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Allan Kardek Regular user Toronto 194 Posts |
Hey folks,
I've been reading a lot of post in this particular forum in the past few days, and I must say, out of all the Café's forums, this one has to be the most informative and helpful. But I do have a question about some upcoming purchases I might make. I tempted to pick up Capricornian Tales, but I was wondering what the difficulty level is on this book? Can a novice in Bizarre Magic easily understand the methods or do I need to pick up something else? Thanks in advanced! |
Nightmare Weaver New user The Shadows 62 Posts |
BIzarre Magick is not something you decide whether you want to do instead of card magic. Bizarre Magick is something you get into after years of being in the trenches of "general" magic. You have to get a firm grounding in "general" magic first.
So as to your question the answer is it's too difficult. All matter on Bizarre Magick is too difficult if you haven't put in the "YEARS" of general practice. My recommendation would to pick up books and dvd's on general magic first (ie. Daryl's Encyclopedia of Card Magic DVD's or Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic book) and completely absorb the info in those first. Not busting your hump. Just trying to be helpful. A lot of tomes on Bizarre Magick expect you to already know the slieghts involved and instructions are not given a lot of times.
In the shadows, just on the edge of your nightmares. That's where you'll find me.
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Phil Thomas Inner circle Newark, Ohio 1117 Posts |
Might I suggest "The Book of Haunted Magick" by Rick Maue? This book is chock full of bizarre tips and tricks and is also a very entertaining and inspiring read for those who wish to join "the dark side". Capricorn Tales is very good from what I have heard. Although I don't own it, I plan to very soon so I can't really give an honest opinion about it.
"If we lose the sense of the mysterious, life is no more than a snuffed out candle."
Albert Einstein |
ptbeast Special user Oregon 831 Posts |
While I enjoyed Capricorn Tales immensely, I would not recommend it
as your first introduction to bizarre magic. I would second Phil's recommendation of Haunted Magic, and would also add the Black Book series by Black Hart. All of these books provide a good look at how to put a bizarre routine together while giving you a good base of practical magic that is not overly difficult technically so that you can concentrate on performance. While I agree with Nightmare that you should not neglect the non-bizarre tomes, I do think it is possible for a beginner to look to the bizarre. Just remember that there is much more to practice for a bizarre performance than simply learning the slights necessary for a routine. Read through this forum for a while and you will get many good ideas. Welcome. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future. Dave |
Almost Amazing Doug New user Pullman, WA 78 Posts |
I agree with ptbeast regarding Capricornian Tales - it does assume a good working knowledge of general magic.
However, I respectfully disagree with Nightmare Weaver. Well, conditionally, anyhow. If you are a good story teller, perhaps with some theater under your belt, and if you already creep people out with nothing but a good tale, then you can have success in bizarre magic by including even the most rudimentary effects. On the other hand, sometimes even the most accomplished of "normal" magicians won't do well at bizarre because it just doesn't fit their persona. To better understand the theater aspect of bizarre magic - which really is the all important thing here - Eugene Burger's book Spirit Theater is excellent. The effects included are mostly basic and well explained...and few in number. However, the real beauty of Eugene's tome is his explanation of all the things that make good bizarre magic besides the tricks themselves. Spirit Theater may be difficult to find (I believe it's out of print), but if you run across a copy somewhere, do get it. Best regards, Doug |
sinnead zenun Elite user Mt. Makiling 408 Posts |
Capricornian tales is excellent, but not exactly for the novice...
I also suggest book of haunted magick and eugene goes bizarre... |
aquariusmagic Regular user England 122 Posts |
Whilst not exactly disagreeing with the above, I would say that Capricornian Tales is worth buying if only for inspiration, even if some of the effects are beyond your current skill level (not assuming they are of course). It fires the imagination like little else.You will treasure it for years to come.
regards Francis |
Allan Kardek Regular user Toronto 194 Posts |
Sorry for the late reply (I've been a busy boy!)
Thanks for all the responses. I decided not to buy the book as of yet. I picked up Derren Brown's Absolute Magic and Corinda's 13 Steps.. instead. I do have a few years experience in general magic, but probably no where near all of you guys experience so I do take all of your suggestions seriously. Thanks again! |
Clifford the Red Inner circle LA, California 1941 Posts |
Bizarre is more theatrical than trick. Acquire info and skills on communication, acting, scripting, and directing. For a beginner, a great path is reading and viewing the works of Eugene Burger. He'll straighten out your priorities
"The universe is full of magical things, waiting for our wits to grow sharper." Eden Philpotts
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