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docsteve Inner circle 1831 Posts |
Bill Ligon's book is now available, either as a softback from Lulu (download at around $25, or $35 for a real book). Some of you will know Bill from the Café, especially in the Bizarre section, and will be familiar with both his wit, and wisdom. His book is full of wisdom, and surprisingly light on the flippancy he oft displays in the forum. In fact, in the first section at least, he gives a rather erudite & uncompromising account of magic, and how a magician's effect may be framed with the terms of reference of magical systems the world over.
In this way many of our 'standard' effects, become demonstrations of Natural Science - and thus may be presented rather in the same way scientific experiments were conducted in years gone by. Even before moving onto the effects themselves, I've found it extremely good practice to 'define' my own effects using this framework (and it's a lot more usable than the standard Neale clasification from Robert Neale & David Parr). The effects: there's just over 30 presentations here, comprising card-based effects, rope effects, finger-ring magic, mentalism, mathematical tricks - basically familiar stuff. What that doesn't credit is the snappy, direct story telling attached to each effect. Please be assured this is workable stuff - if I have one criticism of many Bizarre pieces, it's that they become a bit camp IMHO! Feigning a sinister, 'touch of the night about you' persona may work for some people, but in this day and age it's hard to pull off. Bill's pieces are much more about 'connecting' with a super-nature - strange coincidences, curious traveller's meeting indigenous peoples and ritual practices in far away lands, shamen and wise-women. Furthermore the props are not too lavish - simple, table-top sized and essential to the plot, not just tacked on for 'bizarre credibility'. Each chapter ends with a photo of the props involved, so you can get your own inspiration, or seek out props like his. Teaching of moves is succinct, with plenty of references to standard texts, although this book is not quite as unforgiving to the beginner than perhaps some. Also it should be added that none of these effects are 'intellectual games', impracticable for the real-world performance, or reserved for these "intimate post dinner gatherings" bizarrists seem only to inhabit! Downpoints: I would have liked more of the essays on magick and how our effects might be integrated into these systems, but I suppose most people want a high effect - to - essay ratio these days. Also, I would have liked some more ambitious effects - stage or cabaret anyone? At over 150 pages, with some great photos, bag-loads of ideas, this is very good value and if you've ever wanted to try your hand at some more theatrical styles of magic, then this is a great place to start. Highly recommended. Conflicts of interest: Whilst I openly enjoy the opines of Mr Ligon at the Café, I have paid for this book myself, and have not received any contact/payment (in cash or kind) from Bill. Steve Murray
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Andy the cardician Inner circle A street named after my dad 3362 Posts |
Thanks for the review
Cards never lie
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ferryascanio Loyal user Jakarta - Indonesia 264 Posts |
From where I can get the book's??
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docsteve Inner circle 1831 Posts |
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