prose. Hence, this is especially true with Shattering Illusions by Genii's book reviewer Jamy Ian Swiss.
I received this book for Christmas and have read it a couple of times since then. Being that this is a book of opinions written in the afore-mentioned cynical, sarcastic style it is only fair that I admit my bias right now: Often, I agree with what Mr. Swiss has to say. A lot of magic DOES suck, a lot of magicians give FAR too much thought to how they will raise the money for the latest trick or video and not NEARLY enough thought to how they will present the material, a lot of magicians COMPLETELY disregard the desires of the audience, etc. At least, that is my opinion. See how self-righteous, self-important and downright obnoxious that sounds if you don't agree with it? That is the downside of writing opinions on paper: it is nearly impossible to NOT seem like a jerk to those who disagree with you.
Yes, Mr. Swiss does seem to be providing a right-way/wrong-way system. Yes, this is hypocritical and contradictory in relation to some of his opinions of other similar "theory and philosophy" books of magic. But, then again, like is hypocritical and contradictory, as are the people who reside in it.
As a magician who believes, as I stated, that too little thought is given to MANY aspects of our craft, I stand fully behind ANY work that will make you truly think and introspect. Agree with it or not, Mr. Swiss raises some valid points, points you to some valid questions and offers some solutions (though they are often presented as facts, not possibilities).
Overall, I think this book is important for many magicians to read; sadly, those that need it most won't give it a second look...
This is especially true with any book in which the author attacks his targets with cynical, sarcastic prose. Hence, this is especially true with Shattering Illusions by Genii's book reviewer Jamy Ian Swiss.
I received this book for Christmas and have read it a couple of times since then. Being that this is a book of opinions written in the afore-mentioned cynical, sarcastic style it is only fair that I admit my bias right now: Often, I agree with what Mr. Swiss has to say. A lot of magic DOES suck, a lot of magicians give FAR too much thought to how they will raise the money for the latest trick or video and not NEARLY enough thought to how they will present the material, a lot of magicians COMPLETELY disregard the desires of the audience, etc. At least, that is my opinion. See how self-righteous, self-important and downright obnoxious that sounds if you don't agree with it? That is the downside of writing opinions on paper: it is nearly impossible to NOT seem like a jerk to those who disagree with you.
Yes, Mr. Swiss does seem to be providing a right-way/wrong-way system. Yes, this is hypocritical and contradictory in relation to some of his opinions of other similar "theory and philosophy" books of magic. But, then again, like is hypocritical and contradictory, as are the people who reside in it.
As a magician who believes, as I stated, that too little thought is given to MANY aspects of our craft, I stand fully behind ANY work that will make you truly think and introspect. Agree with it or not, Mr. Swiss raises some valid points, points you to some valid questions and offers some solutions (though they are often presented as facts, not possibilities).
Overall, I think this book is important for many magicians to read; sadly, those that need it most won't give it a second look...
(Top ▲)
I purchased this book from Jamy following his performance at the Rockefeller Center. After reading the book, it was obvious that Jamy takes to heart everything he opines in his book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is well written and thought provoking. It made me take inventory of not only what magic I do but why I do it and what I want to do in the future. At the very least, the book offers an excellent approach to self assessment and an approach to improving as a magician.
As with any vitriolic rants, they only sting when they ring true. Along with the Fitzke trilogy, Strong Magic and Our Magic, I feel richer for having read Shattering Illusions.
I have recommended this book to my friends.
Charlie Gillan
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is well written and thought provoking. It made me take inventory of not only what magic I do but why I do it and what I want to do in the future. At the very least, the book offers an excellent approach to self assessment and an approach to improving as a magician.
As with any vitriolic rants, they only sting when they ring true. Along with the Fitzke trilogy, Strong Magic and Our Magic, I feel richer for having read Shattering Illusions.
I have recommended this book to my friends.
Charlie Gillan
(Top ▲)
I did not like this book. In my opinion this was one long rant, and not a well structured one at that. The advertisements state, "insightful and occasionally incendiary essays" however incendiary could be replaced with malicious. One gets the feeling as you read his book that there is only one standard for good and he has the monopoly on that standard.
Mr. Swiss's style is condescendingly colorful and at times mean spirited. There seems to be some contradictions or at the very least some unfinished thoughts. In one essay Mr. Swiss states that secrets are not a moral issue. Any one can own a secret and the real power is in how you wield that secret. Then later, in another essay he attacks the video magic world for putting so many secrets in the hands of the public.
At times, his essays ramble with a strong odor of self-importance as he talks of his skills and name drops for reasons not quite clear to the reader. The book also contains a large helping of creative name-calling that simply has a bad taste in my mouth.
There are some solid thought foundations in the book "Why magic sucks" and "Odometer Ethics" are two of them, but I am not sure that we need to be insulting and self-absorbed to make the point.
I think if someone wants to learn how to increase their performance skills and gain conceptual thinking in magic then read one of the following books:
Strong Magic
Our Magic
Anything by Eugene Burger
Brain Food
Save your money and purchase a book takes the high ground, this books seems to be the magical equivalent of a Howard Stern show.
Sergeant
Mr. Swiss's style is condescendingly colorful and at times mean spirited. There seems to be some contradictions or at the very least some unfinished thoughts. In one essay Mr. Swiss states that secrets are not a moral issue. Any one can own a secret and the real power is in how you wield that secret. Then later, in another essay he attacks the video magic world for putting so many secrets in the hands of the public.
At times, his essays ramble with a strong odor of self-importance as he talks of his skills and name drops for reasons not quite clear to the reader. The book also contains a large helping of creative name-calling that simply has a bad taste in my mouth.
There are some solid thought foundations in the book "Why magic sucks" and "Odometer Ethics" are two of them, but I am not sure that we need to be insulting and self-absorbed to make the point.
I think if someone wants to learn how to increase their performance skills and gain conceptual thinking in magic then read one of the following books:
Strong Magic
Our Magic
Anything by Eugene Burger
Brain Food
Save your money and purchase a book takes the high ground, this books seems to be the magical equivalent of a Howard Stern show.
Sergeant