Comments: An Anthology
including Illustrated Instructions, Ken Brooke "Notes",
"Tips", Letters, Gags. This is not a regular
magic book. Rather, it is a remembrance of Ken Brooke's Magic
Place, consisting of a collection of many of the instruction sheets
that came with products from Ken's shop in the U.K. Not only did Ken
provide thorough instructions for the effects he sold, there was
often
follow up advice, tips, and gags to go with them. Most instructions
provide patter & presentation tips, and often a bit of history
as
well. Some of the articles are as short as one or two pages, but
several provide very extensive insight into the particular effect. Ken Brooke's Magic Place
represents
a mark of magic history from
the brick & mortar days that are rapidly declining in this
Internet
and Video world. Realize that since most of the entries are copies
of
original
instruction sheets (re-formatted and edited for clarity), many will
not
thoroughly describe the prop that is being explained. However, even
if
you don't own any of these effects, this book is a great piece of
history and you are sure to pick up some pointers on how to perform
effects that you do own.
Contents:
5 Foreword: Ken Brooke by John Fisher, 1994
10 Introduction: Anthony Brahams and Mark DeSouza
13 Acknowledgments
15 The Policy of Ken Brooke's Magic Place: what made it more than
just
a magic warehouse
17 Another Blooming Trick (Robert Bromley): a packet trick in which
Aces turn over one at a time, and then the backs change color
21 Auto Rise (Gus Southall): an approach to the rising card
30 The Balloon Fish (Bob Ostin): a comedy prop for children's shows.
A
"balloon fish" is shown (a fake fish with a balloon attached), along
with a diver. The Diver vanishes, and the Balloon Fish is shot,
bursting the balloon, and the diver is rescued.
35 The Great Benjamin (Dick Koornwinder): A fly finds the
spectator's
selection in this humorous routine using a heavily gimmicked deck
46 The Brema Bill Tube: provides Ken Brooke's handling for this
device
to make it more "logical" by introducing the (duplicate) tube at the
beginning of the effect
48 The Card or the Cash: presents a great vaudeville-type patter
that
could be adapted to other effects. In this effect, a borrowed $1 and
a
card selection switch places in sealed envelopes with a comedy
presentation. The envelopes are not described but referred to as
"Flawless" envelopes.
51 On the Button - Ken Brooke Gag: playing with a man's jacket
52 The Chinese Bit (Joe Riding): an extensive section on this effect
based on Conrad Haden's "Duo-Change", as described in Bobo's New Modern Coin Magic. Provides
detailed handling of Joe's approach as well as an additional
handling
by Roy Johnson and even more tips from Ken Brooke.
71 Dany Ray's Chinese Sticks: These are the bamboo sticks that have
strings and tassels hanging from them. When you pull the tassel on
one
stick, the tassel on the other stick rises, even though you show the
sticks are not connected. Includes patter, does not provide any
drawings and does not reveal any workings.
74 Clockaudacious (Dick Koornwinder): a self-working humorous card
trick trick
77 Coin Through Ring (Jim Hill): a short letter that clearly
describes
a nice effect. A coin that is larger in diameter than a ring is
wrapped
in a handkerchief. The handkerchief is passed through the ring -
including the coin, and all can be examined.
80 The Cups and Balls (Ken Brooke Tips): sadly not a complete
routine,
but here provided is a list of seven quick tips for using in your
own
routine.
82 The Dancing & Floating Cork (Bruno Hennig; Fred Kaps): This
is a
lengthy section on the preparation and presentation of the floating
cork. Includes a detailed portion on how to get I.T. from a lady's
stocking, as well as a thorough explanation of properly presenting
this
effect to its full potential.
106 The Dingle Coin Mystery (Derek Dingle): a gimmicked approach to
the
Coin Matrix effect. Fully explained with drawings.
121 The Ken Brooke Treatise on "Dirty Deal" (Bruce Cervon): a packet
effect briefly described
123 The Nemo Electric Candle From Pocket: brief tips on its use
125 Finn Jon's Esoteric: some tips on care of the IT used in this
card
effect; the full routine and workings are not provided
127 Fido (Don Alan): a clever and humorous card trick using two
rough
& smooth decks by Don Alan, that can be combined with a Fred
Lowe
trick called "Christened Reverse" that did not stand so well on its
own. (Christened Reverse is not explained)
132 The Flash or Firing Wand: tips on its use
134 Ken Brooke's Four Faces: based on an idea by Corvello. A card
effect in which one of four selections is predicted. Most of the
working is explained.
142 Fred Kaps' Original Chinese Coin Routine: a extensive, detailed
section on this good routine with a variety of Chinese coins
158 Fred Kaps' Coin Off Ribbon: Brief handling is described, and the
gimmicked coin is partially described, although without a picture
the
exact working is difficult to determine
160 Fred the Flea: Three clear glasses sit on a tray, and a silk
moves
from glass to glass. The apparatus is described but no pictures are
provided. Several routines are provided, one featuring Freddie the
Flea
171 Andy Dalziel's Routine With the Hong Kong Coin: great detail and
explanations for effects with the Hong Kong coin, which is a sort of
Chinese Coin with shell or possibly adaptable to a Jardine Ellis
Ring.
185 The Hydrostatic Bottle: how to handle the gimmick
189 Ken's Comedy Buttonhole: short section on presenting this
vanishing
and reappearing flower in the lapel buttonhole
191 Ken's Comedy Rope Trick: a moving knot effect using a reel
195 Long Pour Salt Gimmick (Danny Dew): Danny's handling of the
gimmick; the gimmick is not described
196 A Bit of Fluff - A Ken Brooke Gag: a comedy bit with a clothes
brush
197 The Malini Egg Bag: An extensive section on the Ken Brooke and
Friends work on this legendary version of the Egg Bag. Includes some
history, handling of the loaded bag, and detailed explanations, as
well
as a routine to follow. Lots of diagrams.
224 The Nemo Card Castle: benefits of the Nemo design and proper
handling techniques with some ideas for use in performance,
including a
Ken Perks production.
233 Jim Hooper's Nemo Diminishing Cards: this mechanical deck is
described with drawings and detailed handling.
238 Jim Hooper's Nemo Jumbo Rising Cards: Fully explained and
detailed
with lots of drawings. Includes original instructions in tiny print,
and followed up by more tips, presentation, and handling.
266 The Nemo Switch Case (Jim Hooper and Finn Jon): brief
description
and a couple of ideas. Not described in detail.
269 The Nemo Switch Holder: briefly described
271 The Ken Brooke System for The Nudist Deck: A blank deck prints
itself, first the faces then the back, then returns to blank again.
Ken
explains all the details of the working and the presentation.
284 Repeat Vanishing Cigarette: a letter from Ken Brooke to Andy
Dalziel, briefly describing this vanishing cigarette effect by use
of a
pull.
286 Tuce (Ken Brooke): Brief description of this comedy Jumbo and
Tiny
card production originally titled "Potty Prediction"
287 Two In the Hand, One In the Pocket: a tip to "improving" one of
the
transfers
288 The Wide Boy: a story card trick with a stacked deck.
292 Wine and Water (Chris Van Vern): full description of this
chemical
trick
298 The Working Performer's Card in Wallet: Fred Kaps presentation
of
the Ed Balducci card loading concept. Description is brief but to
the
point.
300 Thanks and Congratulations: listing of the many contributors and
friends
301 Dealer of the Year: A letter of nomination of Ken Brooke for
Dealer
of the year for the Academy of Magical Arts
302 Poster: sample brochure for the 13th Annual Academy of Magical
Arts
Awards Banquet & Show
