Sid Fleischman Passes

[Kevin Connolly]

I just came across the obit. If it's posted somewhere else on the Forum, I'm sorry.

http://www.thestate.com/2010/03/20/1209 ... nning.html

[Dustin Stinett]

This is sad news. Mr. Fleischman was a terrific writer, regardless of the age of the reader.

Dustin

[Diego]

He was a fine gentleman, as well as a great writer.

Always enjoyed speaking with him, hearing his ideas and memories.

[Steve Bryant]

Rats, I had just emailed him birthday wishes, as he had turned 90 last week. Sid contributed one of the better ideas to The Little Egypt Book of Ghosts. He was always a first-rate magician. Because he had been on my mind, I read The Abracadabra Kid last week, his autobiography. There are amazing stories about his stints as a touring magician, as an assistant to a ghost show worker, as a sailor in WWII. He seemed to have been a part of and to have created a great family. Highly recommended reading.

While The Charlatan's Handbook is excellent, the book to try to find is his Magic Made Easy, written as Carl March. This is one of the best magic books ever written for the general public, and quite unlike any others I've read. I once published a brief review of its contents here:

http://littleegyptmagic.com/parrish.htm

[JimAlfredson]

What a shame; it's tough to realize that I'll chat with Sid no more. I missed seeing him at the last LA conference, as he had a conflicting commitment. Sid was a class guy, and a wonderful companion over lunch or just a chat on magic or any number of subjects. Those who knew him were privileged, and will miss him greatly. Goodbye, old friend.

[David Alexander]

Last night I was thinking about Sid and pulled out "The Blue Bug" that he wrote with Bob Gunther, published by Lloyd Jones back in 1947. All magic with cigarette papers...good stuff, too.

[David Nethery]

I am sorry to hear of his passing.

Wonderful writer.

I've always thought a film version of "Mr. Mysterious & Co." would be great.

[Lee Almond]

Very sad news. Rest in peace Sid. Peace to all on the forum.
Lee,

[JohnCox]

Pic of Sid with Bessie Houdini here.

http://www.houdini-lives.com/Houdini_Li ... _dies.html

[Greg Edmonds]

I, too, am saddened to here that another of magic's literary giants has passed.

May he rest in peace, and may his friends and family find consolation in the merit of his works and the degree of honor he held.

Greg

[Pete Biro]

I am so sad to hear of Sid's passing. He was a brilliant writer and a dear friend.

He and I were the two remaining assistants from Francisco's Midnight Spook show. He preceded me in the show. The other recent Francisco show loss was Roger Mycroft.

RIP

[Pete Biro]

Diego. You asked about me not being at the History Conf. I came by Friday morning to have breakfast in the hotel coffee shop and meet with Joe Stevens... and had to LEAVE right away to head up to a previously planned trip to Carmel to take care of some family biz.