|
|
stevenamills Veteran user 397 Posts |
I've seen the new book on the magic of Sam Schwartz advertised a couple of times by the publisher, but have yet to see it on a web site or locally.
Does anyone have this book and, if so, what do you think. He's had some darn clever stuff in print over the years. I've sworn off pre-publication and "coming soon" stuff. Just seems to drag out way too long. Later..... Steve |
John Smetana ???? - 2009 499 Posts |
Steve, if I'm not mistaken this book is ready to go. It's already been published as far as I know. I know Allen Zingg, the author of this one, and I also know that he put an awful lot of work into this project.I think it will make a great addition to your library.
Best thoughts, John Smetana |
doug brewer V.I.P. 1142 Posts |
I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this book and I have to say it is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a long time. I'm not completely through it yet, but of what I've read so far, it is all well routined, readily accessible STRONG magic.
What I'm really enjoying about the book is that the routines are not just coins or cards, but are an eclectic mix, that includes both close-up and stand-up. For example, the first trick in the book utilizes bottle caps, a miniature Coke bottle and a walnut. I thought this was a wonderful routine, and allowed me to get a glimpse (right off the bat) of the charm Mr. Schwartz must exhibit in person. But if you want coins and cards, Mr. Schwartz is no slouch. He has some great coin work, including some really cool copper/silver routines. They're different than what you may expect, using guile and descrepancy (and, of course, sleight of hand) to pull off some surprising effects. The book includes some coin box routines also, including the Boston Box, and the Slot Box (I always enjoy coin box magic). Mr. Schwartz was instrumental in coming up with some of the strongest packet trick routines, particularly during their rage in the 70's. His Back Flip routine is a classic in this genre and is included as the first routine in this section. I'm only about a third of the way through the book, so I won't give a complete review of the book until later. Paging ahead, however, I see some really cool ring and rope moves that could easily be integrated into the Williamson ring and rope routine. I'll talk more later. Right now I would say this is one of the top books of the season. |
Jeffrey Cowan Regular user Los Angeles, CA 130 Posts |
I too have had a chance to see an advance copy of the book and I'm impressed at the diverse quantity of quality magic -- most of which requires only intermediate technique or less. There are some effects that strike me as extremely commercial (eg, the routine with the bottle caps and mini coke bottle that Doug Brewer mentioned and a card routine with an hour glass that requires only a few sleights), and also some impromptu mentalism (including a telephone trick) that will just kill magicians and laymen alike if you put the work in.
Schwartz reminds me of John Bannon in that he varied subtlety with economical technique in constructing his routines. . . |
Seth Special user 566 Posts |
Hey there guys, this seems very interesting, I've only heard his name from some of harry lorayne's books I think.
Where can I order the book? |
tboehnlein Inner circle ohio 1787 Posts |
Interesting I just picked up a small book of Sam Scwartz's Close up magic last week for I believe 4-5 bucks that had several of the routines mentioned in this thread in addition to some ring & rope work along with various card & coin effects. I got it from Haines House of cards they may still have some left if you give them a call.
|
Jeffrey Cowan Regular user Los Angeles, CA 130 Posts |
To answer Seth's question:
Magico is the publisher of the book, and I understand that it's being carried by most major dealers. Ads are scheduled to appear in the December issues of MAGIC and a few other magic magazines. By the way, the book's production values are superb. Great illustrations, layout, etc. |
doug brewer V.I.P. 1142 Posts |
As Mr. Cowan just stated, the production values ARE great. Beautiful layout and great illustrations. I've reviewed more of the material and am continuing to really enjoy it. As I'm reading I've found some nice variations of the Diary Trick. Also, I've started to play around with some of his "topological" routines. For example, he has a close-up version of the one-at-a-time restoration of a card (similar to the stage version of the restoration in a frame). Very cool.
|
leanabet New user 17 Posts |
No more?
Simon |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Books, Pamphlets & Lecture Notes » » Sam Schwartz Book (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |