13. Patter and Presentation

"I would go so far as to say that in the hands of a good performer, any trick, no matter how bad as an effect, could be made into something. Indeed, it is possible to perform several things which are not even tricks-and still bewilder an audience by dint of first class showmanship."
-Tony Corinda, 13 Steps to Mentalism, Introduction to Step 13


Much has been written on this subject, and I will point the reader to a bunch of sources for better learning. This chapter, like the others, will grow as I continue my research into this subject. Most of what is listed here comes from my my own experiences and internet references. I do feel that one can learn a lot from PERFORMANCES, so I am also listing sources for some of the great performers available to us on video.

I have also decided to include products and links etc. that pertain to business teaching.


PERFORMANCES

  • You Asked Fot It - Rare TV Magic Acts (4 DVD Set)

"These videos contain 67 performances of greats like Blackstone, Dante, Frakson, Kuda Bux, and Tarbell. In addition to mentalism, manipulation, and vintage escape challenges (the roots of Chris Angel and David Blaine's stunts), the set is a virtual encyclopedia of classic stage illusions, essential viewing for anyone performing and studying illusions..." USA

  • Max Maven - A Fabulous Monster (DVD)

Meet a living enigma. Max Maven is a man who seems to know what you are thinking, he is known for performing what seem to be miracles with no possible explanation. He's famous among magicians - he's probably invented more magic tricks than anyone in the history of a field filled with eccentric genius. USA









THEORY / BIOGRAPHY

  • Maurice Fogel - In Search Of The Sensational

One of the great books of 2007, this is the biography of the man and the performances of one of the giants of mentalism in the 20th century. You will surely have read the interview with this man in 13 Steps. He created an extraordinary body of professional mentalism that has remained among the most coveted material in the field. This book contains that material, along with the advice, experience and stories of a lifetime of professional performance by one of the world’s most acclaimed mentalists. USA USA

  • Secret Ways of Al Baker

Al Baker was one of the most creative figures in magic, a master of close-up, stage magic and mentalism. Now ALL his legendary works are back in print in this volume, plus unpublished effects and more. Complete versions of Baker's books Magical Ways and Means, Pet Secrets, Al Baker's Book, Al Baker's Second Book, Cardially Yours, and Mental Magic.Over 200 additional Baker effects from notes, instructions and journals. A dazzling array of never-before-seen Baker photos and rare memorabilia. Numerous added illustrations by Katlyn Breene Plus profiles and essays by Eugene Burger, John Carney, Jay Marshall, Max Maven and Teller USA

  • Annemann: The Life And Times Of A Legend

Destined to become one of those eBay-only books, here is the complete story of one of the most influential magic writers and editors of all time-the history of Theodore "Ted" Annemann. Every published, and many unpublished, creations of Annemann have been gathered for this unprecedented work, then edited and placed in their proper chronological order. This huge book contains extensive commentary, which clarifies hundreds of details about his tricks, his contemporaries and the man himself. It is as entertaining as it is informative. Annemann's influence on magic even after his death is explained, as well as the complete genealogy of his creation The Jinx Magazine and all its descendants. USA

  • Five Points In Magic by Juan Tamariz

"In The FIVE POINTS in Magic, Juan Tamariz teaches magicians that it is not the hands alone that deceive, but also the feet, the body, the eyes and the voice. It is only through a full understanding of all five of these tools of nature and communication that the conjurer can spin a complete web of illusion that traps and then transports his audiences into the astonishing realm he has prepared for them. These five tools are essential and invaluable to the stage conjurer and the close-up magician alike, and they are clearly analyzed and taught by Tamariz from his vantage point of years of successful professional performance in both venues. Tamariz enhances the clarity of his ideas and explanations with solid examples drawn from his own repertoire." One of the classics by one of the all-time masters of misdirection. USA USA

  • Exploring Magical Presentations by Eugene Burger

Detailed discussions of the impact that presentational changes can have on different effects. Burger goes into the nuts and bolts of the psychological impact of certain phrases, different words, timing etc. all backed up by examples from some great routines. USA

  • Scripting Magic by Pete McCabe

Michael Ammar, Jon Armstrong, Bruce Barnett, Rafael Benatar, Eugene Burger, Michael Close, Bob Farmer, Paul Green, Eric Henning, Guy Hollingworth, Larry Jennings, Mark Joerger, Kenton Knepper, Jonathan Levit, John Lovick, Max Maven, Eric Mead, Sean O'neill, Gary Ouellet, David Regal, Jim Steinmeyer, Vic Sussman, Jamy Ian Swiss, Teller, Joe M Turner and Larry White shows us the art of scripting magic. Includes 45 scripts, 13 essays, 7 interviews, and 1 flowchart to make you a better magician. USA

  • Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz

Back in print, this book has become on of the classics of what has become to be known as Magic Theory. Again, for the self-proclaimed 'purists' out there, magic and mentalism are both deception arts, and both rely on the same psychological techniques for success. Not a dry, boring treatise, this book is funny, fascination, exciting reading. Not a book of vague theory, it's loaded with countless examples and concrete techniques that you can put to use right away to give your magic more impact. USA

  • The Osterlind Trilogy by Richard Osterlind


"Three acclaimed books now together in one deluxe volume!Thousands have read Richard Osterlind's e-books Making Magic Real, Making Real Magic and Essays and many have reported that the way they approached their magic and even their lives was changed forever. You'll find the secrets to what really makes magic not only memorable but relevant to today's sophisticated audiences. In a recent survey, Richard Osterlind was named the most influential mentalist of all time and in these pages, you'll discover the exact methods that have made him one of the world's most successful mystery entertainers. Also included are three powerful effects, including the original Osterlind Design Duplication System, Osterlind's Amazing Memory Demonstration and a wonderful handling for the classic Haunted Key." USA

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

  • Paul Daniels Masterclass 7 CD set

Recorded during the recent Masterclass tour of the USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand, Paul Daniels reveals the secrets of how to succeed and profit in the world of show-business. Each topic is fully explained, and Paul also allows ample time to answer questions. Paul Daniels has performed more magic on TV than anyone else in history, he is widely considered to be one of the foremost authorities on magic, and his Masterclass events have been attended by the biggest names in magic. USA

  • Highway to Success by Elliot Smith and Ian Quick

Highway to success is the essential business system for any artist or independent business person. Written by entertainers, for entertainers, and independent business people, it provides all the information you need to set up, operate, and thrive as a professional. From basic business structures to legalities, advertising to closing the sale, this system will refine your business practices and increase your clientele. USA

  • E-book How to Make Money by Magic by Paul Daniels and Andrew Lock

12 fully illustrated modules that provide simple, step by step methods to learning magic, and then earning money from it as a business. In less than 90 days from now, you could be up and running with your own unique act, literally brimming with fresh ideas and content. What's more, you can earn while you learn, and get the income rolling in. If you are serious about your career, it makes sense to learn magic properly. This fast-track method will help to avoid making costly mistakes. It also puts the emphasis firmly on the business aspect of "show business", with copyright free marketing materials provided, ready to use. Nothing is left to chance. USA

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