Goebel the Man with the Magical Mind

The Story of a Conjuror and Costumer with a foreword by Jim Steinmeyer In the 1970's and 1980's George Goebel presented a grand, classical magic production called the Goebel Magical Revue. With a cast and staff of 35, he astonished lay audiences and received accolades from fellow magicians. Those shows wowed both Jim Steinmeyer and Lance Burton, each of whom contributed to this book. Goebel's life and career in Baltimore, Maryland, brought him into contact with countless magicians, including Milbourne Christopher, Hen Fetsch, Doug Henning, and Phil Thomas. His knowledge of Howard Thurston, Thomas Chew Worthington III, Henry Ridgley Evans, and magicians around the country is extensive. His A. T. Jones Costume Company has 300,000 costumes for musicals, plays, and operas. It's housed in a three-story building, which also serves as a haven for some very unusual friends. Goebel's private collection of magic and escape restraints is exceptional. Goebel tells how he gained experience working with Milbourne Christopher on the Jackie Gleason and Garry Moore shows-assisting with the Vanishing Elephant plus rehearsals for Christopher's Bullet Catch. His remembrance of the Baltimore eccentric magician Dantini is illuminating and touching. Read about Goebel's escape work in Japan, Baltimore magic history, and his detailed account of building and presenting a full evening magic show that included a 10-member dance ensemble under the leadership of a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette. Also includes a DVD with segments from the Goebel show, film clips and more.