The complete Blackstone story and the history of magic from the 1920's to today. Includes profiles of the greatest stage magicians, sleight-of-hand entertainers, and mentalists. Separate chapters deal with the psychology of magic, the 10 basic magic effects, and complete, illustrated instructions for performing 20 classic routines and special tricks. 250 photos, appendices, bibliography, index.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Harry Blackstone Jr. shares the history of modern magic, largely as seen through the eyes of his family. His father was the original Great Blackstone and Blackstone has carried on the tradition. This is not a merely anecdotal history, however. It's Blackstone's personal reflections on the art and game of magic--not just how it works but why it works as entertainment. It's about the psychological showmanship as well as the craft. Included are lessons in how to perform tricks that go beyond the mere technical details to show how to make a simple trick a piece of true theater.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
Where Harry, Sr. left off, Harry, Jr. began. They are a magical ribbon with no seam . . . Our love for the combined history of the two who are one should echo well into the 21st century. -- Ray Bradbury
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Secrets of illusion revealed by one of the OLD MASTERS!,
By sibbiti@juno.com (Madison Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Blackstone Book of Magic and Illusion (Paperback)
As a Conjurer I have studied the classic works of many of the great old conjurers. Of all of them Blackstone is one of the most well known. This book provides clear and simple explanations of some of the greatest tricks and illusions known to Magic. Great for the beginning or advanced conjuror.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not worth the money,
This review is from: The Blackstone Book of Magic and Illusion (Paperback)
I have to say that this book gives a history of magic and some vague answers to the art of magic and illusion. It was basic information with some simple tricks. You could probably find the same stuff on the internet for free. If you are looking for answers about bigger illusions than making two matches pass through each other then this is not your book. He implies that the reader is not ready for some of the larger tricks in a tone that could be considered arrogant. Also, there is a lot of him tooting his own horn or telling you how great he is and how great his dad was, like we did not already know. He makes several references in the book as to how his dad was better than Houdini and how Houdini stole ideas and property from his dad. Maybe true, but thats not what I bought the book for. All in all, dont waste your money. It would be better spent elsewhere....you could learn more on YouTube and not have to read through all the fluff.
4.0 out of 5 stars
A rich introduction to the world of Magic,
This review is from: The Blackstone Book of Magic and Illusion (Hardcover)
I've checked the Blackstone Book of Magic out from the library more times than I can count. And I suppose I am writing a review because I want to recommend this book to anyone I can.
The book covers many topics. The main topic, and the topic most warmly covered by Harry Blackstone, Jr., is his father's work and legacy. Harry Jr. tells stories of traveling with his father and the entire crew of the magic act when Harry Jr. was young. He tells about his fathers greatest achievements, how Harry Jr. perceived magic as a boy, and how he eventually got into the business himself. If I recall, he also covers the history of magic, a little bit. However, the most memorable part of the book for me, are the magic tricks. There are a wide range of tricks, from illusions to perform in front of a small audience, to illusions which are to be done across from someone at a dinner table. None of the illusions are so hard to master that you couldn't do them, and many are so simple in their steps, but so impressive in their impact, that you may just realize what a genius Harry Jr. was. In closing, I recommend this book because I don't think you will find a book that has the attributes this one has anywhere else. Harry Jr. has the warmth, experience, and teaching skill to make this book a one of a kind.
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