Attn: LA and Orange County Magicians

[Guest]

There are rumors that Aladdin Books in Fullerton may close up shop in the near future due to financial burdens. If this is true, this will truely break my heart. I have spent many a countless afternoons in this "sanctum." I have quotes around the word sanctum, because I am reminded of Gordon Bean's eloquent remarks on the Magic Castle Library in the recent October Castle Newsletter. Gordon speaks of "a hushed sanctum, away from the rush of the world...out of reach of e-mail and the news and the latest fad."

Aside from the Castle Library and our own personal libraries--Aladdin Books is the next best thing. While there is ebay, online catalogues, and book search engines, there is nothing like flipping through the pages of an old or new text, manuscript, or set of lecture notes or pamphlet.

Please show your support. Buy from Aladdin Books in Fulleron. Buy your next issue of Genii, or the new book you've been wanting, or go on a scavenger hunt through the past for burried treasure (believe me, there's gold in these mines). Don't let this little gem of a shop slip away boys. :genii:

[Dustin Stinett]

Aladdin's is my #1 favorite place for all things magic (though I buy mostly books these days) – and the thought of losing it kills me. I love going there and rummaging through all the books, lecture notes etc., etc. (They have LOTS of et cetera!) Though I cannot get up there as often as I like, I still shop via the phone (I just purchased Paper Engine via the phone yesterday). So even if you're not in Southern California, don't be afraid to give them a call. If John is not there to help, Glen is and they ship immediately. After ordering in the morning, I had my copies of Constant Fooling the next day! And Aladdin's not only has all the new books, but an excellent inventory of used books. Give them a call to find that out of print book you've been looking for; there's a good chance John has it! He also has books on other subjects such as film. When you call, ask if they have books in your area of interest other than magic! 714-738-6115.

Dustin

[Guest]

It certainly would be a shame for Aladdin to close. I was browsing in Aladdin just a couple weeks ago, and spent a couple hours picking through the manuscripts and finding gems--an obscure Phil Goldstein booklet here, an essential Micky Hades booklet there.

Little has been said, however, about the difficulty that the entire magic industry is having. Trade-show magicians are seriously hurting. Birthday-party magicians are lowering their rates. Restaurants are more consistently saying no to magic, trying to hunker down and wait out the horrible storm.

How do you ask magic consumers to support the good shops by spending more and turning their back on the discounters? Although that certainly would be a nice thing to do....

[Richard Kaufman]

David, perhaps you can post Alladin's website address, or phone number, so people can order stuff.

[Charlie Chang]

Their phone number is (714) 738-6115.

I had no idea they were in trouble of closing shop! Like those above, I too think Aladdin bookstore is a very unique place where I can spend hours digging and browsing through books/notes/etc. I'd always leave with more than I intended to buy, there's just too much good stuff.

Please support the place if you can.

[Dustin Stinett]

Originally posted by Richard Kaufman:
David, perhaps you can post Alladin's website address, or phone number, so people can order stuff.

Originally posted by Dustin Stinett:
714-738-6115.

Now I know that no one finishes reading what I write.
:confused:

Oh well - as long as John's number gets posted and folks buy from him. Aladdin's rules!

[Bob Coyne]

It would be terrible if Aladdin goes out of business. When I lived in LA I went there often and bought dozens of books. It is such a great place with a huge selection of new, used and rare magic books and more. How definite is the rumor? Is there a chance that if business picks up, he'll keep it going? Gee, this ruins my day. :(

[Guest]

The rumors of my imminent demise are greatly exagerated. What is fact is that certain landlords in my block would like it to be converted to nearly all restaurants and bars, and to make other modifications affecting parking and access. I may or may not be forced to move as a result. Also, the increased restaurant traffic to date has made parking more difficult than ever before. If I move, it will likely be to a nearby industrial/office park. As for purchasing from me on line, I do not have a website of my own. However, I sell regularly on ebay (seller name: aladdinbooks) although I sell plenty of other items besides magic stuff, and I sell on a site called abebooks.com, where I currently list about 1500 titles but only 150 or so are magic-related. You can browse my magic books on that site by going to it, then clicking on "bookstores" and searching for "Aladdin Books" in Fullerton, CA. Once you get to my page, you can browse my books, and focus on magic books by choosing to browse only in that catalog. One request: abebooks recently instituted changes which may drive many sellers off the site, including myself. If you want to place an order for a book, please DO NOT use their "shopping basket" It costs sellers a fortune! Instead please either use the "ask a question button" or the "e-mail seller" buttons; either of those will circumvent the system and allow sellers to keep their prices down. Because I sell (and am interested) in other fields than just magic, it sometimes appears that I am not as involved in magic sales as I once was; the reality is, it is a cyclical thing, and from time to time you will find a heavy selection of magic items for sale by me on ebay and elsewhere, and at other times very little. Finally, thank you to everyone who had kind words to say about my store in this thread.

[Dustin Stinett]

I'm pleased to hear that John - very pleased!

I heard that whether or not you will be at the Castle swap meet tomorrow was was up in the air. Sure hope to see you there!

Best,
Dustin

[Guest]

Honesty and integrity--that's why I buy from this man. There are alot of [censored] out there in the business. John has always been a pleasure to deal with. This is starting to feel like an e-bay possitive feedback, but I have alot of respect for his professionalism--and therefore, his business.

Thanks for the clear-up John.

Best,

Fellow Advocate

[Guest]

Whew,

My heart rate just went up more than a few beats. When I was deciding where to move to in Orange County a few years ago, while I didn't mention it to my wife, knowing I was so close to Aladdin Books was a definately in the "plus column." Just know I quickly scanned the responses to the initial post and was very happy to see John's response. I have found myself going over to browse Aladdin Books when I am stressed.
Gee, after reading this thread, I am feeling a bit stressed....