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Johnnymysto Regular user South Carolina 116 Posts |
I am getting back into the swing of things, and in the past few months I've gone to a convention and bought several books and effects. I already had quite a collection of books and effects from previous years Now I'm sitting back looking at it all, wondering where to begin. I'm trying to figure out which tricks to practice, which sleights to learn, which effects to pick out of all the books, etc. I don't want to waste my time learning out-of-date techniques, but the only way to find out is to try them. Does anyone have any pointers? Has anyone else been in this situation? Or have I just described the plight of all magicians?
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Turk Inner circle Portland, OR 3546 Posts |
Johnny,
I purchase a number of books "on the fly" because I am aware of the short shelf life and limited production runs of many of such books. I have a number of such books that are just waiting for me to pick them up and start reading. (and I'm reading as fast as I can.) I am very methodical and I usually pick up a book and read it cover to cover and try to categorize routines into categories. My most important category being listing any effect that I find has an entertaining presentation or plot AND which I feel fits my personality and ability. I then go back to this list of those effects and start working on them between my on-going research and reading. I buy very few magic tricks--having been burned too often by crap and impractical gimmicks and the necessity for having separate decks for each effect, etc. I try to concentrate on gimmicks that are self-contained and multi-faceted in application (such as IT, TT and magician's wax, etc.). But then, that's just me. Mike
Magic is a vanishing Art.
This must not be Kansas anymore, Toto. Eschew obfuscation. |
Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
It helps to find out what works for you before buying a pile of stuff.
The 'latest' might not work for you either. What was missing in the 'stuff' you had that made you feel a need to buy more 'stuff'? This is a chance for you to get a handle on your magic.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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Johnnymysto Regular user South Carolina 116 Posts |
Good comments, you guys. Turk, I have the same kind of approach when reading through a new book. I can tell which effects don't suit my style, or which ones just aren't interesting enough. Jonathan, great comment on the "stuff." Sometimes there's nothing missing - it's just the little kid in me wanting more stuff! What I'd really like to do right now is get 1 or 2 additional books that are REALLY good - ones by classic authors or good ones on how to better my performance. Then, I need to sit down and just catch up with all the buying I've done.
Thanks guys. |
Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Tell you what johnny...
When you are ready to learn... throw out ALL the 'stuff'... and pick up one good book which you work your way through. I suggest you consider Greater Magic or the Robert-Houdin book.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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Johnnymysto Regular user South Carolina 116 Posts |
Is Greater Magic still for sale anywhere?
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Woofledust New user Connecticut 76 Posts |
Johnny,
Greater Magic has been out-of-print since the mid-1990's. You might be able to find a copy from used book dealers. Mickey Hades had a couple, but they were early editions and were in the $200 - $225 range. I saw the five volume A. S. Barnes & Co. edition on Ebay recently. It had been bid to around $150 when I saw it but I don't know the final price. The last edition published would be the Kaufman & Greenberg one which I know was still on the shelves in 1995 or so at the then $75 retail price. You might find someone that would part with theirs for something less than what the "collectors editions" are going for. Good luck! |
Chris H Inner circle Melbourne, Australia 1364 Posts |
I empathise...
I have drawers full of tricks that I never perform. I find them boring, and believe my audience would agree. I'm currently on a quest to find the type of magic that suits me and my audience, and feels real. And I'm sick of being told that "a good magician can make any effect seem real". That is incorrect. I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again. There is nothing magical or artistic about sponge balls jumping from your hand into your spectators hand. Johnny, If you haven't already read it, check out Derren Brown's 'Absolute Magic'. It'll open your eyes as to how magic should be presented. Cheers guys! -- Topher |
Lyndel Inner circle wrote the theme to the TV show COPS! 1623 Posts |
Johnnymysto,
I agree that it can be overwhelming at times owning so much material about our art. But I disagree that reading about techniques that are no longer "the in thing" is a waste of time. You never know when you'll run across that little gem, that little nugget of inspiration that just so happens to be the missing piece to the puzzle that your show is missing. American author, Ursula K. LeGuin, once said, "It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end." Lyndel |
enriqueenriquez Inner circle New York 1287 Posts |
For a regular guy, the search of magic means the search for a miracle that solves all his problems.
For many magicians, the search of magic means the search for the perfect trick. The one that will silence all his insecurities. |
Mike Wild Inner circle NY, PA, TX, MA, FL, NC 1290 Posts |
Well put Enrique, and very insightful.
I find that to be true, just thinking about how I feel inside after a "bad night", as opposed to how I feel after a "good night" is proof enough for me that you're on target. Lately, Sun & Moon has been a pretty effect security blanket for me As to the question of this thread.... YES, I'm overwhelmed all the time. I have to use my pocket pc to organize my practice, rehearsal, and writing schedules, or I'd be too scattered and spread too thin to accomplish anything. Best, Mike |
Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
When does enough stuff become a pile of junk?
When does magic begin to change the magician? Where is the magic in stuff?
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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Turk Inner circle Portland, OR 3546 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-06-28 07:13, Jonathan Townsend wrote: I think I understand the points you have been trying to make in your many posts under this topic thread. And while, in principle, I generally agree with you, I draw a distinction between buying books and buying the latest gizmo/magic trick. Books, if properly used, can be a source of knowledge, inspiration, introspection and creativity as you carefully read and research the magic within. Books can also be a database source of comparative material and future creativity and ideas--but only if you have carefully read and analysed the book's contents. I take real delight in reading about a routine or effect and remembering a similar routine I read about 5-10 years ago and then digging up the old material for comparison. I also love reading about an effect which triggers some thought pattern in my mind which starts a "What if...?" or a "What would happen if...?" or a "Could this effect be combined with (another) effect I remebered from the past?", etc. To me, learning is a journey---not a destination. And, no knowledge is wasted if stored and retrieved at the appropriate "triggering" moment. The more and varied you read and learn, the more creative and receptive you will become. Of course, if you are just the reading and learning so as to learn the latest trick or move, and you are "throwing away" recently learned magic to make way for the "newest, latest and greatest", well then, disregard what I just wrote. But, if you are attempting to be serious in your magic education and knowledge, and are constantly seeking to hone or improve or "perfect" the magic that you do, books can be an invaluable never-ending source of inspiration, creativity and knowledge. Just IMHO. Mike
Magic is a vanishing Art.
This must not be Kansas anymore, Toto. Eschew obfuscation. |
Sven Rygh Inner circle Oslo, Norway. 1945 Posts |
I also have my share of stuff bought through many, many years.
I guess that I, as so many others, have been searching for perfect tricks and wholy grails. A lot of stuff bought and ment to be included in my act ended up in the drawer, just because something apparently even better and more interesting turned up. I also purchased rather much for "future acts" and for "just in case purposes" I kept searching and looking (well,- I still do, but have slowed radically down!!) until I realized that the mystery is not about the trick or prop, but about the performer's ability and talent to create it. Today my performances are almost propless, and I actually consider to give much of my stuff except my books away to the local Magic Junior Cirkle. I think it is wise to concentrate to what you do and refine that, in stead of keep running after the newest, coolest, most amazing. Such things will always turn up anyway. Doug Dyment wrote on his web site; "The hobbyist performs many routines for the same audiences. The professional performs the same routines for many audiences." Yes, indeed! Sven --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WWW.SVENRYGH.NO
"Keep it as simple as possible, - but no simpler" http://www.svenrygh.no/sven-rygh/presse/nrk-forst-og-sist/ http://www.svenrygh.no/video.html |
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