BOOKS
UNEXPLAINABLE ACTS by GARY KURTZ
Over the years Gary has developed a slightly offbeat and eccentric performance style. He says, "These are the 90s, aren't they?" Capturing the essence of anyone's performance style in print is not an easy thing to do, especially if the main focus of the book is to teach that person's material, which in itself is an arduous task. However, within the effects, and patter given in their context, lies an indication of his style.
In reading the patter of this book, bear in mind that isn't meant to be taken seriously or at face value. The presentations for some of the effects are meant to be delivered quite tongue-in-cheek; others in a somewhat forced, hyper pseudo-serious manner, pushing them to the extreme so they become absurd and funny. Gary is not interested in patter that simply states the obvious, or describes the proceedings. The script, for him, is what establishes an ambience (sometimes a sense of the weird and eccentric), hopefully inspiring the audience to see the magical occurrences in a new light.
Above is a paraphrase of the preface of this very funny, very enlightening and instructive book. It is hardbound, well illustrated, contains over one hundred pages and is written in the Kaufman tradition.
ITEM # BK0319 PRICE $30.00
UNDERGROUND MAN, THE by LOU GALLO
In this hardbound book, published by Richard Kaufman and Mark Phillips, you will learn about a man presentation rivals that of the masters of close-up magic. The simplicity in handling the effects is mixed with a devious method. This book contains the first and only expose of Lou Gallo's many secrets.
Gallo's methods are based on classical ideas that provide you with the close-up weapons beyond the comprehension of your audience. There are forty-six close-up effects in this book including card effects, coins, bills, sponge balls and much more. They are clearly described with the help of about four hundred illustrations. One of the highlights of the book is Lou Gallo's barehanded production of a beer bottle.
ITEM # 0952 PRICE $35.00
VENTRILOQUISM OF TODAY by PAUL STADELMAN
Ventriloquism is the art of projecting or 'throwing the voice' so that it seems to come from a different source. It takes long and steady practice to develop this ability. The sounds are produced in the usual method of talking, but the lips are held as nearly motionless as possible. A deep breath is taken and exhaled very slowly. Sounds are modified or changed by the muscles of the throat and palate. The attention of the audience is directed to the place from which the sound is supposed to come. This definition comes from World Book Encyclopedia.
That explains what it is, and the pages of this book will explain very clearly how to do it. So many books, courses and pamphlets have been written on this subject through the years. A few were written by ventriloquists, but most of them are a "rehash" of the older works with all the misinformation repeated over and over. Many of the authors had no experience as performers, which is obvious to any reader who has any knowledge of ventriloquism. Paul Stadelman was an experienced performer who teaches his knowledge in this eighty-four-page book.
ITEM BK0599 PRICE $9.00
ONE HUNDRED TEN TRICKS WITH A STRIPPER DECK by MAGIC IAN
The WIZARD DECK is one of the most ingenious Magic decks of cards ever invented. You can learn up to 110 amazing magic tricks using this apparatus.
This book was written and edited by experienced magic teachers. You can amaze your audience after a short period of practice.
A group of people thinks they selected the same card. Immediately find any card that has been hidden in the deck. Separate magically all the Aces or Kings from the deck. Deal yourself a Royal Flush.
Read a group of cards that you did not see from the back of the cards. Perform like a Professional and amaze your friends.
ITEM # BK0453 PRICE $3.00
CONEY ISLAND FAKIR THE MAGICAL LIFE OF AL FLOSSO by GARY R. BROWN
"If there is a better all-around magician," master mentalist Joseph Dunninger wrote of Al Flosso, "I have yet to discover him." Combining subtle, sophisticated manipulations with his bold, gritty persona, Flosso's magic became legendary. Though he stood only 5'2", Flosso was a giant of the magic world.
The Coney Island Fakir is a remarkable book about a remarkable life. The book traces Flosso's fascinating career, from his days as a street-corner shill, carnival pitchman and sideshow magician to his work on Broadway, film and television. Lavishly illustrated with dozens of photos, The Coney Island Fakir provides a vivid portrait of this unique performer.
215 pages, 6"x9", full-color dust jacket. Printed on acid-free paper.
As an added bonus, this volume contains a reprint of Our Magic, produced by Flosso in the 1940s, Our Magic features classic tricks by Flosso, Al Baker, Ted Annemann and other top performers.
ITEM # BK0841 PRICE $35.00
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