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Gaz Lawrence Inner circle 5991 Posts |
I was fortunate enough to get a copy of this wonderful book by Mark . Mark kindly signed the hard back version as well for me and it is a fantastic book from cover to cover with some fantastic real life emotional stories brilliant routines , moves and thinking , and also some other great ideas by other top real world thinkers like Mark . An absolute must have IMO as it teaches you not only some great magic but also the pros and cons of being a full time professional performer etc by someone who has been there, is still there and has got the T shirt . A master class in every aspect 5 out of 5 stars from me best wishes Tarik 🙂
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
Thanks for those very kind words Tarik and it means all the more because I know that you don't pull your punches when something doesn't live up to expectations.
Mark |
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Gaz Lawrence Inner circle 5991 Posts |
Pleasure Mark I love this book and would recommend this and I will
continue to , to every magician I know it's pure quality . I am not massively into mentalism but I am to an extent but it offers so much more from wonderful effects and routines , great great thinking and illustrations ( which are rare these days ) real life emotional stories to power house routines and sleights from your good self and other highly respectable people . This is my to go to book to read and re read it's an invaluable source of information I truly love it Tarik 😊 |
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JanForster Inner circle Germany ... when not traveling... 4190 Posts |
I do not know Mark personal (but that will change next year...), so you will read an honest review. But we know each other quite well through mail and pm correspondence and being in several closed FB groups together, I should add. I got the collector's edition of his "Harpacrown" which is a beautifully laid out book. I have not been asked to write anything, but I feel that I have to.
I've read the book twice from cover to cover; one reason was my bad timing due to so many travel activities from my side, the other reason was simply that his book is that good. In order absorbing really everything that he offers you should come back to his work anyhow more than once. You must consider that you get to read and understand more than 300 pages filled with a lot of brain food and stimulation. The book is an easy read language wise, not so if you really rethink what Mark is offering. I will detail some points later. Already by the first chapter I was really touched. Mark tells us his story of life and you get straight away the feeling to know him from then on. Obviously, he was a very good professional magician before he made successfully his transit from magic to mentalism. Many try, but not all (I would even say only a few) succeed, he did as I knew before. His thinking, as you can guess influenced by some great names in the U.K. and U.S., is great and the one you need to have if you want to be a believable mentalist. One of the best magical teachers for him was his beloved father who was a quite famous magician. You must read it to understand why I was so touched by Mark's biography. Whatever you will read in his book you will find everywhere his deep and true love and respect for our art. There are several essays in the book which I almost like the most, also as Mark speaks from my own soul. All essays will help you becoming a better performer, rethinking things you do, changing views and behavior or simply helping you getting more respect for our art or other performers. And some will put you on the track asking yourself the right questions about your work to improve it significantly, finally to look for always missing justifications. "Magician’s Guilt" e. g. is such a great essay (and advice!!) which put a big smile in my face as I felt that I wrote it myself. I do not know precisely why Mark has written such a book, but I think he simply had to do. My deep respect. Is it a book for a beginner? I am not sure; if you are already some time into mentalism then certainly, or even a must read. On the other hand, Mark gives a lot of credits and recommendations what you should read and study. If someone is willing to follow his good advices he will benefit a lot from his book. Do not get me wrong, even without doing so or knowing the work of others to which Mark is pointing very clearly, you still will find enough material to do in his book and you learn important strategies. It even might put you in the state to recognize where you stay right now. And while some of his routines need commercial items (you should own or still must buy) other do not need. But at least as a non-owner it might give you an idea what you could achieve if you would use such items wisely. Apart one thing I am in the comfortable situation having all I would need. (But I should add in all fairness that I never have done any stuff created by others, at least not one to one. But I love stimulation and knowing the thinking of colleagues... adapting things the way I could use them personalized.) I want to mention a few specific chapters: If you are into PK stuff (particularly in coin bending) you'll find fantastic material in the book. Mark explains his "Chandaue Switch" which is a true thing of beauty and an extremely useful sleight. "Second Date" is a beautifully constructed effect and take on a classic theme around coins. And you learn to make up your own gimmicked envelops... very useful! "Numbers" is my favorite. Basically, it is a low-tech lottery prediction (or however you want to present it) which is truly fantastic. You will learn (if you do not know it already) "TOXICO" and its clever use in here - and an alternative I wasn't aware of. Great stuff. And something that made me think why should I still use my high-tech version... I think that this chapter alone is far more worth than the prize for the entire book. "Pictures" will give you several very clever ways to make up and use your own IMP "devices". Mark's "Nod to Pocket Pete" (inspired by Looch's "Nod to Pocket Watch" which was inspired then again by Bob Cassidy's "The Pocket Watch Premonition") is a gem and very practical. O. k., I still prefer my own version which has been published until now only in German ("Grapholgisches Gespuer", in "Final Mental Angehaucht", 2014)... "3 Phase RPS" is lovely, but you would need something additional I never liked as much as Mark does obviously. It is more a matter of pure taste, o. k. But then you find several adaptions and variations (!) for the "Out to Lunch" principle which I find outstanding good. The chapter "Commercial Effects" does exactly what it says - and at least I do not mind as I am a happy owner of all needed things. Again, a lot of smart thinking using props in different ways or far more sophisticated than originally intended (I liked "Glance" in particular). While there are no pipe dreams in the entire book until now (all material is truly tested and performed regularly by Mark) Mark still adds a chapter called "Brain Farts". While some may have mixed feelings about that, I don't. I like it a lot and find it very stimulating. We just had a discussion amongst German speaking mentalists about publishing also so called "brain farts"; the majority wished to see such more in print, quite interesting, I find... The last chapter of the book is big, although called "Bonus Content", containing 6 complete elaborated routines and principles for practical use by Mark himself (2), Mark Elsdon, John Carey, Michael Murray and Myke Phillips. Already just by the names you can guess that all material is at least very, very good. I personal find especially "One Thought Across" (John Carey) and Michael Murray's "Thought Unlinking" excellent. You can certainly guess that I like the book a lot; it is a great (and very personal) book, well and with great honesty written, and therefore I give it my highest recommendation. By the way, due to his book we booked Mark with a lecture for a small and exclusive mentalist convention over here in Munich/Germany for the next year (2017). Enough said. Jan
Jan Forster
www.janforster.de |
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Gaz Lawrence Inner circle 5991 Posts |
A fantastic review Jan you absolutely couldn't have put it better from the emotional real life story hook to an honest decent humble man who has done all this in under real world conditions and if top informed performers like yourself find it invaluable the rest of us which I have already found out are in for a real treat . It is one of those books that you will want to re read well I did purely because of the little nuances , looking up suggestive titles etc etc that Mark mentions and of course the time it took me at least to really soak in so much info . I have only met Mark the once in person which I very much hope to do again and this was prior to reading the book . Reading it bought a big smile to my face because it was so him and real as if he was reading it to me as once you have met him you will realise he has a heart of gold and is wonderful like I say but also a very humble character . Merry Christmas to all Tarik 😊
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JanForster Inner circle Germany ... when not traveling... 4190 Posts |
Here is a little story to show you how inspiring Mark's book can be... While writing these lines and being still on board a vessel for a cruise booking I was rereading Mark's essay "Making Sense of it all". In there he gives a concrete example for his thinking, using the commercial effect "KIOKU" by "Outlaw Effects" for pre s. ... and giving excellent justification for its use and a certain procedure in this context.
I do not own the effect, but of course know the principle behind . Everybody who has seen my Penguin lecture and there my routine "Destinations" (in my German publication called "Staedte-Reisen"...) knows that I produce a very strong final kicker using pre s. ... and therefore usually I perform a specific "strategy" which I could not use on here for various reasons. So inspired by Mark's essay I simply made up 4 little sheets of paper with various cities written on each page (8 per page...). I made them on a small or tiny pad I found in my cabin, even having advertising for the ship's company (AIDA cruises) printed on it. Officially I said that I had asked a lot of guests on here about destinations they would like to visit again... so I had my believable "intro", a lady was thinking of a city she would like to visit again, I could test her intuition, she never got the idea that I could know anything (but I knew then ... ...) and she could (had to!) even confirm never ever having written down anything... Jan
Jan Forster
www.janforster.de |
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LoveKey1988 Elite user 443 Posts |
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On Dec 18, 2016, JanForster wrote: Having her confirm that she never said anything to you or anyone else..and especially that she did not write anything down is really clever!! That will throw even other mentalists. |
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
Thanks for that wonderful review Jan and Tarik for yours. Jan your story perfectly illustrates the purpose of the book and particularly the making sense of it all chapter. The book is not about the effects even though they are all genuinely strong effects it is more about the thinking and principles behind them. In many cases the effects are merely vehicles to demonstrate or illustrate the concepts. I'm not a prolific creator, I create effects for the sole purpose of using them myself, or in some cases I have created effects for others to fit a specific slot in their act.
As far as is the book for a beginner, to that I answer an emphatic no. It's not that the effects are difficult or complicated, far from it, they are generally simple and very practical and almost all could be performed with no additional knowledge than that contained in the book. I think the one exception is Questions on the Pateo (one of my favourite creations despite being in the brain farts section due to not being fully worked over a number of years) This requires a billet sw***h and I made a concious decision not to teach one because it is a fundamental skill for which a beginner should be encouraged to read Anneman or Switchcraft or some of Bob Cassidy's work to fully understand billet sw****ing. There is far more to billet sw****ing than simply knowing a sw***h. However one should start with the fundamental, my book adds to them and in no way replaces them. A good grounding in the fundamentals allows the reader to appreciate the structure, subtleties and nuances within the book. Incidentally when it comes to the 3 phase RPS you may like that tool more once you see the 3 way paper in action in the routine. Several people at my lectures have said that they were not keen on that until they saw it in the effect, The 3 way version can be used very close. Incidentally you can use the very tool you normally use for Pr* s**w to do that 3rd phase instead of using the tool that I use. These days I use your strategy for close up and mine for stand up/stage if that makes sense. There is going to be a volume two and work has already started on it. Volume two will likely have more of a leaning towards stage than close up but there will likely be a few close up pieces in there. My go to close up effect Guessing to know you didn't make it into Harpacrown because it is very complex to explain and in theory it is not 100% (in something like 1000 performances I have not had a miss yet). Guessing to know you is one of my favourites and I believe one of Pete Turner's favourites because you are genuinely doing what you claim to do. It is a propless think of a card but you have a safety net because it is about the reading not the card. It did not go into Harpacrown because the criteria was practical and sure fire. Likewise my opener didn't go in because it requires thinking on ones feet and is most definitely not for the beginner. Volume two will include chapters on scripting, creativity and building an act, it will include some of my more challenging or risky effects but the majority will have the same surefire, simple and practical nature that are found in volume one. It also includes an ACAAN like no other. The brain farts in volume two will be more those moments on stage where my brain has completely let me down with funny results, I may include some friends brain farts moments with their permission, my dear old friend Nick Nickolas has had some of the funniest moments I've ever seen. I promise not to make anyone cry in Harpacrown 2 Mark |
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Gaz Lawrence Inner circle 5991 Posts |
Fantastic news Mark that volume 2 is in the pipeline 😊 I absolutely love volume 1 and it's causing a lot of problems at home with my kids as I can barely put the thing down and I am supposed to be wrapping up their Christmas pressies etc . Its great to read then re read Harpacrown and soak up all the little nuances as its all such valuable information . Not only that it's a b....dy good read . The Acaan in volume 2 sounds something very interesting I look forward to it however long it takes . Merry Christmas to all Tarik 😊
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
Ok it's Christmas Day and so I'm feeling generous. I have a signed collectors edition of Harpacrown the give someone as a gift. Here's the catch, you can't nominate yourself but feel free to nominate someone you think really deserves a nice Christmas pressie or someone that could really use a pick me up right now. I will select from the nominees one or more people to receive the book.
Happy Christmas all!! Mark |
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The Mac Inner circle 1982 Posts |
I nominate Nesfech, I heard the dude could use a hug.
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
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On Dec 25, 2016, Mark_Chandaue wrote: Interesting, when I offered to send out several chapters for free I got over 100 pm's from people wanting the free chapters. However when I asked people to nominate someone else for a free signed collectors edition not a single response other than the joke about Nefesh needing a hug. I ended up finding a few people deserving a pick me up, including a kid hanging out at the bar at the session because he couldn't afford to register. It just saddens me slightly that people are quick to jump in when they stand to get something for free but very reticent when choosing someone else to be the beneficiary. Fortunately I have witnessed extreme generosity from many members of this community including (but not limited to) Steve Haresign, Steve Woods, Steve Rowe, Steve Dela, Steve Young (hmm do you see a theme here?) Sean Waters, Pete Turner, Michael Murray and more others than I could count and so my faith in this community remains intact. I shall assume that as my offer was posted on Christmas Day most were in a similar state of inebriation to me and too busy enjoying the festivities with loved ones to notice this post. However the offer still stands, one signed collectors edition to somebody who would really benefit from it because they have had a rough ride lately and need a boost. Cheers, Mark |
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jerdunn Inner circle 1735 Posts |
How about Bob Cassidy? I nominate him.
Cheers, Jerry |
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
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On Jan 24, 2017, jerdunn wrote: Good call Jerry but I sent Bob a copy as soon as it was released to say thank you for all he has done for the art. Mark |
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kissdadookie Inner circle 4275 Posts |
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On Jan 23, 2017, Mark_Chandaue wrote: One would have to have assumed that you did, or else that would make you a terrible person to not send a copy to one of the greatest mentalists we've had ever. Kidding kidding, partially (about the terrible person part of course) |
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jerdunn Inner circle 1735 Posts |
Great, Mark -- glad you did that, and nice of you.
Cheers, Jerry |
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Adam Hince Special user Pittsburgh, PA 509 Posts |
Hi Mark,
I only now just saw this post. If you haven't already given it out, I'd nominate Sudo Nimh. I have no idea of his real name, but he too have been known to give freely and based on his recent posts, has been going through some stuff. Happy New Year, brother! -Adam |
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
Hi Adam,
Another great choice but again I've already already sent Sudo a copy. I think those that we all know about there is a high chance that I've sent them one. But I think many of us know a good person that's had a bad time but maybe they don't have the profile to bring their plight to our attention. It's to those that I would like to give some gesture that says "you aren't on your own, we care". Mark |
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Mb217 Inner circle 9520 Posts |
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On Jan 25, 2017, Mark_Chandaue wrote: Good show Mark, and I look forward to reading your new book. "Magician's Helping Magicians" In the mean time, it's things like this, like your kind initiative and thoughtfulness, that make me proud to be here.
*Check out my latest: Gifts From The Old Country: A Mini-Magic Book, MBs Mini-Lecture on Coin Magic, The MB Tanspo PLUS, MB's Morgan, Copper Silver INC, Double Trouble, FlySki, Crimp Change - REDUX!, and other fine magic at gumroad.com/mb217magic
"Believe in YOU, and you will see the greatest magic that ever was." -Mb |
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Adam Hince Special user Pittsburgh, PA 509 Posts |
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On Jan 25, 2017, Mark_Chandaue wrote: Mark, Thanks, but maybe you could just share a list of people who you haven't already extended a random act of kindness to; might be a shorter list! Ha! You're a good man. That's why I like you, brother! |
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