|
|
stine Regular user TN 152 Posts |
I have a very extensive library on cards, close up and specific sleight of hand principles.Yet my library is very limited on stage techniques and principles.I own all of Sharpe's work on mechanical, pneumatic, and optical principles. Encyclopedia of levitations, Houdin's books and Jarret, as well as many Steinmeyer's books but not all. For those of you expert in stage illusions what would you recommend as the top 10 ( if there are that many?) as "must have's" if you want to educate yourself on and actually be able to build and create illusions? Thanks!
|
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
If you look at the tops post, Paul Osborne Illusions, there is an extensive list of illusion information listed in those 12 pages, not only covering Paul Osborne's material.
Additionally, if you do some searching in this section using the Café's search engine, there has been an increase interest in what it takes to put on an illusion show, and many books and DVD's are mentioned that would interest you as well in building illusions. |
stine Regular user TN 152 Posts |
Thanks Bill, is there a consensus on must have books for someone serious about understanding the methods of stage illusions?
|
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
This link might be helpful to you:
http://illusionbooks.com/recommended-boo......ionists/ JC Sum has several helpful articles on his website. Main page: http://illusionbooks.com/ - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
|
stine Regular user TN 152 Posts |
Thanks Donald!
|
kidnapped1853 New user 62 Posts |
Years ago, one of the first books I read on performing and touring with an illusion show was Illusion Show Know How by Ken and Roberta Griffin. I believe that it is still available at Abbotts: https://www.abbottmagic.com/Illusion-Sho......whow.htm
|
stine Regular user TN 152 Posts |
Thanks Kidnapped.
|
thomasR Inner circle 1189 Posts |
Paul Osbornes Illusion Systems Series
Rand Woodbury's Illusion Works Series Jim Steinmeyers Device & Illusion Magic of Robert Harbin (hard to find but needs to be on the list!) Andrew Mayne Illusion Book (not a great place to start as there are no measurements, mostly lots of ideas, but a lot of the ideas are very creative.) As far ar presenting illusions... David Seebach "So you want to be an Illusionist" Ken Griffin "illusion show know how" |
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Quote:
On May 29, 2018, stine wrote: I MAY have a copy of Ken and Roberta's book. If so, it's in storage, I'll check, the next time that I get 'out there', and PM you. I suggest that you read Abbott's ad in the link above. The Griffins were my friends. Dick
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
|
Gerry Walkowski Inner circle 1450 Posts |
To me, the best place to start is Jim Steinmeyer's wonderful book, Device and Illusion.
Gerry |
David_N New user Lancashire, England 93 Posts |
Regarding current, in print books then you could do no better than 'On Stage with Illusions' and 'The Theatrical Illusion Show', both by Duane Laflin. These books examine illusion choice, presentation and showmanship. They are an excellent investment, written by someone who knows what he is talking about.
My recommendation regarding building advice is not a book but DVD's; specifically...'Building your own Illusions' Parts 1 & 2 by Gerry Frenette. These videos contain an epic amount of information on illusion construction and are a steal at the price. Indispensable for serious home builders. |
stine Regular user TN 152 Posts |
I really appreciate everyones input. Thanks so much!
|
sawuin2 New user 52 Posts |
Definitely Device and Illusion by Jim Steinmeyer
|
collective foundry Inner circle 1404 Posts |
There are so many. But some that come to mind - would recommend The Base Book, Any of the other Rand Woodbury books , Tim Clothier, Mark Parker, Suspension And Levitation, Pro Illusion Series By Mike Caveney, Jim Steinmeyer, Duane Laflin, JC Sum. Ace Illusions, Milan Forzetting, Chris Stolz, Petro Gurido, the Base Planning book, Andrew Mayne ,Grant’s Illusion Secrets, James Hodges, Jim Garrish - PVC Illusion Book, Jim Sommers - Build Your Own Illusions, Paul Osborne, Byron G. Wells, OUTERBRIDGE-A-Day-in-the-Life-TOURING-SECRETS, Robert Harbin Demon, Robert Harbin The Magic Of, S.H. Sharpe - Conjurers' Mechanical Secrets, The Ilusion Paradigm, Will Goldston Series, Hemingway, Gary Darwin - Grandes illusions impromptues, Dick Gustafson - Professional Illusion Building. There are lots and lots more but above would be a good start nothing was intentionally left out just as many as I could think of or that I could see on my shelf from my desk. I have a few entire book cases full of just Illusion Books. Lots of great material. You can find may of the early 1900s books online in PDF form for free such as the Will Goldston documents.
|
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Quote:
On May 29, 2018, stine wrote: I have found it is the book you did not buy, that had exactly what I was looking for to complete my act material, for 10 years. |
collective foundry Inner circle 1404 Posts |
Agreed. I've found all the books are interesting to own and to have as a
reference from a historical perspective and foundation of understanding but ultimately innovation / the road less traveled is what makes the best material. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Grand illusion » » What are the top 10 books written on stage illusion techniques? (10 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 < |