David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

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David Regal
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David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby David Regal » May 3rd, 2008, 1:52 pm

The books have been printed and are shipping. I'm very happy with the end product, both the contents and and the quality/details of the physical thing itself (for those of you with a copy, look under the dust jacket). A couple of quotes, then I'll leave you alone:

David Regals magic is just sensational, and the presentations are equally ingenious.
Jim Steinmeyer

This is a marvelous book that occupies a rare niche in the world of magic literature and product. Approaching Magic is a remarkable collection of original creations...
Jamy Ian Swiss

Over 500 pages, over 1000 photos. Magic for stand-up, sit-down, near and far. Magic with beer and marshmallows as well as cards and coins. Plus essays and a conversation with Armando Lucero. Foreword by Michael Weber.

This book, six years in the making, is the book I always wanted to do. You remember books. They're like DVDs, but you hold them in your hands. No electricity required...yet you can go forward or backwards with ease, even skip to another chapter. Fantastic.

Available for $75 (plus S&H) only from:

Regal Magic

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Raj Madhok » May 3rd, 2008, 2:09 pm

David had the first set available at FFFF and I've managed to get through his essays so far. Wonderful thinking and he has articulated great points about presentation and scripting. I'm looking forward to delving into the tricks next.

If the book is not enough to satiate you can get a get a real live Regal fix by attending Close Up and In The Parlour in Minneapolis/St.Paul the last weekend in June.

http://closeupandintheparlour.com/

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Bob Postelnik » May 3rd, 2008, 4:43 pm

David,

Are you going to have a book signing at the MagicApple soon?
Life is a journey, so do not arrive at your grave safe and in a well preserved body. Enjoy the Ride!

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David Regal
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby David Regal » May 3rd, 2008, 7:02 pm

Bob -

I got suddenly busy in my "other life" and dropped the ball with The Magic Apple, but we're trying to work it out. I'm also book lecturing/signing at The Castle June 1st.

The esteemed Richard Kaufman warned me that the work isn't over after publication, and that getting the book to people was a job in itself. I thought he was kidding. He wasn't.

I need a nap.

000
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby 000 » May 8th, 2008, 12:51 pm

This man gets my thumbs up,and I certainly shall be buying the book.
I once mailed the author a ( card trick ) innovation.
Not only did he look it over, he suggested improvements!
Who says nice guys come second
Signed ; Brain wave kicker

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 8th, 2008, 2:34 pm

It's a great book. I've been enjoying it immensely since my copy arrived.
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Larry Barnowsky » May 8th, 2008, 9:48 pm

From David Regal's animated avatar, you see what writer burnout looks like from the author's perspective. I hope this short review helps to cool down the flames and ease his exhaustion. :)

I just received David Regals new hardcover book, Approaching Magic, and I must say that I am delighted with my purchase. Once you see it you'll wonder why all magic books are not produced with the attention to detail and quality that this book has.

When you combine the talents of a professional writer with those of a creative magical mind, you get the bonus of an insiders view of how magic is invented, constructed, and performed. As you read this book, its as if David is having a conversation with you and only you. The step-by-step photo illustrated instructions are clear, and easy to follow. The book is laid out in a logical fashion and intermingled with thought provoking essays, which give your hands a chance to relax between effects while you get to sit back and obtain postgraduate lessons in the art of deception. Davids passion for magic shines, and we the reader are the beneficiary of his enthusiasm, wit, and artistry. As I work my way through the book and see more and more clever ideas, I say to myself, why didnt I think of that. The book is a fantastic read and I cant think of any magician or aficionado of magic who wouldnt benefit from the knowledge imparted and the secrets revealed in this superb text. Save up your money and buy this book. Youll treasure it for a lifetime.

Larry
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby gberard » May 9th, 2008, 12:26 pm

I pre-ordered David's book and was very excited when it arrived. I have all of David's books (except the first, I was too young to know back then how good he was). The thinking that goes into his creations is an education in how to construct and entertaining and fooling routine.

However, I do find his animated avatar somewhat disturbing.

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby The Magic Apple » May 9th, 2008, 2:12 pm

David will be doing his FIRST public book signing of his new book on May 18th (Sunday) from 1pm to 3pm in Studio City at The Magic Apple.
Come on down and buy a copy from David a copy if you don't already own one. OR just come on by and say hello and grab a drink and some snacks 'on the house'

hope to see you there
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby ScottPeterson » May 10th, 2008, 11:14 am

Hello David,

Glad to hear your newest book is shipping, can hardly wait to recieve my copy.

It is May 10th now and looking forward to reading your book.

Scott Peterson

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David Regal
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby David Regal » May 10th, 2008, 1:21 pm

Scott -

I can read between the lines...

I checked, and your order was received by the distribution company on 5.2. It takes 5-10 days for delivery (some get it sooner, but they seem to be in the minority) so you should have it in your hands shortly!

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 10th, 2008, 2:26 pm

David, welcome to the pleasures of being your own publisher. :)
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby David Regal » May 12th, 2008, 8:41 pm

I used to laugh when Harry Lorayne wrote about his insane experiences at the post office with Apocalypse, but on Friday I personally went down to the post office to ask what it would cost to mail my book when the new rates went into place today...and they didn't know.

In addition I always seem to be stuck behind a guy holding a paper bag and a pair of pants, who wants to somehow mail it all.

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Bob Farmer » May 12th, 2008, 8:51 pm

I got the bag and pants mailed.

David's book, whatever it costs to mail, is worth every penny.

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Glenn Godsey » May 12th, 2008, 8:56 pm

Raj Madhok wrote:....
If the book is not enough to satiate you can get a get a real live Regal fix by attending Close Up and In The Parlour in Minneapolis/St.Paul the last weekend in June.

http://closeupandintheparlour.com/


I'll be there, Raj!

Best regards,
Glenn Godsey

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 12th, 2008, 9:12 pm

Pants is not so bad. The person you don't want to get stuck behind is some drone from an office with a pile of 50 packages that must be sent by certified mail. He'll take a good hour of the clerk's time.
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Don Knox » May 13th, 2008, 10:51 am

Hi David,
I ordered your book over the weekend and am looking forward to reading it.

Could I get the bonus pants in Lime-green with an elastic waistband? There are a lot of golfers here by Palm Springs and I don't want to look too out of place.

Regards,
Don

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Dustin Stinett » May 13th, 2008, 1:31 pm

Important safety tip: Don't read this book on the toilet. I hurt myself last night while trying.

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 13th, 2008, 1:36 pm

"Trying" to what?
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby The Magic Apple » May 13th, 2008, 4:16 pm

DAY CHANGE~!
David Regal will be signing his new book on SATURDAY MAY 17th from 2:00pm for 4:00pm! Come on by and hang, buy the bookd from David and get a few snacks!!
TheMagicApple.com

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Dustin Stinett » May 13th, 2008, 4:16 pm

Read that big dang book. It's heavy! (Everything else came out just fine, thanks.)

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby David Regal » May 13th, 2008, 5:40 pm

I am proud to be in Dustin Stinett's toilet.

By that I mean my book.

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 13th, 2008, 7:26 pm

TMI, Dustin. TMI.
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Brian Morton » May 13th, 2008, 7:46 pm

And why then did you ask, Richard?

brian :grin:

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 13th, 2008, 8:03 pm

Hmmm. I don't know.
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Dustin Stinett » May 14th, 2008, 2:03 pm

David Regal wrote:I am proud to be in Dustin Stinett's toilet.

By that I mean my book.


And I am honored that you are therewell, you know, by way of your book.

And rest assured that it's not the first time.

Richard Kaufman wrote:TMI, Dustin. TMI.


Well, my life is an open book. :)

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Larry Barnowsky » May 14th, 2008, 3:10 pm

Dustin Stinett wrote:Important safety tip: Don't read this book on the toilet. I hurt myself last night while trying.


What I imagined was Dustin was sitting on the throne, looked down at the floor and dropped this heavy book on his foot the moment he realized that his SOCKS DON'T MATCH. :D
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Dustin Stinett » May 14th, 2008, 6:15 pm

Thanks for the guess, but I need only one sock.

Oh wait, you mean on my feet.

I get it!

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby David Regal » May 14th, 2008, 7:09 pm

I need to seek a hypnotherapist so that I can wipe this thread from my conscious memory.

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 14th, 2008, 7:15 pm

Okay, okay, let's get back to praising David Regal's excellent new book Approaching Magic ...

Anyone have a favorite trick yet? I hear that the production of a glass of beer from behind a straw mat is pretty damn good.
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Bob Farmer » May 14th, 2008, 8:02 pm

I really liked the hole card trick (title escapes me) and I say this as the person who has invented more of these tricks than anyone else on planet earth.

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Dustin Stinett » May 15th, 2008, 2:17 am

Sorry I hijacked David's thread. Of all people, I should know better. Besides, David's no longer in the bathroom.

He's sleeping with me.

I have not yet found a "favorite trick," but I have found a bunch of lines I wish I could use (in good conscience).

Not only is the book educational, it is a very entertaining read.

Thank you David!

Dustin

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Gordon Bean » May 15th, 2008, 9:37 am

A Distant Ring. (And that's all I'm saying! As Jamy said, this is a book that a lot of us are going to be harvesting performance items from.)

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Pete McCabe » May 15th, 2008, 11:52 am

Richard Kaufman wrote:Anyone have a favorite trick yet? I hear that the production of a glass of beer from behind a straw mat is pretty damn good.


I saw this trick at the Castle in an earlier version, when it was called the dropping of a glass of beer from behind a straw mat onto David's foot. The version in the book is considerably better, for both David and everyone in the front row.

But seriously though, don't overlook the Oil and Water. It really has a very high convincing value, and although this trick in general is one of the most pointless things you can do with playing cards, the perfect clarity of the effect makes it very magical.

Also "Porn in your pants" is a brilliant trick. I watched David do this one too, and I knew the method -- in fact, not only did I know the method, David and I discussed the method right before the show (this was when he was using the electronic version he mentions in the book). Then I watched the show and was floored by the outcome. Turns out I only knew half the method. The half I didn't know was brilliant.

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby David Regal » May 15th, 2008, 12:15 pm

Thank, you, Pete, for preserving that cherished memory of a damp foot that smelled like a ball park. At least the experience helped me figure out what I was doing wrong, so the readers of America can benefit from my pain.

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Larry Barnowsky » May 15th, 2008, 12:28 pm

I haven't read every effect yet but I really like "Will the Socks Match" and the Cocoa and marshmallow routine.
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby MartinKaplan » May 15th, 2008, 12:40 pm

I received my copy of the book yesterday and with just a quick run through the pages of the book I have found much to think about, effects to polish and theory that begs to be studied at a leisurely pace. It is a pleasure to read a book by someone who writes so well. The introduction makes the case for these effects to be in book form rather than a 3 DVD set. I feel that David is reminding us that we need to put our magical self into our effects and to make use of our talent and imagination to create something that is uniquely us. DVD's do not magicians make. As far as effects that have caught my attention so far, I would include "Hotel 52" with one version that can easily be carries in your wallet and a second presentation that is better suited to a table being available. There are two routines using the Copper/Silver/Brass gimmick that are magical, funny and completely avoid making the spectator looking like a jerk. There is a wonderful routine involving a mini-chop cup and a dollar bill that once again is funny, magical and avoids making the spectator look like an idiot. There is also a take on Peter Kane's "Wild Card" that includes a different handling of the Hamman Count that is truly a fooler. Most magicians delude themselves into believing that they do the Hamman Count well. The truth is that they don't. The little jump is always a dead give away that something was done. David's version will fool the hell out of anyone. This book has the potential to become one of my favorites of all time, not only because it will provide me with a wealth of effects, but aslo with a wealth of ideas and points to ponder.

-Marty

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby The Magic Apple » May 16th, 2008, 6:00 pm

Don't forget: David Regal will at The Magic Apple tomorrow (Saturday 17th) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm signing his new book APPROACHING MAGIC

Get his NEW book, get 20% off his other items, free snacks, sodas and more!!

Hope to see you there!!
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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby Bob Postelnik » May 17th, 2008, 1:32 am

I'll be dare...for sure...
Life is a journey, so do not arrive at your grave safe and in a well preserved body. Enjoy the Ride!

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Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

Postby The Magic Apple » May 18th, 2008, 1:57 am

if you don't own this book yet, and you care AT ALL about your performance and your effects...
BUY THIS BOOK. Today is the first time I have actually held the book and looked through it...

holy crap!

there are TONS of effects in there. Something for everyone!! Easy stuff, hard stuff, mentalism, cards, a chapter on Liquid...

BUY IT
www.regalmagic.com

(this post was not paid for by David Regal)
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