Is the language identical? I've understood that Erdnase is difficult to comprehend and as I'm thinking about purchasing it I wouldn't be that happy if I then suddenly realised that, oh, I have no idea what he's saying.. I like the PDF, so is the language identical and by the way, are there more than one version of it?

Perhaps I should add this because of my last question; I have seen one book when a guy is holding a card, another that looks like a bee deck (which I thought was the only one until 15 minutes ago) and then another one, on that one it said by Erdnase / Hoffman. Probably a stupid question but can't help that

It's not a stupid question MagicKim, there are certainly a few versions out there but the text is mostly the same in each case. Differences are minimal at best.

The language in Erdnase is certainly different from the way most modern day English speaking writers write their stuff. It does require a bit more attention to detail than say reading a newspaper or a Stephen King book, but it is comprehendable. If English isn't your first language, some of the language may be tricky. I'd say buy it anyway, especially if it's not too expensive.

To my knowledge there is only one Expert At The Card Table, though there are many different editions due to it's being in the public domain.

Anyone can reproduce the original text in any form they choose, which is why there are paperback edtions, PDF and HTML editions, and even facimile editions which look like the original 1092 hardbound version.

If someone tells you it is hard to read ask them for an example of something they found difficult to understand. It may be that the topic (such as stock shuffling) is COMPLEX and requires careful attention rather than that the text is difficult to understand due to the language. It is one of the best written books on card work you will ever read.

It's very cheap so I'll definately buy it anyway =). I hope I'll find a good store with a low shipping fee as I live in Europe. Thank you.

Perhaps the Annotated Erdnase is the best idea.
I, for one, cannot get myself to get thru the book.
I drift off and start to become interested in other things.

But as I look up as I type and see Bill scolding me 2 posts up, I will take it to bed once again and give 'er a look-see.

Stock shuffling. I suppose I'll look for that.

Then again, it is 11:46PM. Perhaps that is part of the issue here.

I'll have a report in the morning.

p.s. And here I thought I was going to read about the eggbag.

As Frank suggests, take a look at one of the annotated versions. Dai Vernon did one and, more recently, so did Darwin Ortiz -- neither of them slouches in the card department.

Oh, whoever wrote the book was a helluva writer, & had a way with words. Very erudite, witty, sophisticated - good stuff. Heck I'd have read a novel by this guy any day.

Ok, so I read a section on .. what was it... stock shuffling. whatever it was I admit that it was well written and gave me some great ideas for naturally and easily stacking the deck. much easier and more natural than any other way I've tried.

Thanks Bill!