Paul, if you are asking me that question, I don't have the tricks ranked! In addition, there are some very different sorts of effects in the book - it's like comparing apples and thumb tips.

Thanks for the reply David. I was just asking the other guys on the thread as someone mentioned “David’s Bottle” and I found it fun to skip ahead and read someone else’s recommendation. I started at the beginning and am about half way through. If anybody is interested in what I found as my top three thus far let me know. This is probably my favorite magic book I have ever read. If you haven’t already you should buy this book!

I'd like to hear your top three Paul.

My Crush pg.184
Glass & Gold pg.178
One for the Ladies pg.38

Do you have any teaser descriptions on those, for those of us who do not yet have this book?

Don't want to give too much away but here are some brief descriptions:

My Crush - basically a card to picture frame with a great presentational/comedic hook.
Glass & Gold - a shot glass, dollar bill and borrowed ring are used. The ring vanishes in a very clean manner then reappears.
One for the Ladies - a demonstration of misdirection, think card under glass (or card box) for example.

Paul, I don’t have the book in front of me so I don’t know the names, but my favorites are:

David’s Bottle
His take on Homing Card
His take on mystery card (with normal cards)
Lucky Number
Doctor Doctor

Madison

Really disappointing book is not available from UK dealers, I don’t think I’m alone not purchasing due to $45 postage.

You're not, Philippe.

Considering what I pay for some stand alone magic tricks , to get a whole variety in a boook which will offer me joyous reading time for years to come 45 usd was no barrier for me and I am eagerly awaiting the receival,

Yes, shipping internationally has become very expensive. It has essentailly doubled since my last book came out. The book is large, about 6 pounds, and for me to personally ship a book overseas (which I've done, for some of the contributors) costs me $70! $45 represents a discount I receive by paying a fulfillment company to do the shipping instead of me. They have a much lower rate due to the fact they ship in great volume and have negotiated lower prices. So I support your outrage, but don't imagine it's a source of profit.

It's not just you and it's not just on books. I always laugh when I see reviews of a product the day it's released.

That's not to say this product (especially this product - as you said, David Regal's work speaks for itself and I expect this book to be great), or any one in particular, is not good. But I've sadly come to realize that the vast majority of reviews are worthless. They are made by people that oftentimes have not even watched / read all the instructions and have never performed the effect.

The magic companies don't help since they want reviews ASAP after something is released to help with sales. So I wait awhile and see what people say some time after it is released. Of course, for most things, people have already moved on to something else. But their review of the effect they never performed remains.

I'd review my book for you, but I'm biased. That said, it truly was a labor of love.

As far as reviews go, I do have advice: Find someone whose reviews you trust. A person who, by and large, looks for and appreciates much the same things you do in the subject being reviewed, be it music, film or, in this case, magic. When you have that person, you can absolutely look for his or her first blush opinion of that new piece of music, movie, new magic effect, or great big hunk of writing. We know how we feel about things pretty quickly. I'm only 1/4 into The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler but I've already turned to my wife to tell her how I'm feeling about it (it's great).

So please, if someone is pleased with my efforts, let them have their say! Writers need that word of mouth for all the reasons you can imagine.

Here are a few reviews. More should be coming in a couple of weeks.

"It took David eleven years to publish this companion piece to his previous release, and the polish on these routines is a testament to taking the time to get things right... There is nothing that is served half-baked in Interpreting Magic. The toughest part of this book is separating the gems from the gems; this is a book that you will be dipping into, and exploring for many years to come."
Nick Lewin - Vanish Magazine

"One of the best magic books ever... I gained knowledge and joy from every page."
Norman Beck - M.U.M. Magazine

"If this book only had the magic routines, it would be worth the price. If this book only had the essays, it would be worth the price. If this book only had the interviews, it would be worth the price. To get all three, packed into a beautifully produced, 565-page book is a gift... I give it my highest recommendation."
Michael Close Book Review

David. I've sent the link to my family as a priority Christmas gift. Once I read it I'll talk about it.

Hope all is well.

I just like that your Christmas list has a "priority" section.

From an interview subject in the book, who just received his copy of Interpreting Magic:

"Congratulations on a beautiful and fascinating book! There are so many interesting ideas here, and every one has a great premise and script. I can't imagine anyone not being inspired by your explorations."

John Carney

I made jury duty!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=......&theater

Has anyone received David's book yet in the UK?

I know some people have as I've heard back from them.