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Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 30th, 2015, 1:37 pm
by Richard Kaufman
As many of you know, we featured Martin Gardner on our November cover on the occasion of the publication of the new version of the Encyclopedia of Impromptu Magic.

And it has indeed come to pass. I received notification today that a copy has been sent to me directly from the printer. So, the book is now printed and after the usual process of trucking books and so on, I'm sure that publisher Todd Karr will start filling orders and getting the copies out to those who have been waiting patiently as soon as possible.

Just wanted to let all of you know that the book is actually DONE.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 30th, 2015, 9:42 pm
by Richard Kaufman
I can't believe that not one person has commented on my post considering all the complaining that was taking place (not without justification) when no one really knew what the status of the book was.

It's printed, done, and you'll probably have your copy in three weeks. Does nobody care?

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 30th, 2015, 10:20 pm
by Ted M
1) It's not the same book that people paid for, and which was advertised for ten years.

2) Until this book is actually physically delivered, it remains an abstract promise, just as it has been for ten years.

Also, it's Halloween weekend. People are doing non-internet things.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 30th, 2015, 10:23 pm
by Dustin Stinett
Yes or no, Ted: Did you order the book?

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 30th, 2015, 10:38 pm
by Bill Mullins
Some time ago Todd sent out a sample chapter. If the rest of the book has as much new material as that sample did, I'll be plenty satisfied with the content. I'll be disappointed not to have Weber's contribution, but there was a good bit of new material without it.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 30th, 2015, 11:09 pm
by Richard Kaufman
Ted, that's a really strange statement unless you seriously consider Fedex Ground and the book printer to be involved in some odd conspiracy with the publisher about sending out fake shipping notifications.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 30th, 2015, 11:45 pm
by Dustin Stinett
All professions are conspiracies against the laity.
―George Bernard Shaw

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 1:02 am
by Ted M
Richard, you asked why there wasn't a response, why people didn't care -- why there wasn't an emotional response.

I answered that response will be muted because (a) the book produced is not the book that people paid for, and (b) after waiting ten years, it's still abstract -- there's still nothing physical in anybody's hands. People will certainly respond when they heft the weighty package, feel the paper and smell the ink.

You're a word person. I called the promise of delivery abstract, not empty.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 5:29 am
by Q. Kumber
I placed my order immediately after reading Richard's original post.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 8:39 am
by Marco Pusterla
I ordered the book only earlier this month (October), once I got an email from Todd that the book was at the printers. As far as I know, I will get the book I paid for, not something that may have been promised a decade ago. Having bought all books Todd published, I had my share of waiting and I will pre-order only at the last moment.

Personally, I don't care about any Weber material: that's a personal opinion and I would have bought the reprint of the Gardner book (which I already have in the Magic, Inc. version and in the original HMM version...) with or without any contribution by Weber.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 9:19 am
by P.T.Widdle
I ordered the book a couple of hours before Richard's original post. I'm psychic.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 10:00 am
by Joe Mckay
Thanks for the update, Richard.

That is great news.

As soon as I get the money together I am going to spring for a copy.

Still - shame about the lack of Weber material. But I am sure the book will be great even without it.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 10:12 am
by erdnasephile
I'm glad the book is finally coming out, as I preordered years ago.

To answer Richard's question: my tepid response is due to the fact that the initial anticipation I felt for the project has dissipated over the years--indeed, I hadn't thought about the book for a long time until it was brought up recently on GF. The zero hour announcement about the promised Weber material not being included didn't help in terms of excitement.

In any event, I'm sure I'll be very enthusiastic once the big book actually arrives, but for now, the feeling I have is more relief than anything else.

I also hope that one day, Mr. Weber publishes his commentary on the book because I'd sure hate to see that valuable material lost forever.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 10:25 am
by Jim Martin
erdnasephile wrote: .....
I also hope that one day, Mr. Weber publishes his commentary on the book because I'd sure hate to see that valuable material lost forever.

Thanks, Richard. I should just add my name to erdnasefile's post - I feel similarly.

I'm excited to finally receive the book after preordering many years ago. Todd always produces important additions to the literature, a fact supported by my bookshelves (which are supported ... reinforced, actually).

The Weber material joins the Bob Read annotations on my list of 'items hopefully released in the future'.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 11:26 am
by Mark Collier
I am one the people that did some complaining.

I didn't comment because I am trying to withhold judgement until I see the book. I ordered a deluxe copy many many years ago and I am very disappointed that Todd is not delivering what he promised.

After years of him coming on here and saying it will be out within a year and then declaring that he will not be responding further, I am disgusted.

That said, he has a history of putting out some beautiful books. I am only posting this because Richard asked for a response from the complainers.

I guess I am somewhat relieved but not really excited. Maybe the deluxe version of the book will be amazing but it's hard to believe that it will be worth the wait...and the lies...and the bait and switch.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 11:33 am
by Mark Collier
Rather than edit my previous post, I would like to clarify.

Bait and switch is how it feels to me but I don't believe Todd Karr set out to deceive. I think he got behind schedule and wasn't honest or realistic about it. I think he did a tremendous disservice to those of us that preordered but I don't think it was his intent to deceive from the start.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 1:55 pm
by El Mystico
I'm almost hugely excited...but - I ordered the deluxe edition all those years ago; and I'm in the UK; so I've still got a while to wait.
I look forward to the reviews; but have little doubt that this is a classic.
Hold on - the term classic is used too often; this is likely an uber-classic.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 2:05 pm
by Q. Kumber
El Mystico wrote:I'm almost hugely excited...but - I ordered the deluxe edition all those years ago; and I'm in the UK; so I've still got a while to wait.
I look forward to the reviews; but have little doubt that this is a classic.
Hold on - the term classic is used too often; this is likely an uber-classic.


Classic or non-classic???

My answer is will it still be read and referred to in 100 years?

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 3:00 pm
by El Mystico
That's a great question.
My guess is - this book is more likely to be referenced in 100 years than the majority of magicians' output (including DVDs)

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 3:37 pm
by erdnasephile
I don't know. Sometimes I cynically think the definition of a magic "classic" is a book that everyone has on their shelf that no one reads.

(In a more serious vein, I own only two magic books that currently pass the 100-years test).

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 4:01 pm
by Leonard Hevia
erdnasephile wrote:I don't know. Sometimes I cynically think the definition of a magic "classic" is a book that everyone has on their shelf that no one reads.

(In a more serious vein, I own only two magic books that currently pass the 100-years test).


I'm guessing they're Hoffman's Modern Magic and Maskelyne and Devant's Our Magic. Those are the only two books in my collection that passed the 100 year test. My copy of Our Magic is actually a 1940s reprint and not really over a 100 years old.

The Karr reprint of Impromptu slipped under my radar when it was first announced so I never got around to ordering one. Then the scheduling delays and recent deletion of the Weber material kept me on the fence. I might get it down the road. Too much other magic occupying me for the moment.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 4:55 pm
by Richard Kaufman
The original Encyclopedia of Impromptu Magic is an acknowledged classic. The new and greatly expanded version can never be less, and can only be more.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 8:04 pm
by Jack Shalom
Leonard Hevia wrote:
erdnasephile wrote:
(In a more serious vein, I own only two magic books that currently pass the 100-years test).


I'm guessing they're Hoffman's Modern Magic and Maskelyne and Devant's Our Magic. Those are the only two books in my collection that passed the 100 year test.


Not Expert At The Card Table?

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 8:08 pm
by erdnasephile
Jack Shalom wrote:
Leonard Hevia wrote:
erdnasephile wrote:
(In a more serious vein, I own only two magic books that currently pass the 100-years test).


I'm guessing they're Hoffman's Modern Magic and Maskelyne and Devant's Our Magic. Those are the only two books in my collection that passed the 100 year test.


Not Expert At The Card Table?


Yep--that's one! :D

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 9:01 pm
by Leonard Hevia
The Expert at the Card Table makes three. I forgot it passed the 100 year mark 14 years ago.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: October 31st, 2015, 9:27 pm
by Brian Morton
I ordered the deluxe version on February 28, 2006, right after Todd made the announcement that it was on sale.

After nine years, I am tempering my enthusiasm until the book is actually in my hands. This has been the first time I ever ordered (hell, pre-ordered) a magic book. In that time, I have bought and sold a house, gone through two vehicles, two jobs, changed careers, and seen two and a half presidential terms pass by.

I think I'm allowed some lack of enthusiasm given the passage of time.

brian 8-)

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 1st, 2015, 10:55 am
by Leo Garet
El Mystico wrote:That's a great question.
My guess is - this book is more likely to be referenced in 100 years than the majority of magicians' output (including DVDs)

You’re right, but I think sure-fire bet is better than “guess”. Not that there’ll be anybody around to quibble. Although it might end up as a discussion point on Genii Forum 2116.

As for the original and “classic” status, Bob Read (name-dropper :)) loved it and was forever telling me that it was one of the best books ever published. That alone makes it a classic as far as I’m concerned.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 2nd, 2015, 6:28 pm
by brianarudolph
Just received an email from The Miracle Factory that confirms that the book is SHIPPING.

Mailings are occurring yet today and tomorrow.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 3rd, 2015, 3:59 pm
by brianarudolph
And in another email received literally seconds ago, I now have a USPS tracking number for my copy.

So that should hopefully bode well for everyone!

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 5th, 2015, 2:31 pm
by Pete McCabe
According to usps.com, my copy was delivered today and is sitting on my front porch.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 5th, 2015, 4:08 pm
by erdnasephile
I haven't got anything (yet).

Image

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 5th, 2015, 6:39 pm
by P.T.Widdle
Got mine.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 6th, 2015, 8:30 am
by Sean-Dylan
What's the verdict?

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 6th, 2015, 9:50 am
by P.T.Widdle
Well worth the ten-year wait! (actually I wouldn't know, since I ordered the book last week)

Thank you Todd Karr for another amazing production.


PS-I received the notice that the book shipped a day after it arrived.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 6th, 2015, 10:44 am
by erdnasephile
Interesting that both coasts seem to be getting faster delivery than the rest of us.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 6th, 2015, 12:04 pm
by Evan Shuster
erdnasephile wrote:Interesting that both coasts seem to be getting faster delivery than the rest of us.


My tracking info shows that it shipped out of Marysville, MI, via USPS media mail. It hasn't made it to Seattle yet, but it's only been 3 days since it shipped so I'll probably have it soon enough.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 6th, 2015, 1:30 pm
by brianarudolph
Mine just arrived minutes ago. I'm going to rely on everyone's reviews here, however, since I'm (at least planning on) not opening mine until Xmas since it's my big magic gift to myself this year. But I'm sure it's ultimately a winner.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 6th, 2015, 2:20 pm
by Doomo
Got mine today. It is lookin pretty good. Want to do a side by side with the original.

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 6th, 2015, 4:00 pm
by Mark Collier
I have yet to receive even an email.

Has anyone received the deluxe version yet?

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

Posted: November 7th, 2015, 9:01 am
by Q. Kumber
I see Magic Inc have them in stock with a $20 shipping credit for international orders

http://www.magicinc.net/impromptubymartingardner.aspx