The Genii Forum

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

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/

David,

Are you going to have a book signing at the MagicApple soon?

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.

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

It's a great book. I've been enjoying it immensely since my copy arrived.

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

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.

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

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

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!

David, welcome to the pleasures of being your own publisher. :)

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.

I got the bag and pants mailed.

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

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

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.

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

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

"Trying" to what?

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!!

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

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

By that I mean my book.

TMI, Dustin. TMI.

And why then did you ask, Richard?

brian :grin:

Hmmm. I don't know.

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. :)

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

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

Oh wait, you mean on my feet.

I get it!

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

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.

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.

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

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.)

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.

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.

I haven't read every effect yet but I really like "Will the Socks Match" and the Cocoa and marshmallow routine.

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

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!!

I'll be dare...for sure...

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)