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fredlegman New user 5 Posts |
I recently got into magic and bought "Royal Road" and "Modern coin magic". I saw a new magic show on British television about mentalist Derren Brown. Anyway I visited his website and tried to find out if he had written any books on his techniques. Strangely, before you could even see what the book was about you had to answer a question about the real name of the "professor" claiming this was due to the protected nature of the magical press. Will you really get lynched if you publish a book giving away secrets?
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r4bid Veteran user 386 Posts |
You won't get lynched per say but what good is it to put out a book of secrets if the general populous will soon know those secrets?
By protecting our literature we guard our secrets from the curous layman who has no intention of ever using them for good entertaining purposes. |
Dave Egleston Special user Ceres, Ca 632 Posts |
Fred,
Are you actually interested in learning and performing magic? - Are you researching a book? - Are you trying to compare your style of mentalism to that of Mr Brown's? Or are you just trying to figure out how he does it so you can ruin a show for someone else by telling them "I know how to do that" We in the magic community have been adversely effected more by the internet than most other art/hobby - just because there are folks who think there should be no secrets, whether it's in fun, like magic, or more serious topics, like the personal business of others Now, Fred - If you're serious about learning and participating in our magical brotherhood, Welcome, eventually you'll learn what you are looking for - However if you're just interested in how a trick is accomplished - Please just go away Dave |
fredlegman New user 5 Posts |
I am genuinely interested in magic although at the moment I'm completely hopeless. I was not in any way trying to ruin a show for anyone but am interested in learning and performing feats of a similar nature.
Derren Browns show is quite different from anything I've ever seen before and I wanted to know if there were any books on the subject or if they were all kept secret. I was under the impression that there was no actual secrets and that the only way to go about it was through hard work. This is why I was surprised with the mention towards the protected nature of magic. I was not saying that the magical press should not be kept in some ways secret from the general public just inquiring whether it was. |
John Clarkson Special user Santa Barbara, CA 749 Posts |
Fredlegman,
Welcome. Here is a brief list of the usual first books to read on various topics: Mentalism: Corinda's "Thirteen Steps to Mentalism" Cards: Royal Road to Card Magic or Volume 1 of Card College Coins: Bobo's Modern Coin Magic General: Mark Wilson's Complete Course Others will certainly recommend other books, but you can't go wrong starting with these. Good luck. You're considering a great field, whether it becomes a vocation or a serious hobby.
John D. Clarkson, S.O.B. (Sacred Omphaloskeptic Brotherhood)
Cozener "There is nothing more important to a magician than keeping secrets. Probably because so many of them are Gay." —Peggy, from King of the Hill (Sleight of Hank) |
fredlegman New user 5 Posts |
Thank you.
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Dave Egleston Special user Ceres, Ca 632 Posts |
Well Fred,
Good luck in your quest - "Mentalism" is a very lucrative arm of magic when presented well - As you no doubt have deduced from watching Mr. Brown - Because of my 1 minute attention span - I can't concentrate long enough to pull it off or even learn very many effects or techniques. Unfortunately - You're about 3 months too late for me to help you out - I gave the 5-6 mentalists books I had away to another aspiring mindreader - They were doing nothing but collecting dust and taking up space - Someone sent me a pamphlet from Knepper - I'll be giving that away also - I want to give it a quick read first - Way Over my head Dave |
what Special user Lehi, UT, USA 643 Posts |
I have found magical books very easy to aquire. I bought my first couple of books at the local bookstore and some great books on magical classics at Amazon.com, Yet others from good lecturing magicians. I appreciate that some of the television performers make an effort to hide their work form the "merely curious."
In my case, I have never had to work to aquire a book, or video that was within my grasp of learning, or interest.
Magic is fun!!!
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fredlegman New user 5 Posts |
I can't seem to find Corinda's "Thirteen Steps to Mentalism" but there is Practical Mental Magic. Is this any good?
Matt |
r4bid Veteran user 386 Posts |
Fred Corinda should be available at any magic store, not any normal book stores though as far as I know.
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fredlegman New user 5 Posts |
Anyone know of any good magic shops in the U.K.? Especially in Kent or any good online magic shops that would deliver to the U.K.?
Matt |
Dave Egleston Special user Ceres, Ca 632 Posts |
We have a couple of great guys who own shops right on this forum - Paul Halas is a very nice guy and seems like an honest man - Do a search and you'll find him in the "Members" section above
Dave |
eddieloughran Special user 942 Posts |
Most magic shops do mail order. Try Magicweek site for some links. Amongst others I have found the following to be worth recommending:
Magicbox Davenports Merlins Magic Books by Post Practical Magic Magical Wonders Eddie Burke Send me a p.m. for more info on the above. Eddie |
Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
Fredlegman,
For another magic message board, this one with a UK slant to it (because it's based in the UK!), check out: http://www.magicbunny.co.uk "That's me!" |
Paul Inner circle A good lecturer at your service! 4409 Posts |
re;
"but am interested in learning and performing feats of a similar nature." And thereby lays the problem, lol. No beginner is going to be able to do things of a similar nature for a very long time. Derren has been around for a while before he got on TV and does not perform store bought tricks. He has an excellent knowledge of mentalism having read many books on the subject and a knack for putting original twists and presentations together. "Original" presentations being the key word. I am often asked by people can I supply things like Derren does. No, you have to do that, by adding your own twists and presentations to existing effects in print. No-one can become an instant Derren, just like they couldn't become an instant Copperfield or Blaine (though many try the latter). By studying the basic mentalism texts, and the Annemann book is a good one that is cheaply available, you will see whether you have an aptitude for that field of performance and understand the mechanics at your disposal. The showmanship and presentation you cannot buy, that comes from practice and performing for real people and perfecting your craft. Derren has written two books himself, but these do NOT expose the kind of routines he uses on TV. But, why be a second rate Derren if you can be a first rate you? Paul http://www.PH-marketing-magic.co.uk |
Beetroot Loyal user 267 Posts |
Fredlegman,
I noticed that http://www.alakazam.co.uk have opened a new store in Ashford. Take a look at the above website and it should tell you all you need to know. My wife has ordered things for me from there. No complaints so far. We have also ordered from http://www.kbmagic.com/ . This is where I seem to be spending most of my money on books at the moment. The owner (I think), Keith, is very helpful and has helped my wife make present decision for me. I've found him to be extremely helpful and chatty. The things that I have ordered have arrived VERY quickly. It's my birthday on Sunday and I know there are a pile of wrapped books sitting in the bedroom cupboard waiting to be unwrapped..... And regarding Derren Brown... I don't know that much about mentalism, but I do know that Derren is a master at his craft. It'll take a lot of investment of time (years) to get anywhere near the level of attainment that he has accomplished. If that is a road you wish to travel then pack some sandwiches. All the best and welcome to the Café. You are among friends. |
KingStardog Inner circle 2134 Posts |
Paul said it. Be you, and do your own material. Let others worry about trying to "be like you"
...think not that all wisdom is in your school. You may have studied other paths,but, it is important to remember that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is always more to learn.
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