New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: November 6th, 2009, 7:56 pm
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Sincerely look forward to this Mr Kaufman.
My New E-Book Available Now!
http://www.mattcolman.co.uk/shop
http://twitter.com/themattcolman
http://www.mattcolman.co.uk/shop
http://twitter.com/themattcolman
-
- Posts: 23
- Joined: November 11th, 2008, 1:47 pm
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Looking foward to it; but I do hope that the approach is a little more rigourous than what was in the Britland tome.
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27053
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
David Britland had the extremely difficult task of encompassing Berglas's entire career in one book. An almost impossible task, yet he succeeded admirably.
Britland's card section is not that long, but the language is very dense and rich.
I have the luxury of an entire book to devote to the card magic and David Berglas's manner of working is antithetical to the type of nuts and bolts descriptions I normally write. However, I have discovered a way that suits us. It makes you aware of the dynamism and free flow of the card work, but also gives you the nuts and bolts to go down that road. Once you're on the road, you have to just start doing the material and learning it yourself.
I'll be giving you all the tools and teaching you how to use them, but you'll have to build your own boat. You'll understand when you read the book.
Britland's card section is not that long, but the language is very dense and rich.
I have the luxury of an entire book to devote to the card magic and David Berglas's manner of working is antithetical to the type of nuts and bolts descriptions I normally write. However, I have discovered a way that suits us. It makes you aware of the dynamism and free flow of the card work, but also gives you the nuts and bolts to go down that road. Once you're on the road, you have to just start doing the material and learning it yourself.
I'll be giving you all the tools and teaching you how to use them, but you'll have to build your own boat. You'll understand when you read the book.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
-
- Posts: 842
- Joined: September 12th, 2009, 7:18 am
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
David himself wrote a great little book years ago. I forget what the hell it was called. It seems to have vanished into oblivion which is a shame. Very slick paper and well printed.
All I remember about the old Berglas book was very good illustrations and he also explained how you tie a knot in a tie with one hand. The other thing that was quite amusing was a stunt he recommended when a group in an audience were not paying attention to you. You flip a ball of flaming flash paper over their head and when they look back at you look terribly innocent and the audience laughs.
All I remember about the old Berglas book was very good illustrations and he also explained how you tie a knot in a tie with one hand. The other thing that was quite amusing was a stunt he recommended when a group in an audience were not paying attention to you. You flip a ball of flaming flash paper over their head and when they look back at you look terribly innocent and the audience laughs.
-
- Posts: 551
- Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Location: St. Louis
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
'The David Berglas File No. 1: Professional Magic for Magicians' (1976) has those items and several more.
Jim Martin
St. Louis MO
St. Louis MO
-
- Posts: 842
- Joined: September 12th, 2009, 7:18 am
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
That's the one. It was very good and well produced. I don't think it made it to File number two.Shame.
- NCMarsh
- Posts: 1223
- Joined: February 16th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Devant, Wonder, Richiardi, Benson, DeKolta, Teller, Harbin, Durham, Caveney, Ben, Hoy, Berglas, Marceau
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
What are the chances of David publishing his cigarette routine? I was surprised to see it not make the Britland book...
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27053
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
David gave me his cigarette routine for the Genii issue, but we ran long and I couldn't include it. It won't fit in this book, because it's entirely devoted to card magic. I may publish it in Genii at some point.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
-
- Posts: 842
- Joined: September 12th, 2009, 7:18 am
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
I can actually do David's cigarette trick. In my opinion it is his greatest trick. Far better than that silly card and number thing that magicians rave about for some unknown reason. It is just another card trick after all.
I saw David do it in a very large theatre in London. It was the Victoria Palace. Yep. A small tricks with cigarettes could be seen in the largest theatre. Skilled lighting was used and it worked well. I even remember bits of the patter and it was nearly 50 years ago. He said "If I rub my hand once a cigarette appears. (and it did) If I rub my hand twice two cigarettes appear" (and they did) It was an absolute masterpiece and Ken Brooke told me that it was the trick that made David famous on British television. He did it with his sleeves rolled up.
Many years later he did it again on British TV but it was a pale shadow of its former self. I got the impression that he hadn't done it for years. I know he is known as a mentalist but I always preferred his magic and pickpocketing. He did have some wonderful blindfold work and a some of his mentalism was fine but there were occasions he got a bit too complicated with it and that can lead to boredom.
I once was booked at a regular gig in Ireland to do children's shows. The same kids were there week after week so I eventually ran out of material. So in desperation I decided to do the cigarette trick even though cigarette tricks are a no-no to perform for children. To my amazement the reaction was fantastic. The kids kept laughing and gasping when all the cigarettes appeared one at a time.
I am now inclined to do the trick with miniture magic wands instead when I do the item for children.
It really is a wonderful trick.
I saw David do it in a very large theatre in London. It was the Victoria Palace. Yep. A small tricks with cigarettes could be seen in the largest theatre. Skilled lighting was used and it worked well. I even remember bits of the patter and it was nearly 50 years ago. He said "If I rub my hand once a cigarette appears. (and it did) If I rub my hand twice two cigarettes appear" (and they did) It was an absolute masterpiece and Ken Brooke told me that it was the trick that made David famous on British television. He did it with his sleeves rolled up.
Many years later he did it again on British TV but it was a pale shadow of its former self. I got the impression that he hadn't done it for years. I know he is known as a mentalist but I always preferred his magic and pickpocketing. He did have some wonderful blindfold work and a some of his mentalism was fine but there were occasions he got a bit too complicated with it and that can lead to boredom.
I once was booked at a regular gig in Ireland to do children's shows. The same kids were there week after week so I eventually ran out of material. So in desperation I decided to do the cigarette trick even though cigarette tricks are a no-no to perform for children. To my amazement the reaction was fantastic. The kids kept laughing and gasping when all the cigarettes appeared one at a time.
I am now inclined to do the trick with miniture magic wands instead when I do the item for children.
It really is a wonderful trick.
- NCMarsh
- Posts: 1223
- Joined: February 16th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Devant, Wonder, Richiardi, Benson, DeKolta, Teller, Harbin, Durham, Caveney, Ben, Hoy, Berglas, Marceau
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Appreciate the info., Richard and Mark.
-
- Posts: 2026
- Joined: April 13th, 2008, 6:56 am
- Favorite Magician: Lubor Fiedler
- Location: Durham, England
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
I am insanely excited about this book. Only a third volume of 'The Complete Walton' would excite me more! So - I was wondering, Richard, if you are pretty confident that the book will be ready by the Summer? Alot of books in magic get mentioned and then kicked into the long grass for years on end. I really hope that doesn't happen this time!
I just dunno' what to make of this book. Is there any chance of any peek details? It all seems very mysterious at the moment...
All the best,
Joe
I just dunno' what to make of this book. Is there any chance of any peek details? It all seems very mysterious at the moment...
All the best,
Joe
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27053
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
And mysterious it shall remain.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
-
- Posts: 51
- Joined: June 4th, 2009, 12:32 pm
- Location: Lawrence, KS
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Oh lordy lordy
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27053
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
I spoke to David on the phone for an hour today, talking over details for various parts of the book.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
-
- Posts: 842
- Joined: September 12th, 2009, 7:18 am
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
He is mentioned in my book too. That should put him in a bad mood. I don't suppose he wants to be associated with the devil. In my meanderings I mention how I found out that he worked in a strip club a week before I did. I remember being quite surprised that a person of his stature would consent to working there. It seems that he was a pal of the owner.
No. Neither of us were doing a strip act I hasten to add.
No. Neither of us were doing a strip act I hasten to add.
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Is in this book also a description of his ACAAN Version?
Thanks
Markus
Thanks
Markus
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27053
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
David performs different versions of Any Card At Any Number--some of which are "The Berglas Effect" and some not. The methods vary depending upon whether he's onstage, closeup, working for one person or multiple people, the exact circumstance, and every other variable you can think of.
His methods are not some simple "secret" or "answer" that you can buy and go off and do the way you would a paddle trick or even a Center Tear.
There will be several methods in the book, but if you think that you can just read any of the methods and then run out and do them within a day, or even a few weeks, you're mistaken.
There is no gimmicked deck, no one secret, and everyone who reads the book starts with the disadvantage that they are not David Berglas.
His methods are not some simple "secret" or "answer" that you can buy and go off and do the way you would a paddle trick or even a Center Tear.
There will be several methods in the book, but if you think that you can just read any of the methods and then run out and do them within a day, or even a few weeks, you're mistaken.
There is no gimmicked deck, no one secret, and everyone who reads the book starts with the disadvantage that they are not David Berglas.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
-
- Posts: 842
- Joined: September 12th, 2009, 7:18 am
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
He showed me that card at any number trick. He seemed disappointed that I just shrugged my shoulders and didn't get excited. It seems like a good card trick but there are many good card tricks. I am still not sure why I am supposed to froth at the mouth over it. His banging on the wall to make the light come on is far better.
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Thanks for mentioning that, Mark. I've often thought ACAAN is an underwhelming concept, of interest probably only to very analytical individuals (e.g. magicians). Without some thought about how "impossible" it is/was, it's just a location. Don't get me wrong: I am one of those analytical people, and I'd love to see someone do it justice in person. But I'd suspect the average paying customer would be more impressed by a good Invisible Deck presentation, to pick just one example.
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27053
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Mark speaks from experience, even though I disagree with him.
DrDanny speaks from inexperience (apparently).
DrDanny speaks from inexperience (apparently).
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
I freely admit, I've never seen anyone do ACAAN, either poorly or well. I'd love to be proven wrong by seeing a lay audience go bonkers for it. Until then, I'll continue to think of it as an academic exercise.
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27053
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
You do that. The fact that it's been a staple of David Berglas's performances for the public for many decades should have no influence at all on your thinking.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
-
- Posts: 842
- Joined: September 12th, 2009, 7:18 am
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
I am quite sure, as I have said, that it is a good trick. I am sure that laymen would quite like it. But yet I also think that Dr Danny is right. I bet they would like the invisible deck just as much, or even better.
Of course I am a notorious non-reactor to magic. Very few magicians impress me and even fewer tricks. I think the reason that magicians like the Card at any Number thing is that they are puzzled by it and don't know how it is done. I also don't know how it is done. The difference is that I don't care how it is done.
I just don't get excited about watching tricks. Quite frankly magic bores the crap out of me unless I am doing it myself.
Of course I am a notorious non-reactor to magic. Very few magicians impress me and even fewer tricks. I think the reason that magicians like the Card at any Number thing is that they are puzzled by it and don't know how it is done. I also don't know how it is done. The difference is that I don't care how it is done.
I just don't get excited about watching tricks. Quite frankly magic bores the crap out of me unless I am doing it myself.
-
- Posts: 8704
- Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Location: Westchester, NY
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
i'm sure we'll have a chance to see YouTube commentary and performances of both tricks done side by side soon enough.
Imagine a cartoon character doing both tricks. which one impreses the most?
Imagine a cartoon character doing both tricks. which one impreses the most?
Mundus vult decipi -per Caleb Carr's story Killing Time
-
- Posts: 15
- Joined: February 24th, 2010, 5:43 pm
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Richard,
Any idea how limited the book will be?
How will we get it?
Thanks,
-Ben
Any idea how limited the book will be?
How will we get it?
Thanks,
-Ben
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27053
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
You'll probably see advertisements both here and in Genii by the end of the year. Regular edition will not be limited. Deluxe edition will be,
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
-
- Posts: 2026
- Joined: April 13th, 2008, 6:56 am
- Favorite Magician: Lubor Fiedler
- Location: Durham, England
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
By the end of the year? Does that mean a summer release is out of the question? I was hoping to combine the Berglas book with the World Cup!
Can't wait for the book (and the World Cup!)
Joe
Can't wait for the book (and the World Cup!)
Joe
-
- Posts: 15
- Joined: February 24th, 2010, 5:43 pm
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Regular edition will not be limited? Oh my. I'm a little bit worried as to how common knowledge these wonderful secrets will be.
Oh well, I'm still exited.
Sounds like it is coming a bit later than originally expected.
Keep us updated. Thanks.
-Ben
Oh well, I'm still exited.
Sounds like it is coming a bit later than originally expected.
Keep us updated. Thanks.
-Ben
-
- Posts: 8704
- Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Location: Westchester, NY
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
...I'm a little bit worried as to how common knowledge these wonderful secrets will be....
And for that reason we should also ask that schools stop teaching folks to read, right?
-
- Posts: 5913
- Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Location: Huntsville, AL
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Jonathan Townsend wrote:...I'm a little bit worried as to how common knowledge these wonderful secrets will be....
And for that reason we should also ask that schools stop teaching folks to read, right?
No, Jon, we shouldn't ask that schools stop teaching folks to read.
-
- Posts: 448
- Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Location: L.A.
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
History has shown that the safest place for a magic secret is in a book.
-
- Posts: 15
- Joined: February 24th, 2010, 5:43 pm
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
That is a good point Larry.
People most often look for answers on DVD or videos or online.
People most often look for answers on DVD or videos or online.
-
- Posts: 8704
- Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Location: Westchester, NY
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Larry Horowitz wrote:History has shown that the safest place for a magic secret is in a book.
History as in written in books?
Or history as seen by the consensus as seen on YouTube?
Mundus vult decipi -per Caleb Carr's story Killing Time
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27053
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Jonathan, you know exactly what Larry means.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
-
- Posts: 15
- Joined: February 24th, 2010, 5:43 pm
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Richard,
On a side note,
I recall reading a while back on here an interview you did with Berglas. Is that still available anywhere on here?
On a side note,
I recall reading a while back on here an interview you did with Berglas. Is that still available anywhere on here?
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27053
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Ben,
You can buy the back issue from us for $6.
You can buy the back issue from us for $6.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Ben the Magician wrote:Regular edition will not be limited? ...
Ben, if it's any consolation, there's never been a physical book published in the history of mankind that wasn't limited in the number of copies printed.
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27053
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
The regular edition will not be limited.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
-
- Posts: 13
- Joined: May 24th, 2010, 4:08 pm
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
Richard, is your book going to includ the method's used by Berglas to perform his ACAAN effect?
When you say that we (refering to the lectors of the book) are not David Berglas, do you mean that we won't be able to perform this masterpiece as David used to?
One last question, what is your favourite method available to perform the ACAAN effect?
When you say that we (refering to the lectors of the book) are not David Berglas, do you mean that we won't be able to perform this masterpiece as David used to?
One last question, what is your favourite method available to perform the ACAAN effect?
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27053
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: New Book Coming on the Card Magic of David Berglas
David still does the effect.
Will other people be able to do it? I imagine so, but it's not easy.
As far as I'm concerned, there is only one method for "The Berglas Effect," which is David's method. There are a million ways to do "Any Card at Any Number."
Will other people be able to do it? I imagine so, but it's not easy.
As far as I'm concerned, there is only one method for "The Berglas Effect," which is David's method. There are a million ways to do "Any Card at Any Number."
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine