I posted this note in another section of the Café but had no responses, so I'd thought I'd give it a try over here.

I'm considering buying "Servais LeRoy -- Monarch of Mystery" by Mike Caveney and William Rauscher, and would like to hear from those who have read this biography. See http://www.mcmagicwords.com/books/servaisleroy.html

I know Mike generally does a first-class job, and I'm hoping this is no exception. Does he provide any new information on LeRoy? Any new insights on his work and inventions?

The basic facts of LeRoy's career are fairly well known; what I was hoping for was some original research that provided new information, or an original analysis of the existing material that's available.

So let me know what you think. Is the book well written? Are the photos and drawings reproduced well? I'm hoping to hear from you. SETH

It is well written. I do not know how much more information was included than in Rauscher's previously published booklets.

I would get it as most of Mike's publications seem to go up in value.

There are very good illustrations and color pages tipped in. Photos are all top notch.

Seth,

I heartily recommend the book as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, although I had not read any previous material about LeRoy so most of the details were new to me.

As Richard said, it is well written and will no doubt go up in value. But as you do not appear to want to purchase it as an investment, I cannot comment on whether or not it brings new information to light.

The color poster reproductions and other snapshots sprinkled throughout the book added to my overall enjoyment and understanding and appreciation for the man and his creative genius.

If you are the least bit hesitant to purchase it, then you probably ought to act. After they are gone, they will not be reprinted. And when you have to pay more for it later on e-bay or at some magic auction, you will regret not having purchased it when you first considered buying it. You will wish you had acted on your original intuition.

yours,
Scott

Thanks, Scott for your thoughts.

You're correct, I wasn't thinking about the book as an investment, but for the information contained in it. And I think you're also right about picking it up now; like most other magic books, it will have a limited print run, and when it's gone, it's gone. Even modern classics like David Roth's "Expert Coin Magic" go out of print (although I believe that one may be reprinted).

Thanks again for the post. SETH

To echo all the above, the book is beautifully produced. I think you'll enjoy owning it even if some of the information is redundant.

And to those stumbling upon this post who (God forbid) know little about Servais LeRoy; he was without question one of the more fascinating characters in magic history....a prolific inventor & master showman. The accounts of his famous "farewell show" are heartbreaking to read.