Okay guys,

I am very new to ropes. What do you think about this book? What routines would you recommend from it? What would you stay away from? How would use the book to learn from (if at all)?

Thanks for the input.

I have this book and I think it is very good. It has a very large section on C+R ropes and a good misc. section. But to me the best bit is the last chapter - the Hindu rope trick. A very good book and worth getting.

I have it too and yes, it is good.
I use one of the C&R method and also Ring & Rope Release. I'm still looking other tricks to use from this book.

Regards,

Good book - full of great ideas. You might want to check out vol. 2 of "Abbott's Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks" also. I don't know if there is a Dover paper back version of vol. 2. Both were compiled by Stewart James. H&R Books might help you to locate vol. 2. http://www.magicbookshop.com/

Regards,
Gerald

In reply to what Budihaha said I use 2 C+R rope tricks. I use the Tarbell Rope Trick in my stage act - method B (and of course A) and I use the "Chow Coon" rope trick in my parlour act. It is a very good book.

If not for anything else in this great book, learn the one-handed throw knot. My 21 year old son is still baffled over how I can throw a rope in the air and have it land knotted.

I suspect he will be asking me to show his kids, someday.

Apropos of Gerald's remark, I believe that Volume 1 of Abbott's Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks lost its copyright at some time, reverted to the public domain, and was snapped up by Dover to publish. There are two other volumes (volumes 2 and 3) of Abbott's Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks, which can be viewed on Abbott Magic's website. I believe that Abbot's is, in fact, the publisher.

Now, my question: Has anyone read volume 2 or 3? How about a brief review? Are these books very useful?

0pus

I believe it was Abbott's Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks that I harvested a great version of Cords of Phantasia from using donuts and coffee cups instead of hanks.

I had the fun of performing for our local Fraternal Order of Police once and got the biggest laugh from the routine for that night.

Like I said, I'm pretty sure it was Abbott's book that I got it from. However, you know all about the first thing to go...

As for the Dover books, I have to admit to being a bit of a purist. I still try to buy the book from the original publisher when possible. Dover has a rep for jumping on expired copyrights. If you've ever had something you created stolen...you'd understand that. Piracy is piracy...arrrrrrr!!!

Blessin's
Bear