The royal road to card magic is a classic book that serves as a comprehensive guide for beginners in learning and mastering card magic tricks. Authored by Jean Hugard and Frederick Braue, this book has stood the test of time and has been a go-to resource for aspiring magicians since its publication in 1948. The book is structured in a step-by-step manner, allowing readers to progress gradually from basic to more advanced card tricks. It covers a wide range of techniques, starting with the fundamental principles of card handling and manipulation. The authors explain the basic grips, shuffles, cuts, and forces that form the foundation of card magic. As the reader progresses, more advanced techniques are introduced, including false shuffles, card controls, and sleights such as the pass and the palm.
Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM!
Sure, there are parts you may skip over, but I guarantee you that unless you ve studied this book like Vernon studied Erdnase, you ll find new stuff and plenty to learn and study in this DVD and or book. We cannot emphasize too strongly that knowing the secret of a trick is not the same as knowing how to perform that trick; and that knowing the secret of hundreds of tricks is of little value unless each can be performed smoothly and entertainingly.
As the reader progresses, more advanced techniques are introduced, including false shuffles, card controls, and sleights such as the pass and the palm. Each technique is clearly explained with accompanying illustrations, making it easy for beginners to understand and practice. Along with the technical aspects of card magic, The Royal Road to Card Magic also delves into the psychological aspects of performing.
The Royal Road To Card Magic
The bible for many learner magicians. Recommended often and worth its weight in gold. With this one book alone, one can go from absokute beginner status to performing magician. Of course there is a much wider spectrum of card magic that exists today than is in this book, but so many of the classic sleights are the same and still used today, therefore the book holds its value.
Preface:
Many years ago David Devant, the great English conjurer, was
approached by an acquaintance new to sleight-of-hand with cards.
"Mr. Devant," said this young man, "I know three hundred tricks
with cards. How many do you know?." Devant glanced at the youth
quizzically. "I should say," the magician responded dryly, "that I
know about eight."
Devant was making a point with which all professional magicians
are familiar. To perform card tricks entertainingly you must not only
know how the tricks are done, but how to do them. There is a vast
difference between the two, and if proof were needed, one need only
watch the same feat performed by a novice and by an expert card
conjurer. The novice knows the mechanics of so many tricks that he
cannot do any one feat really well; the professional performs a
smaller number of tricks which he knows how to present in such a
way as to create the greatest possible impression upon those who
watch.
We cannot emphasize too strongly that knowing the secret of a trick
is not the same as knowing how to perform that trick; and that
knowing the secret of hundreds of tricks is of little value unless each
can be performed smoothly and entertainingly. It is far better to
know only a few tricks which can be performed with grace, skill and
effect.
In writing this book, we have attempted to teach you card tricks
which may be performed anywhere, at any time, under any
circumstances, for any company, and using any pack of cards. You
will not need "trick" packs of cards, nor special cards, nor expensive
accessories. This is most important, for it means that no matter
where you may be, you need only borrow a deck of cards when
called upon to entertain; the ability to amuse and interest will be literally at your finger tips.
To ensure that you will be a good card magician, we have introduced
you to the mysteries of card magic progressively. Each chapter
describes a new sleight or principle and a selection of tricks follows
in which that particular sleight, and those already learned, are the
only ones used. We do not suggest that all the tricks in each section
should be mastered before you pass on to the next sleight. You
should, however, select at least two of them and learn them so well
that you can perform them smoothly and entertainingly before going
any farther. These tricks have been chosen with the greatest care and
every one of them is effective if properly done. If you find that, in
your hands, a certain trick falls flat, you can rest assured that the
fault is yours, and that further study is required.
Clearly, to travel the royal road to card magic, you must begin with
the fundamental principles and learn these well, as you would in
learning any other art. Fortunately, the study of card conjuring is a
delightful task and one that is no less than fascinating. For this
reason, we have found that the student is inclined to race ahead to
explore the distant pastures which he is sure (and rightly!) are lushly
green. We cannot blame you if you, too, wish to rush through this
book, but we would rather have you emulate the tortoise than the
hare. By making haste slowly, by really learning what is given you
in one chapter before proceeding to the next, you will, in the end, be
a far better card magician.
By adhering to our plan of study, you will not only learn practical
sleights and subtleties, but you will simultaneously add to your
repertoire of good card tricks which will surprise and please all those
who see them. Best of all, you can begin performing tricks of sleight-
of-hand as soon as you have mastered the first chapter, and thus at
once learn through practical experience before audiences how tricks
must be presented to achieve the greatest effect from them. Then,
too, we have inserted in each chapter feats which are self-working--
effects which require no skill on the part of the performer. These
will give you an opportunity for concentrating your whole attention
on acting your part in such a way as to bring out the trick's greatest
possible effect.
Addeddate 2019-12-19 22:08:31 Identifier theroyalroadtocardmagic Identifier-ark ark:/13960/t5jb49s1m Ocr ABBYY FineReader 11.0 (Extended OCR) Ppi 300 Scanner Internet Archive HTML5 Uploader 1.6.4
"The Royal Road to Card Magic remains as one of the great books on card magic for both the beginner and well seasoned card magician. It is an absolute must read for anybody who is serious about card magic."
-Simon Lovell
The authors provide helpful advice on presentation, misdirection, scripting, and building an effective repertoire. They emphasize the importance of practice and encourage readers to focus on mastering a select few tricks rather than attempting to learn every trick in the book. The book also includes several fully explained card tricks that readers can learn and perform. These tricks range from simple self-working tricks to more complex routines that require sleight of hand. The authors aim to not only teach readers the mechanics of card tricks but also help them develop their own unique style and presentation. The Royal Road to Card Magic has been a favorite resource for many renowned magicians and has inspired countless individuals to pursue card magic as a hobby or profession. Its clear and concise instructions, combined with its comprehensive content, make it an invaluable tool for anyone interested in learning card magic. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced magician, this book is a must-have in your library. By following the royal road outlined in this book, you can embark on a journey to becoming a skilled card magician..
Reviews for "The Art of Presentation: Enhancing Your Card Magic with the Royal Road Techniques"
- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Royaltoad to Card Magic." The tricks were not impressive at all and seemed like something a beginner would learn in their first magic class. The explanations were also confusing and hard to follow. I was hoping for some advanced techniques and mind-blowing tricks, but this book fell short. Save your money and look for a better magic guide.
- Sarah - 1 star - I cannot express how much I disliked "The Royaltoad to Card Magic." The tricks were cliché and unoriginal, and the author seemed more interested in showing off his own skills rather than teaching the reader. The instructions were vague, and it felt like the author assumed the reader already had a certain level of knowledge. As someone who wanted to learn card magic from scratch, this book was a complete waste of time and money.
- David - 2 stars - "The Royaltoad to Card Magic" was a huge letdown. The tricks in this book were so basic and predictable that it felt like I was watching a magician at a child's birthday party. The explanations were confusing, and I found myself having to watch online tutorials to understand how to perform the tricks properly. I was expecting to learn some impressive card magic, but this book fell flat. Definitely not recommended for anyone looking to learn advanced techniques or unique tricks.