Jon,

From all available accounts, (which are admittedly sketchy) Tommy Wonder (fka Jos Bema) is alive and doing well, having recently survived the experience of getting married.

I haven't seen him since we had him out here for the Hawaii convention in '92, or so. One story: He decided to attend a Hawaiian Luau, and they boarded him on a bus with the other visitors. It was a long ride to the luau grounds, so the bus driver made everyone sing "Old McDonald" all the way out. Tommy is very funny telling the story, including the fact that he started thinking this was the strangest way for people to behave, but by the end of the trip he was singing along with the rest of the bus and having a great time.

Part of the purpose of Tommy's "Books of" was to set the aspiring magician on the right track, and to help him avoid problems along the way. They do this remarkably well, but that's coming from me, a guy who's made most of those mistakes already. I've always wondered what would have happened if I had this advice when I started out. Would I have listened?

So far, it appears the book is still on Maxim's B list, so maybe not.

Great books filled with practical info from a warm human being that overflows with talent.

Howzit Barry! Nice to have you with us.

thank you Curtis....nice to be here. Been lurking during coffee season but will be adding more of my opinions now. And always happy to put in a good word for Tommy Wonder.

I was lucky enough to meet Tommy Wonder in the early '90s - He was staying at my friends house in Sacramento - As for the "impracticality" of some of the tricks presented -- I think the people who think these tricks as impracticle are equating hard work with impracticality.

"B" list? - Maxim, if you're serious about adding first class books to your collection - Run out and get these books

Dave

These are great books - well worth the study!

I don´t think you will do much of the magic in the book but the theory behind the routines and the capters that deal with theory only are great and will definitely make you think. You also learn alot about direction ( after reading these books, you will probably never use the word mis - direction again ).


Yours Felix

Great Review and discussion ...

So guys where can I find Wonder Books Vol 1 & 2?

Thanks

Symmatrix

Symmatrix,you can find these books at either, H and R magic or denny and lee. oblique

These books are now out of print, so if you are going to get them, get them now.

I ordered a set for $75.00 from The Magic Warehouse. I haven't received them yet, but my credit card was charged. So I assume they still have them.

I know Chazpro only has vol. 2.

Scott

I don't have his books but I finally saw a video performance of a lecture he gave in England about 10 years ago. He performed 3 effects - Torn and Restored Card, Lighter to Match Box and Shrinking Card Case/Ambitious Card/ Shrinking Cards.

I thought he was fantastic and I will also pick up his books.

I think these books are part of the very few books in the literature of magic that form the theoretical foundation of our art.

'nuff said.

Randy

Must have books.
Andre
ajcombri@telkomsa.net

Any comparision between his books and the DVDs?