The Genii Forum

Part of me is glad the new "Jack Hughes" books are not a reprint of the total contents of the original. This helps me believe that those books will hold their value. I always felt that the last two volumes did not hold up their content compared to the first volume done when Jack was alive. They tended to be little more than a collection of trick directions.

Now if you only include a representative sample of the original works, how much more content is it watered down? If it is such, it is not a very flattering monument to a man's life work.

Jim, I suspect you enjoyed the books for the same reason I did. That is the thinking and mechanical ideas of Jack Hughes.

Besides "Hughes" is a pretty good name...at least I am kind of fond of...like I have a choice.

Richard

I am grateful to Derek Lever for including the Jack Hughes book as part of the FISM goodies. I'm reading the book now, and it has some very interesting material. Hughes invented Atta Boy, the famous bellhop figure in which cards are moved from an upper houlette to one on the bottom of the figure, and when the spec says stop, the selection is in hand. It's very clever.

The book was a highlight. The commemorative bear went right into the trash.

Matt Field

I had been planning to attend FISM this year as I'd always said if it was ever in the UK that I would go. The fact that it was in Blackpool though had put me off quite a bit but I was still wanting to attend.

However after reading this thread I am incredibly glad that I had too much personal stuff going on at the time to fly over. I had heard it was bad from several friends but had to check it out for myself. At least now my curiosity is satisfied.

I missed seeing you there, Fran. Maybe you'll make it to the International in November? Or the Genii Bash in the States in October??

Matt Field

Wait! FISM is over!!?! And I missed it??!? Crap.

I knew it was worth more than what people are giving it credit for. It was an OK item to receive. After all, it is rare according to the listing above. Thanks for posting that, Dick. I've read different figures on attendance anywhere from 1400-2500. Does than number constitute "rareness" for a book?
Jim

Here's another deal on this "rarity".

Bargain Basement

This auction is better as you get the Hanky Panky magic set as well (which is quite good when you have a good look through).

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Magic-Tricks- ... 2c66e37fca

There's nothing rare about a book when 2500 copies have been printed. It may be rare in 20 years, but for now, no.

I asked Paul about that. He said that because you had to be at FISM to get the book, it's rare.

Ian -- Paul is just plain wrong.

Matt Field

Matthew Field wrote:I missed seeing you there, Fran. Maybe you'll make it to the International in November? Or the Genii Bash in the States in October??

Matt Field

I hope to make it over to International this year. I'll have to rearrange something first though as I have just realised that I'm supposed to be hosting a party on the Friday that the convention starts.