Blackstone, a Magician's Life: The World and Magic Show of Harry Blackstone, 1885-1965 [Hardcover]

Daniel Waldron (Author), George Johnstone (Author), Nick Ruggiero (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1999

This is the story of the world and magic shows of Harry Blackstone (1885-1965), who entertained theatre-goers for over 50 seasons. Gifted with an electric presence, a magnificent voice and a master magician's mentality and skills, he played everything from showboats to vaudeville to television. Blackstone's extravagant productions advertised "1001 wonders" and "an enchanting array of beautiful girls." Waldron's vivid and thoroughly researched narrative, enhanced with first-hand accounts by those who worked on the Blackstone show, presents an unforgettable portrait of a unique showman. Illustrated throughout with photographs.

Editorial Reviews

Review

" Waldron's readable treatment of [Blackstone's show] is a reminder of one of the great 20th-century entertainers." -- Mike Tribby, Booklist, November 15, 1999

"...A fine view not only of [Blackstone's] personal life and achievements, but [of] road show acts of the times." -- The Bookwatch, October 1999

Daniel Waldron is preeminently qualified to tell this story. His fondness for his subject ... translates into a rich, evocative account." -- Michael Claxton, Theatre Survey, 2000

Product Details

• Hardcover: 230 pages
• Publisher: David Meyer Magic Books; No Statement of Printing edition (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 091663891X
• ISBN-13: 978-0916638917
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,888,059 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #88 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Magic & Illusion

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best magician biography in a long while, November 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Blackstone, a Magician's Life: The World and Magic Show of Harry Blackstone, 1885-1965 (Hardcover)

Unlike many magical biographies, this one has texture. That's probably because much of its content is derived from actual interviews with a great many members of Blackstone's travelling troupe, key among them being Blackstone's brother Pete and first wife Inez. For this reason, the perspective of Blackstone rendered here isn't from the vantage point of an audience member who watched him in the theatre, but rather a view from those who accompanied him on the road -- and that's refreshing. Vaudeville comes suprisingly alive with small details here, and Waldron does an unusually fine job of historical contextualization. Probably the best magical biography since Bamberg's Illusion Show.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An intimate experience of touring magic ..., January 21, 2010

By 

S. M. Brooks "Econoclast" (Kansas City, MO USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Blackstone, a Magician's Life: The World and Magic Show of Harry Blackstone, 1885-1965 (Hardcover)

I spent 15 years (1965 - 1980) as stage manager with a touring stage illusion magic company. The show was modeled after the Blackstone show, closed years ago and the illusions sold to MGM.

The stories told in this well written volume brought back a flood of memories. I found the story of Harry Blackstone fascinating and familiar and since it is told from the point of view of company personnel it really spoke to me.

You won't learn secrets of the Blackstone illusions from this book. It is more of an indirect character study of Blackstone himself, through the eyes of his staff, and a very accurate description of the touring experience. This type of life did not completely disappear with the demise of vaudeville, but touring companies are very rare because they are no longer profitable. Big illusion shows are pretty well confined to Las Vegas in the US.

If you are a magic buff, or interested in the vaudeville era, I should think you would find this book a great addition to your collection. Harry Blackstone is a very interesting character and this is revealed by his actions through the reminiscences of fellow travelers rather than through analysis. Every magician dreams of performing as Blackstone finally did at the height of his career. If you have ever worked for a touring magic show, and I know we are a small audience, you won't be able to put it down.

5.0 out of 5 stars Overpriced, December 10, 2011

By 

Donald F. Becker "sleight of hand guy" (St. Charles,, MO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Blackstone, a Magician's Life: The World and Magic Show of Harry Blackstone, 1885-1965 (Hardcover)

This excellent book is available (new) from excellent and reliable magic dealers for half of the lowest price that Amazon's recommended book dealers are asking. Hence, my removing the book from my Amazon wish list. There are many great buys to be found on this landmark site. This is not one of them.