Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

I am a magic collector with a shelf full of conjuring biographies. This one ranks as one of my favorites, because it is so engaging, fast-paced, and well-written. Reading it is a real treat.