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...with 70 Foolproof Tricks

What it says on the back
'For centuries, rope tricks have been staples of the magician's repertoire. Surprisingly, many of the best ones are "self-working," meaning that they do not require unusual dexterity or hours of long practice. This excellent guidebook, written by one of today's foremost authorities on magic, presents 70 of the best, most amazing self-working rope tricks ever devised - tricks that amateur magicians can master in a short time.'


Cost
I got my copy from Amazon for £3.92. Bargain!


Difficulty
Almost always 1, occasionally 2 (but only very, very rarely)
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)



Review

Chapters:

- The Preliminaries
- The Overhand Knot
- The Slip Knot
- The Square Knot (aka the reef knot when I was at Cubs!)
- Special Effects
- Flourish Knots
- Dissolving Knots
- Cut-and-restored Rope
- The Hunter Knot
- Ropes That Think
- Miracle Move
- Psychic Rope Ties

Superb. Well written, very clearly illustrated in the old 'Dover hand-drawn' style, and also includes patter for some of the rope tricks involved, which is an added bonus.

The ability to tie/throw a knot in a rope with one hand really appeals to the juggler in me, and the 7 cut-and-restored effects all have their own qualities.

I don't know if I should say this, but owning the book has helped me figure out the Cut-and-restored download at Penguinmagic. I was quite chuffed about that! (I know, little things please little minds )


Overall
Rope tricks I think are regarded as a mainstay as magic for children. I feel this is true, especially as rope tricks can lend themselves to stories very easily. I mean, by it's nature, a rope looks like a worm...

Adults, you will find, especially mums(!), will watch you as if to say, 'well this shouldn't be too difficult to figure out, s/he's only using a couple of bits of rope,' but will be pleasantly surprised by some of the effects detailed. 'Pop-off knots' is a classic of this. No-one could possibly expect a knot in a rope to actually fall off the rope!

I love this book. Buy it. It's cheap as chips! (well, not actually cheap as chips, although I suppose if you bought quite a few portions of chips, it would be cheaper... )

9/10 (but only because it hasn't got Professor's Nightmare in it!)

Great review of a great book Zack. You are right, I feel that rope magic shouldn't be overlooked, even by the serious cardicians.

The book is worth it for the hunter knot alone - this has frequently earned me a free pint in the pub...

This was one of the first books I bought It's really good. Hmm - I don't do any rope tricks in my kid's show at the moment - you've given me some ideas - thanks

Cool, review for what looks like a great book, but you have to pay basically the price of the book again for p and p!

I saved up a little bit of cash (well, I say saved up, I actually mean that I waited til payday...), and bought a few bits from there. I think I got Bobo and a couple second hand CDs too. Takes the bite out of the P&P.

Don't they do a 'spend over £20 and get free P&P?'

I'm not sure.

Oh... and you also need to buy some rope...

hmm yes, that 20 quid over free does apply, ill ask everyone if they want something buying!! Lol