A Book of Magic for Young Magicians: The Secrets of Alkazar (Dover Magic Books) - Softcover

Kronzek, Allan Zola

Softcover

ISBN 10: 048627134X ISBN 13: 9780486271347

Publisher: Dover Publications, 1992

Synopsis

"People have always been fascinated by magic," says author, teacher, and magician Allan Kronzek. In this entertaining how-to book — prepared especially for young, aspiring magicians — he shows how to learn and perfect mystifying feats of illusion that will baffle any audience.
Simple directions and clearly drawn diagrams enable beginners to master a host of dazzling deceptions: passing objects through solid barriers, cutting and restoring a length of rope, card tricks featuring the "magnetic touch," and many more. Young magicians will also find complete directions for performing "The Spirit of Isis" — a dramatic tour de force in which one figure seemingly becomes another.
Step-by-step instructions demonstrate each step of the learning process — from understanding the effect to be achieved to successfully performing the trick itself. Mr. Kronzek, a professional magician, provides numerous helpful hints and secrets of the trade, including how to misdirect the audience's attention, practicing deception while handling props and equipment and how to develop a natural approach and smooth line of "patter."
With this book and a bit of practice, young would-be magicians will soon be on their way to mastering a grab-bag full of tricks that will astonish and delight family and friends alike.

About this title

Review:

"One of the best books for the aspiring or neophyte magician I have come across. A great 'early' book so well written that even an old-timer could benefit from studying it." - The Linking Ring, Journal of The International Brotherhood of Magicians

"This is what a magic book for kids should be.  Each chapter takes a classic effect and explains that effect in the context of some aspect of magic or performance theory.... serves as the general review all of us need from time to time."  -  Michael Weber, Magic Magazine

"Genuinely revealing about the nature of inference...  Alkazar’s wisdom about means and ends opens a way to the creative extension of the individual acts set forth."  - The Scientific American

"Undoubtedly the best so far...this well-written methods manual aims at quality over quantity, challenges the imagination....  A must for all magic collections." - School Library Journal

"Thoroughly enjoyable and will surely interest, excite, and perhaps inspire many young adult readers...  An excellent, nonfiction book appropriate for all middle and secondary school libraries."  - Journal of Reading

"One of the more charming and thoughtful introductory magic texts for young readers that I’ve had the pleasure to come across."  - Jamy Ian Swiss, Genii, The Conjuror’s Magazine

"Of real value to young magicians and worthy of adding to your library." - MUM, Journal of the Society of American Magicians

About this edition

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 048627134X
• ISBN 13: 9780486271347
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128