The Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks [Hardcover]

Gabe Fajuri (Editor) Stewart James (Compiler) (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 2005

An essential title for every magician, The Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks is the only book of its kind. Magical genius Stewart James, over the course of 40+ years, compiled three volumes of the Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks. Now, for the first time, these classic works have been collected, newly edited, and combined in a single hardbound volume. Over the course of nearly 450 large-format pages, James describes every nuance of this fascinating branch of conjuring. Hundreds of effects are described. Puzzles share the pages with stage-filling illusions, legendary feats (like the fabled Indian Rope Trick), escapes, spirit effects, cut and restored tricks, penetrations, trick knots, suspensions, and James' famous Sefalaljia, to name but a few. Rope tricks are the ultimate form of "pack small, play big" magic. And many impromptu feats that can be worked at the drop of a hat - often with borrowed rope - are described in these pages. Mini-miracles for virtually every type of performer are illuminated in these pages. From kid-show worker to close-up magician and parlor prestidigitator, rope tricks to suit nearly every taste, theme, and interest (not to mention skill) level are included. Many of the greatest magical minds of the last 100 years contributed to the Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks, including Harlan Tarbell, David Devant, Jay Marshall, Martin Gardner, Eddie Joseph, Larry Becker, G.W. Hunter, Sid Lorraine, Bob Hummer, Jean Hugard, Winston Freer, Burling Hull, T. Page Wright, U.F. Grant, William Larsen, Sr., Dunninger, Percy Abbott, P.C. Sorcar, Tenkai Ishida, Will Brema, and many, many more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is a great book, lovingly produced, and it belongs on the shelf of every serious magician. -- The Magic Circular November, 2005

About the Author

Stewart James (1908-1996) was a peculiar, prolific magical genius. A seemingly unending output of original, fresh magical creations flowed from his pen for nearly all of his adult life. Stewart James practiced, invented and created magic; his creativity inspired countless others and his life's work has had a resounding effect in the field of conjuring.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 456 pages
• Publisher: Squash Publishing (August 31, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974468134
• ISBN-13: 978-0974468136
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,024,457 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A good reference book for those in the know, September 4, 2009

By 

DuCK (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks (Hardcover)

This book is quite comprehensive for those who already have a basic understanding of magic performances. It lists a huge number of tricks, how they work, where they come from but that's where it ends. In my opinion, this is not a "course-book" for rope magic because it simply lists the tricks according to how they work without suggesting how the tricks can be put together into a routine or show. The book is also fairly thin on patter, performance ideas and I can't help wishing for more drawings and clearer explanations for some of the simpler tricks (some of which are explained in only a few unillustrated paragraphs).

That is not to say this is not a good book because it is. If anything, it is comprehensive and with a bit of work on the part of the reader, the tricks could be organized into meaningful routines. Personally I'm only a hobbyist and not a professional performer and I do find that the book does require a fair bit of practical experience to be useful. I've found myself to pick up quickly on the simpler tricks on cut & restore and knots while skipping over the more complex stage tricks that require a significant amount of props.

If only the book was organized by the performance types of tricks (impromptu, close-up, stage, etc) or skills/props (self-working, sleight-required/strings, ropes, rings, tricked ropes, etc.) it would be a very accessible book. As it is, it is probably a good reference book for those already in the know.

5.0 out of 5 stars If you want to learn Rope tricks, this is the book!, August 8, 2008

By 

Per Klasson "Per Klasson, magician" (Sweden) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks (Hardcover)

Magic with ropes, is a great way to do magic for adults and kids. It is easy to understand, for the audience, and it packs small, and play big!

In this book, you can find everything about professionel rope magic. On the market, you can find another book, "Abbot's encyclopedia of rope tricks" but that is only one third, of this "Stewart James'Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks". This is the book for a serious magician.

The language in the book, is easy to understand, and the pictures are very good.

You can find both easy tricks, and very professional tricks. This book is a must for every serious magician.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Rope Magic Book, October 4, 2007

By 

Gerard J. Remillard "Dr." (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks (Hardcover)

This is a great Rope Magic book. It has many illustrations in it and it covers just about every cut and restore rope trick variation there is. It is a good reference to have and is worth the money.