Tag: <span>George Guerra</span>

Another great publication

I first became aware of this journal because it was often referenced with Ed Marlo’s material. As a dedicated Marlophile, I obviously didn’t hesitated when this series was released in this convenient hard cover format. I decided on the Deluxe Editions, thinking they could prove more collectible, but also because the slip covers and leather binding made these books lovely to look at. The first volume was published by Richard Kaufman with the subsequent volumes released by Hermetic Press. Great contents and interesting historical notes on the magical scene of the time abound. IBIDEM was originally published in the 50′, 60’s , and early 70’s, I believe.

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The New Classic on Card Magic

These 4 volumes(now 5 and likely 6) need no reviews. Their status and reputation in the realm of Card Magic is well known. Anyone seriously contemplating card magic MUST have these books. For decades, the quintessential authority on card sleights have been the Hugard and Braue classic two texts, Royal Road to Card Magic and Expert Card Technique, but now the Giobbi has taken the crown with his series. I still recommend Royal Road for the beginner, though. Giobbi has done a fantastic job in describing the sleights and the illustrartions are great. Great teacher. Most Highly Recommended.

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Outstanding journal series

Apocalypse has been referenced many times for its outstanding contents. Years ago, I realized that its contents held a treasure trove of great magic from the big names in the art, but realized that I had "missed the boat" in not having subscribed to it early when it came out..couldn’t afford it at the time with a student budget. Was I excited when the news came out of its publication in such 4 convenient hard cover textbooks. I went for the Deluxe Editions and they are the pride of my library. It will take years to go through the entire 20 years of this publication but what wonders lie in those pages to be discovered. Truly a fantastic undertaking by Harry Lorayne and well written/illustrated as is the norm with Harry’s books.

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A well honored craftsman

For those who know Mel Babcock and his work, this is an excellent collection of stories, tidbits, descriptions, and pictures of his life and his workmanship. Mel builds some great items and his prices makes these pieces a real steal. His Nested Boxes and Instant Transposition, all handcrafted in exotic woods, are truly exceptional items and speak well of his skills.

The book is well written and adorned with black and white photos, but the color images of his magic towards the end of the book is a real treat. I liked the chapter detailing Mel’s steps in making a die box and the one describing the various exotic woods used in his apparatus. This is definitely a fact filled book on a wonderful man and his contribution to magic. Most highly recommended!! Only 500 copies were printed.

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A True Classic!!

This book requires no introduction nor review. Plain and simple, it’s a classic belonging in any card magic enthusiast’s library. I have mine next to Giobbi’s Card College series. Ed Marlo has contributed immensely to card magic and I am glad this series is now under one convenient hard cover book. I am particularly glad it was released as it nicely replaces the loose soft bound series I sold on ebay.

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A True Classic

In the Magic Cafe, someone asked the question, "If you could only keep 5 books or series of books, which would you keep?" Among the books in my answer was Richard’s Collected Almanac. The others were Lorayne’s Apocalypse volumes, Giobbi’s Card College series, Ibidem set, and all six volumes of Marlo’s Magazine. Collected Almanac is full of great magic from top names in the field. Richard Kaufman is no stranger to those who admire well illustrated and well published books on magic, so this is definitely a MUST in any library. BTW, the most popular answer was Paul Harris’ Art of Astonishment set.

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