I need help finding where to obtain some of Burger's older books. I have Performance of Close-up already. I would like to add some of his others but am having a hard time finding some like Spirit Theater and Strange ceremonies. A little help please.

Samuel

Try H&R Magic Books, Aladdin Books, Mario Carrandi, Andy Greget, Byron Walker, Kenna Thompson, etc. Check ebay regularly. Check with the Café's own Mitch, who often has books for sell and for auction on ebay. Just keep your eyes peeled!

I know that his earlier works were bound into a single volume and published a few years ago. It's called, "Mastering the Art of Magic". Most of the larger dealers should have it.

Both Spirit Theater and Strange Ceremonies are available directly from Eugene. Just go to his website (www.magicbeard.com) and order them there. You can also find some of his other books, such as Mastering the Art of Magic (which contains his early booklets: Secrets and Mysteries for the Close Up Entertainer, Audience Involvement, The Secrets of Restaurant Magic, On Matt Schulien's Fabulous Card Discoveries, Intimate Power, The Craft of Magic and Other Writings, and Rediscoveries.), Growing in the Art of Magic (and excellent little booklet that everyone should read), Magic and Meaning, and Solomon's Mind (not Eugene's magic, but he did write it). You can also pick up his videos and effects there.

-Jim

Hello,

I would like to know your opinions about which is the best book of Eugene Burger.

I have read great things about him but do not have any of his books yet.

I am more interested in learning concepts that improve the impact of the effects I already perform,instead of learning new tricks(sure some new killer tricks would not hurt!)

Thank you again for your indications!

Rebecca

I have most of his books and I recommend Growing in the Art of Magic and Mastering the Art of Magic. These 2 books are very good and will change your perspective of magic. The essays will make your head spin!

I would suggest for you Mastering the Art of Magic. If you perform closeup The Performance of Closeup Magic is an excellent book. The essays are very good and read easily.

Samuel

I second (and third) the recommendation for Mastering the Art of Magic. Will make you think long and hard about your close-up presentations and why and what you are trying to accomplish

Thank you everybody for your suggestions…I shall begin with “Mastering the art of Magic”,his first (seven) books!

Rebecca

Eugene is an amazing thinker and I value his contributions to our art most highly. He changes the focus from acquiring effects to becoming a craftsperson and a true artist. That is the way.

Yes, mastering the art of magic is a gem!

I read Growing in the Art of Magic when I was still pretty new to magic and it changed the way I think about everything and I go back and read it from time to time to keep myself in check.

What is the main difference between the two? are they relatively the same? (growing vs mastering the art of magic)

Brad I don't have "mastering" but in "growing" it is a transscript of a taped interview between Burger and several other people ,(Danny Orleans,Jack Gould, and Jay Inglee) here is the table of contents for you to bump up against Mastering
Growing
The Way of the Magician
Managing People Close-Up
Before the Show (with Danny Orleans)
After the Show (with Danny Orleans)
The Origin and Symbolism of Magic (with Jack Gould)
The Future of Magic (with Jay Inglee)
Seeking a Magical Vision
Imagination, Solitude and Creativity
The Flow of Water
I bought mine from Daytona magic for 8 dollars, I looked around and couldn't find any with the tapes still so got the book only version. Hopes this helps
Wade

Cool thanks. how many pages is it? hard bound? for that price, I will pick this up also.

Growing In The Art of Magic - A personal audio-encounter with Eugene Burger - Tape One includes Growing; The Way of the Magician and Managing People Close-Up. Tape Two includes Before The Show (with Danny Orleans); After The Show (with Danny Orleans); The Origin and Symbolism of Magic (with Jack Gould) and The Future of Magic (with Jay Inglee). Tape Three includes Seeking a Magical Vision; Imagination, Solitude and Creativity and The Flow of Water. Three audiocassettes in a custom storage case. Burger at his very best. are these the tapes?

Sounds like it...I am at work right now so I can't look to see how many pages but it is a soft cover booklet and for the price definitely worth it. I would have paid much more after reading it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did (and do)

Yea I found the tapes for sale I think at hanks! $28.00 is a hefty price for 3 cassettes, but of course it is worth it with burger. I am checking to see if you get the transcript as well, just in case something may not be totally clear, or back ups, etc...

Just to let you know there are no effects taught, it is just thoughts and great advice to make you think about things a little differently than you do right now. Its worth, the only fear I would have is the condition of the tapes but it would be great to listen to him talk about the subjects that are covered.

Also:

Magical Voyages - Eugene Burger - A Three Volume DVD Set
Part 1: A Voyage to the Real World - Working behind a bar for an audience of real people, Eugene Burger makes it clear why he is one of the world's most celebrated close-up artists. Then, he's joined by David Parr to analyze these time-tested routines from Eugene's performing repertoire. You'll be delighted at the clever method behind David Solomon's Cutting Ten, be impressed with how much excitement Eugene derives from a Simple Spelling card trick and be drawn in by his presentation for Alan Ackerman's Gemini Money. Eugene and David reveal two astonishing new methods for a U.F. Grant classic in the 21st Century Bill Transposition. Eugene offers insights into spectator management, audience involvement, and the concepts that transform magic into something meaningful.

Part 2: A Voyage to the Unreal World - On this tape Eugene is joined by Jeff McBride to explore close-up magic that is offbeat, whimsical and decidedly strange. This journey begins with Flash Spirit Message, as efficient a link to the ghostly realm as you could ever request. In Double Reverse, a classic Walter Gibson effect is raised from a card trick into an evocative piece of intimate Spirit Theater (including Eugene's personal handling on Glorpy). Eugene's version of Al Baker's Card in the Hat leads into a detailed discussion of advanced thread technique. Jeff then shows what happens when Mark Twain meets Robert Neale, as he explains The Five Gifts of Life. Eugene teaches Phil Goldstein's The Wagers of Sin. Finally, there's a thorough analysis of Matt Schulien's Corner in the Glass. Eugene also offers special insights into presentational framing, rehearsal techniques and the concepts that transform magic into something significant.

Part 3: A Voyage to the Inner World - If you've ever dreamed of a private session with Eugene Burger, now is your chance. Sinology, a simple coin routine, becomes a parable about self-discovery. In his version of Lin Searles' Cannibals, Eugene combines sly humor with impressive technical chops that will fool you, until he explains it. In New Match Stickler, a Milbourne Christopher item usually thrown away as a bar stunt becomes a powerful mystery. More ominous themes are considered in Robert Neale's daring Last Dream. To conclude this encounter, Eugene discusses the thinking that led to the creation of two of his most requested routines: The Inquisition, his wickedly dark take on Roy Walton's Card Warp, and Shakespearean Thread, an evocative new presentation for the Hindu Thread. Eugene also offers special insights into artistic expression, performance philosophy, and the theories that transform magic into something deeply personal. Composed and Directed by Max Maven

All three DVDs. $95.00

wow what a chunk of change! lol sounds awesome though.