Magic by The Book by Bill Wisch

Bill Wisch displays his personal copy of "The Magical World of Slydini" by Karl Fulves

(Original Publication Date: March, 2000)

Magic CAN be found!

I have an affinity for any and all magic books…large, small, great and sometimes not so great. I believe there is something to learn from each book ever written, even if it is the knowledge that the book is lousy. It’s a little like Edison. He had to go through over 800 failures before he developed the automobile battery. But he said, “I found out 800 things that I NEEDED to know to have that one thing I HAD to know.” The same holds true for the printed magical page.

This is the beginning of a new series called “The Wisch List”. I am going to try to list books that have inspired me…intrigued me…become part of me…led me through wonderland.

This list will involve magic books and non-magic books that have a lot of magic, if that makes sense.

Many say that it’s hard to learn from books. This can be true. But why? Why is it so hard? Is it the book’s fault? Maybe. Maybe it’s not written very efficiently or completely enough to instruct properly. But how come many of the effects I’ve learned from books are among the least explained or developed? Go figure.

I did develop a system many years ago when it came to learning from technical books. Maybe it came from having to learn the art of percussion from the printed page since I couldn’t find (or afford) a teacher when I started. This opening introduction to the Wisch List will contain that system. In coming segments I will not only name and discuss magical and non-magical works but go into further detail how I believe effects can be extracted from them like nuggets of gold in a mine perceived to be barren or empty.

Let’s stay basic to start.

First step…choose your book or periodical. Obviously, for whatever reason, the item is already interesting to you or you wouldn’t have it, right? Don’t prejudge it in any way. Consider that effect or routine an entity. Literally make your mind blank.

Second, get comfortable…in silence or with soft music if you like. Pick a chair or position of maximum comfort. Don’t have anything to distract you, at least for the next few minutes or you may miss that incredibly important “spark”.

Third step…read the entire piece from start to finish. Do Not Stop! Read the whole piece, even if you think it’s not for you. You may be surprised. Only after you finish (even if it takes a while) do you close your eyes and make the decision whether this would work for you or not. Try to picture yourself performing what the author just explained. Do you see it? Would it work with minor or even major changes? Do you think it’s “you”?

Fourth…the investigation stage. If the effect excites you then you re-read for investigation. Find out exactly what you will need to use. Then investigate what you will have to do. Can you accomplish what must be done or do you have an alternative method? Do you have all the props needed? Go get them or make them up. Have everything! Don’t assume or imagine.

Fifth step…read the run-through. Become familiar with the handlings and props. Is there anything you can’t figure out? Try again and again. Try different handlings that may fit the description. Be creative.

Are you happy with the effect or routine at this stage?

If so, you start the rehearsal stages.

Read through a least five times. Each time rehearse the effect with the patter and movements necessary. This may sound like over-kill but I have seen far too many performers with “under-kill”. Rehearse a lot of times. Do not show the trick to anyone until you’ve done a whole bunch of rehearsal, and only show the item to one or two close people, preferably non-magicians (bear in mind that it has been proven that wives are only good for watching 458 tricks before burn-out so be careful).

Now read the entire effect or routine for REVIEW.

You’ll know when it’s ready to try it and by all means, go for it.

If it fails, decide if it can be salvaged or if even if you WANT it to be salvaged. You’ll know.

If the item passes all these tests….then Voila! Instant magic!!! You now have a new “magical buddy” to spend the rest of your life with.

Who said it’s tough to learn magic from a book?