talkmagic.co.uk

After RRTCM and the Card College series this was my first magic book and perhpas it's because of this sentimentality or because I just love Lovells crazy mind but I still have this book as a center piece of my library.

This book is full of some crazy but well thought out effects, predominately cards, but also some silly stuff at the end of the book. Whilst not everything in this book is practical one of it's huge advanatages is the collection of essays at the beggining which give some excellent insight into how to structure a set, being able to be set and reset quickly both through pocket management and trick selection and also respecting spectators personal space something that magicians are in general horibble at even if they don't realise.

Picks of the bunch:

Fingered number three: Two card transpo, very funny, has been the opener of one of my walk around sets forever

Optician's delight: Nice, simple and very funny card to forehead routine for us visually impaired

Sleight of Mouth: This is the only card trick I do in my standup set and it KILLS! very very entertaining routine.

Hyperpoke: Gaffed up big time, and usually I'll stay clear of these sorts of things but as an encore piece at a table I've perormed for already in the evening this is one to really be remembered by. Using just your finger you impale the deck and the specs selectio is found to be the card below the tip of your finger.

SPECS:
pp. 242, Hardcover
Written by: Simon Lovell
Edited: Jim Sisti
Illustrated: Hannah Ammar
Publisher: L & L Publishing (1997)

If I'm totally honest not everything in this book is in my opinion real world workable and understandably Lovells sugested presentation style will not be suited to many. However we shouldn't be rote learning and regurgitating effects anyway so do as I've done take the bones of his stuff, which are oh so juicy, make them your own and you'll slay!

8.5/10 TT

I owned this book & 1 of simons lecture notes around 20 years ago, I used quite a few of his tricks, especially Flashburn & 1 where you shoot a (toy) gun at a coin in the spectators hand and 3 real bullet holes 'appear' in the coin. I can't remember the name or routine of this coin trick but I loved doing it, if anyone can provide me with more details on it I'd really appreciate that.
I have hunted high and low on the web for simon says, but I cant find a copy anywhere.
2 suppliers have both issued me a refund on this book as they cant find a copy
If anybody has a copy for sale then PM me please