Vanni Bossi Book Now Available

[erdnasephile]

Along those lines: Mike Caveney once told our group that Johnson Products used to produce a half dollar with a bullet through it..

True. Magic, Inc. got one of these when we ordered samples of various items on their wholesale list. It sat in stock for years, as no one wanted it.

For those who haven't read the book yet, Stephen Minch gives Mr. Krenz a nice shout-out about one of his unpublished effects. (It does not involve a dead President)

[Leonard Hevia]

This elegant book reminds me of the Kingdom of Shadows by 17th-century author Aristide Torchia from the Johnny Depp film The Ninth Gate. The book is an adaptation of one written by the Devil himself and purportedly contains the means to summon the Devil and acquire invincibility and immortality. Compare this work of art to an e-book? Not even close!

Careful! Some books are dangerous and are not meant to be opened with impunity!

[richardingram]

I'm working my way through it. Very nice book.

Curious if anyone knows the proper pronunciation of his name?

[Krenz]

Curious if anyone knows the proper pronunciation of his name?

His full name was Giovanni Bossi. His performing name sounded like Van-ee Boss-ee.

[Leonard Hevia]

Bossi's Pencil Through Bill is...devilish and bold. The fictional character of Torchia would have been proud of Vanni. Is it the veritable price of the book? It might be. Anyone interested in the Okito box should get this book.

[JHostler]

After finally having time to sift through Aretalogy's contents, I must say this is the single most stimulating collection of magic I've laid eyes on since the '80s. That it is so well presented, and that the material can actually be *performed*, is icing on the cake.

Bravo Vanni, Stephen, Tony, et al.

BTW - Stock is apparently down to seven first editions(!)

[erdnasephile]

The more I read, the sneakier Mr. Bossi appears. (I recently saw his one handed card rise on video--it completely fooled me as I was busy counting fingers. When I read the method, it made me laugh).

I also enjoyed the Foreward to the book--it really gives a sense of what he must have been like. He sounds like someone who would have been great to have met.

[Sean-Dylan]

Only 6 left.....

[chetday]

Just ordered a copy. Five left now.

[Bill Marquardt]

Not to cloud the issue, but Hocus Pocus magic supply also lists this book as available, same price. I would call before ordering if you go this route, as they sometimes take a day or two to remove listings for out of stock items.

[Stever Cobb]

To "Cloud the Issue" How many copies were actually printed? I purchased an extra copy in the off chance my grandkid's show an interest in Magic. If not then I'd be happy to sell it for a tidy profit; beautifully produced book. I thought the Genii said it makes sense to only print books in China in color. If the Tenyo books and this book are any example of this.....Now what?

[Bill Marquardt]

I am not an expert in the field, but it is my opinion that judging which books will be collectible or gain in value over the years is a difficult task. It is disappointing to see that a book I bought for say, $80.00, is going on eBay or Abebooks for $30.00. I recommend buying books that interest the buyer personally for one reason or another. (And stay away from investing in gold unless you can wait thirty years to profit.)

From what I have read here, this book interests me, so I shall likely purchase it soon.

[Joe Mckay]

Now that Penguin Magic own The Hermetic Press I think there will be a greater emphasis on reprinting books and releasing older books as ebooks.

So that will affect the future as regards magic collectibles.

Also - didn't a bunch of people lose out trying to buy spare copies of The Castle Notebooks as collectibles? Only to see the prices drop on the secondhand market.

That is the impression I got.

[erdnasephile]

It's always hard to know, but I don't think this particular book is going to be collectable for several reasons. It really wasn't market as a strictly limited, never to be reprinted book. The book is moderately priced and easily available. Mr. Bossi wasn't a big magic celebrity. The book doesn't have the one legendary mega trick in it that magicians were pining after ( like the "Berglas effect"). As great as the material is, it's not foundational (i.e., Erdnase, Expert Card Technique, etc.)

Of course, none of that matters for many: it's a fine book with some very diabolical material.

[Leonard Hevia]

The description says it has an almond scent. Is it noticeable?

Yes, the glue smells exactly like the sweet almond paste inside almond croissants.

Two copies left at the Frozen Bird...and then there were two.

[Richard Kaufman]

Yes, printed in China (no way to do a ridged leather spine, deckled edges, and color at a feasible price point in the US).

While printing books in China is less expensive than in the US, you do have to print a minimum number to make it worthwhile. It also takes much longer not only to print, but also to ship by boat to the US.

The book has sold so well that Penguin might reprint (as Squash has done with the Handsome Jack book, though that was printed in the US).

I cannot read the mind of Penguin, but if it was my publication I would have had an order to the printer in China a month ago.

[Krenz]

There will be a second printing, and it will have a few acknowledgements added.

[Bill Mullins]

Yes, a deckled edge is a design choice, you find it on more expensive books, and it costs more to produce.

Why would it cost more? Seems like you are saving one production step (a trim).

[Richard Kaufman]

You're not thinking like a book binder, Bill. It's easier to trim the block evenly.

[Brian Hebert]

Does the book not include ring/coin in light bulb?
I cant seem to find mention of it
It might have a different name.
Anyone?

[erdnasephile]

Does the book not include ring/coin in light bulb?
I cant seem to find mention of it
It might have a different name.
Anyone?

It's mentioned in the Preface by Stephen Minch (page xiv), as well as the reason it was not included.

On a different note: In the March, 2007 issue of MAGIC (pg 63), there is a picture of Wittus Witt doing an effect that has a vaguely similar plot to the kicker ending of "With your Peanuts".

I also have decided I don't fancy the deckle edges when I'm trying to figure out quickly where something is in the book. I realize it's a design choice and fits perfectly with the book, but I can't help but think it's like buying a brand new pair of jeans with a distressed look. Horses for courses.

[Joe Mckay]

The ring in light bulb is not in the book.

But it is taught on a lecture he did for International Magic. That was released as a DVD.

It was also taught in an old issue of Opus magazine.

Opus was an amazing magazine. GENII should run a feature on it. A ton of great tricks from there as well that they could reprint.

Richard Kaufman used to have a great column in there as well.

[Bill Mullins]

It's in Opus vol IV no 8.