The Magician's Assistant


Book Description

From the bestselling author of The Dutch House, a secretive magician’s death becomes the catalyst for his partner’s journey of self-discovery in this “enchanting” book (San Francisco Chronicle) “that is something of a magic trick in itself.” (Newsweek) When Parsifal, a handsome and charming magician, dies suddenly, his widow Sabine—who was also his faithful assistant for twenty years—learns that the family he claimed to have lost in a tragic accident is very much alive and well. Sabine is left to unravel his secrets, and the journey she takes, from sunny Los Angeles to the bitter windswept plains of Nebraska, will work its own magic on her. Sabine's extraordinary tale, “with its big dreams, vast spaces, and disparate realities lying side by side” captures the hearts of its readers and “proves to be the perfect place for miraculous transformations.” (The New Yorker)




Marvelous Magicians


Book Description

A vibrantly illustrated and engaging introduction to the illusionists, both famous and lesser-known, who shaped modern magic. A great magician never reveals their secrets, but Marvelous Magicians reveals the names of eight groundbreaking illusionists, both famous and lesser-known, who shaped modern magic. Through a magical blend of biography, history, and illustration, this book spotlights an array of magicians, including one of the first female magicians, Adelaide Herrmann; African American illusionist Richard Potter, “The Handcuff King” Harry Houdini, and Houdin, Houdini’s namesake and inspiration. With two spectacular fold-out pages revealing the secret workings of the Automaton Chess Player and Howard Thurston’s dramatic transformation of an empty box into a world of wonders, this book examines the early history of magic, the eight magic effects on which all tricks are based, the necessary components of a magician’s toolbox, and the underrated role of the magician’s assistant. The book’s grand finale features advice on becoming a magician, an introduction to contemporary magicians from around the world, and an exploration of the hidden societies who have kept the secrets of illusions closely guarded for decades. Vibrantly illustrated and written in a theatrical style, Marvelous Magicians is the perfect book for aspiring magicians who want to know more about its history and the innovators who de ned it.




The Marquis and the Magician's Assistant


Book Description

When a marquis agrees to produce a female magician’s solo show, the two discover the feelings developing between them are no illusion. The trick will be on them when the sparks start to fly! Magician’s assistant Lark Voorheen is tired of seeing someone else in the spotlight. She’d rather jump inside the hat with the rabbit than have another wannabe wizard take credit for her hard work and ingenuity. Ready to finally take the wand in her own hand, she’s lucky to find a wealthy marquis eager to back her show. After years of witnessing the lack of respect given to female magicians, she’s determined that no one thinks she got her shot by lying on her back. But that will be a hard sell when her producer is a handsome, rich nobleman such as Omar, the Marquis of Navarre. As a successful entertainment producer with a golden touch, Omar al Sharif has been used by talentless women stepping on his heart on their way up the ladder of success. But when he helps Lark take center stage, his attempts to freeze his growing feelings melt under the force of her star power. Unable to deny their intense attraction, they agree to hide their relationship from prying eyes. Neither would be taken seriously if word of their affair got out. Lark’s dream will die if she loses credibility, and while Omar doesn’t fear for his business, losing the love of his life would cut him in two. Can they pull off their biggest misdirection yet and convince the world they’re not together? Find out if love will reign in this light-hearted, sweet romance of royal engagements. The Marquis and the Magician’s Assistant is the fourth in a series of royal romances that are beyond the common tale!




The Science of Magic


Book Description

Showcasing daring feats and illusions, this book takes a look at the famous illusionists throughout history who have amazed us with their magic tricks. Developed by Timothy Rasinski and Lori Oczkus, and featuring TIME content, this book includes essential text features like an index, captions, glossary, and table of contents. The detailed sidebars, fascinating images, and Dig Deeper section prompt students to connect back to the text and encourage multiple readings. Check It Out! includes suggested resources for further reading. Aligned with state standards, this title features complex content appropriate for students preparing for college and career readiness.




A Book of Magic for Young Magicians


Book Description

Explains how such techniques as misdirection, patter, repetition, and routining are used by magicians in the performance of specific tricks.




The Multimedia Encyclopedia of Women in Today′s World


Book Description

This e-only volume expands and updates the original 4-volume Encyclopedia of Women in Today′s World (2011), offering a wide range of new entries and new multimedia content. The entries reflect such developments as the Arab Spring that brought women′s issues in the Islamic world into sharp relief, the domination of female athletes among medal winners at the London 2012 Olympics, nine more women joining the ranks of democratically elected heads of state, and much more. The 475 articles in this e-only update (accompanied by photos and video clips) supplement the themes established in the original edition, providing a vibrant collection of entries dealing with contemporary women′s issues around the world.




ShowSmarts (tm)


Book Description

Welcome to ShowSmarts - a one-of-a-kind 'how-to' resource that makes the process of putting on a show 'much easier' than it seems, with results 'more successful' than imagined! "Much easier" because it's an A - Z blueprint of how to organize any kind of show. It's full of checklists, definations, step-by-step directions, time-saving secrets, show job quick tips, production theme ideas , do's & don'ts, cost-cutting suggestions, and SO much more! "More successful" because of the useful words of advice, help and inspiration (penned especially for ShowSmarts) from special book contributors like former first lady, Barbara Bush; green day drummer, Tre' Cool; comedian George Carlin, and 53 others. ShowSmarts has earned an Editor's Choice Award. It's written in everyday language. It's easy to use. You won't find a lot of 'how-to prose' to read. You will find a lot of 'how-to pointers' to use. Immediately! Now you CAN say with confidence, "I'll do that" when your organization needs a show director. Now you CAN think, "No problem" when your teaching position requires directing the school play. Now your decision "To be part of your school, church or community's theater production team" really will be easier to make. ShowSmarts is dedicated to keeping the performing arts in school, and written for those 'everyday heros' who step forward to direct a show and don't know how. ShowSmarts is perfect for · Schools, churches and communities performances · PTA and PTO sponsored activities · Camp, Fairs, Festivals and Cruise Ship programs · City & Neighborhood Youth organizations · Homeschooling groups · Children's libraries and Museums · Military bases and International schools ShowSmarts Table of Contents Think time Volunteerism Show jobs Writing a Class Play Writing a Variety Show Family Funny Monologues Narration Organizing a Talent Show Show Rules Auditions Script-to-Stage projects Coaching Character Rehearsals Homemade Props and Sound Effects Fund Raising Publicity Tickets Programs Makeup and Costumes Showtime Saying, "Thank you"




Vanished!


Book Description

Discusses the history and performance of magic tricks.




Hocus Pocus!


Book Description

"Describes how to prepare and perform several magic tricks for apprentice level magicians. Includes embedded links for added online instructional videos that can be accessed with the Capstone 4D app"--




Abracadabra


Book Description

Magicians use more than just mirrors, string, and sleight of hand to deceive their audience. Those who are masters at this trade have developed an arsenal of techniques to manipulate people. Every action and utterance on stage and off is precisely planned to achieve a specific effect. Abracadabra! is an insider's look at what goes on at a magic show, behind-the-scenes, and in the mind of the magician. Nathaniel Schiffman explains the principles of deception, exposing those innocent-seeming motions that conceal vital actions from onlookers; how the conjurer uses misdirection of space and time to mislead the audience; how silly and simple optical illusions can fool us, and what to look for during a magic show. Also explored in detail is the world of off-stage magic. Some "magicians" use various techniques in life to deceive and influence you, yet these magicians don't boast of their magic talent, because they are advertisers, politicians, army commanders, spies, con artists, computer programmers, movie directors, faith healers, psychics, and others. These "magicians" work to make you buy their product, believe in their cause, and influence your thinking from the time you get up in the morning, until you go to bed at night. This is not a "how to" book for aspiring magicians, but a layperson's guide to methods used to mislead or fool you. Lighthearted and informal, Abracadabra! will fascinate anyone interested in knowing how one person can control many. Included are hands-on experiments, magic tricks, and reader participation segments. You'll soon see that magicians don't just manipulate playing cards and animals; they manipulate you.