Customer Reviews

Bill Severn's Magic in Four Acts

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A good magician does more than tricks, he does a show. That is what this book is about. Step by Step Bill shows the budding magician how to put on a complete magic show. He not only teaches you the tricks, but tells why it is important to do those tricks in that order. Style, presentation, patter, all go to makeing a show people want to see. No matter what books on magic you have, you should also have this one.

I like reading Bill Severn's material because it reminds me of the old Boy's Life days when his column was always the first thing I would turn to when I got the new edition each month. I don't know that I would call this book part of the essential corpus for every magician's library but it is very pleasant to read. And I do appreciate his theme of helping the reader understand better how to create whole acts, as opposed to individual tricks.

I have not yet actually put any of these effects into production but most of them look like they would be entertaining and fun to perform. I have a personal goal to add at least three of these effects to my line-up in the next year. I may even try one of his acts as described just to see how it plays. My guess is it would go over just fine.

Mr. Servern had a gentle way of writing as though he is a teacher patiently explaining things. He never came across as smug or as a hot young semi-star trying to prove how smart he is. Severn always seemed to just really love magic and to want to share that love with his readers. That attitude comes through in this book.