Italian translator of Juan Tamariz books here (published for the Italian magic community by Florence Art edizioni). While I agree on some of your observations, mainly on the lower value of the productions, I still feel that the material is worthwhile. I've known Juan on a personal level at least since 1995, and I have seen some of these effects performed on a real audience, so it's nice to see their development and the actual working. After the saddening depart of Max Maven, another dear friend, Tamariz is probably the last living master and to me, everything from him has an intrinsic value, to understand and appreciate his profound artistic view of Magic, even from a small booklet like this. Remember that when these effects were developed, they were absolutely groundbreaking: at that time, no one had ever seen nothing quite like them. If you look for easy, killer effects look elsewhere. If you are a Tamariz scholar, as I am, I feel this is a much needed addition to the works of the Maestro.
I appreciate your comment, Simone. And thank you for clarifying your relationship with Juan and his work. I will gently push back and say that his legacy was set with all of the books he has already published. This booklet was not necessary, and as you can see from the comments, has the potential to tarnish his reputation, not expand it. This is not his best work, and that's ok. But let's call it what it is. Thank you for taking the time to respectfully disagree - the magic world needs more people like you!
@@EruditeMagic I see your point. No, the material in this first release is not groundbreaking and the reason behind its publication was probably commercial. During an Escorial Meeting, few years ago, Juan told me that he was planning to release such small booklets - in his original vision they were meant to have three or four tricks and a theoretical essay ("the first will be titled 4clubs, the second 2hearts, the third 7diamonds... you can guess the rest!"). As I said, in my personal opinion this material only contributes to the whole work of one of the last masters, like some of Vernon lesser tricks published in the Vernon Chronicles, which I find of outmost interest, as they still embody the touch of the professor (besides, those little tricks can be cunningly routined, as Roberto Giobbi did in Genii). It is also true that Tamariz has already published his main body of material: Five points, Mnemonica, Magic way are STELLAR books which will keep you busy all your life (and then we have of course Sonata, Verbimagia, Magic Rainbow...). Those who believe that such a monumental body of works can be tarnished by a small and less accomplished little book are tragically mistaken, or they don't know what they are talking about. In my opinion, of course.
Thank you for your erudite additions to the conversation! Perhaps we'll have an opportunity to meet in person someday...I will be in Italy this spring!
The word I used for this one was also "underwhelmed". I'd say that I'll wait for the reviews on the next one before I buy, but that means discerning between the real, honest reviews and the "everything Tamariz does is amazing" reviews. If the rest of the volumes contain the same level of material and similar production values and I were to look at it as a complete set and ask myself if this is a $150 book...my answer would most definitely be no. I'll keep my mind open for future volumes, but much more cautiously than I did for this one.
I feel like Penguin thought of the product and then asked Juan to make it. They sent it to the big names without telling them the price. So the endorsements were inevitably glowing. And Juan is a very generous person. That's why his best tricks are ALREADY PUBLISHED.
We'll likely never know the orchestration or intent. But, I agree that Juan is a generous person and has probably already given the magic world his best stuff. I know every time I've read his ideas, he's prompted me to think!
I've seen Juan perform live for lay people - both his close-up show and his stand-up show (not in a convention environment, but shows where lay people paid to attend). Both shows were in an actual theater, not a hotel ballroom, etc. He killed both times and received multiple instant standing ovations in both shows. I enjoy his videos, but don't think they capture the experience of seeing Juan perform live. I also had an opportunity to speak with him after his close-up show for about an hour (which had about 800 lay people in attendance) and the thought he put into both the logistics and the effects was eye opening.
No one doubts his ability - this is certainly not a "bash Juan" seminar. But, I don't think this is his best work, and I'm not sure it fulfills the basic promise of an intimate experience... 🤷🏻
@@EruditeMagic While I haven't seen Letters, in general I agree on your assessment of value vs cost. My comment was more in response of the comments about not getting Juan, etc. There is a big difference between seeing someone perform live for "real" people and only seeing them on video or at conventions. I had a discussion with a young card guy who thought that any card routine that was more than 2 - 3 min long was boring for lay people. All I could think of was seeing Juan at a party, where he was introduced to a director and his model girlfriend (not magicians). Juan did about a 10 min. card routine for them that had them screaming and the director asking for Juan's contact info...I guess my point is lay people can love card magic when performed by masters such as Juan and Bill Malone (for example).
I totally agree Jeff! Thank you for keeping it real. I bought it, but I’m like you, not a lot of value. Something needs to change for me to buy the other volumes. Thank you for keeping it real.
The marketing got me to buy this book right away, and I think it is okay, but nothing more. Don't know if I buy the second one because you are right, 150 $ could get you 2 - 3 "normal" books, and there's a lot of good stuff out there. Thanks for your honest review!
It's ok to be picky, all the books I purchase are a big investment. I think about these all month long and hopefully have decided on one by payday... hoping I made the best decision until next payday.
I bought it because of Penguin’s ad on the “secrets” from Juan’s vault - i agree that it is priced too high except given his eminent status in Magic and many of us that are book collectors we end up buying it. It could have been better and with more color photos.
Very nice, honest review! To me, it was a bit of a disappointment. I think the this-will-only-be-published-once marketing trick worked on me. Right now I'm unsure if I will buy the coming volumes. Again, great video!
I believe it was meant to be a legacy more than a technical or educational book, so my main complaint remains the quality of production and lack of colors.
Call me cynical, but this seems like the format was created as a way to slowly but surely extract $150 out of magician’s pockets rather than as a genuine innovation. I would have rather Juan just wrote a new book with all this material collected and charged $60-$100.
This is from his site. Future Issues In the works for the Legerdemain Series in the coming year; Downs’ Coin Masterpiece, Parlor Ace Routine, Ultimate 3 Card Monte, and a baffling Card Stab using the four Aces.
Somewhat disappointing!Underwhelming is bang on unfortunately.Juan of course is a genius so it’s a bit surprising that he’s I assume,happy with these products.But everyone to their own.
I'm always underwhelmed by Tamariz. I just don't get him at all. When lay people say they find card magic dull, Tamariz is always the first thing that springs to my mind. And I just don't get how people find him funny. He's like some Norman Wisdom/Jerry Lewis vaudeville clown from the 1950's -- hugely dated and really corny. His heavily accented English doesn't help. It makes it difficult to figure out what he's saying, and so much of his routines seem dependent on what he's telling the people he's demonstrating to. There was a Chris Ramsay video a little while ago, proclaiming him The Best Card Magician of All Time, and perhaps he really is but I find him so dull that always struggle to watch to the end of the trick. And it's not all about language -- he just doesn't give me a reason to care. Yes, he's got cards. Yes, he's obviously manipulating them skillfully. And so what? And it isn't that I don't like card magic. Bill Malone. Guy Hollingworth. Ricky Jay. Lennart Green. I could go on and on, listing watch guys I'd watch until the cows come home. But Tamariz just leaves me cold.
![How did I miss THIS essential magic book?! [Practical Mental Effects]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/iBnkunj_USg/mqdefault.jpg)
💸 Reasonably Priced Magic Books?! ▶ th-cam.com/video/d7P7ShxjIbM/w-d-xo.html
Italian translator of Juan Tamariz books here (published for the Italian magic community by Florence Art edizioni). While I agree on some of your observations, mainly on the lower value of the productions, I still feel that the material is worthwhile. I've known Juan on a personal level at least since 1995, and I have seen some of these effects performed on a real audience, so it's nice to see their development and the actual working. After the saddening depart of Max Maven, another dear friend, Tamariz is probably the last living master and to me, everything from him has an intrinsic value, to understand and appreciate his profound artistic view of Magic, even from a small booklet like this. Remember that when these effects were developed, they were absolutely groundbreaking: at that time, no one had ever seen nothing quite like them. If you look for easy, killer effects look elsewhere. If you are a Tamariz scholar, as I am, I feel this is a much needed addition to the works of the Maestro.
I appreciate your comment, Simone. And thank you for clarifying your relationship with Juan and his work.
I will gently push back and say that his legacy was set with all of the books he has already published. This booklet was not necessary, and as you can see from the comments, has the potential to tarnish his reputation, not expand it. This is not his best work, and that's ok. But let's call it what it is.
Thank you for taking the time to respectfully disagree - the magic world needs more people like you!
@@EruditeMagic I see your point. No, the material in this first release is not groundbreaking and the reason behind its publication was probably commercial. During an Escorial Meeting, few years ago, Juan told me that he was planning to release such small booklets - in his original vision they were meant to have three or four tricks and a theoretical essay ("the first will be titled 4clubs, the second 2hearts, the third 7diamonds... you can guess the rest!").
As I said, in my personal opinion this material only contributes to the whole work of one of the last masters, like some of Vernon lesser tricks published in the Vernon Chronicles, which I find of outmost interest, as they still embody the touch of the professor (besides, those little tricks can be cunningly routined, as Roberto Giobbi did in Genii).
It is also true that Tamariz has already published his main body of material: Five points, Mnemonica, Magic way are STELLAR books which will keep you busy all your life (and then we have of course Sonata, Verbimagia, Magic Rainbow...). Those who believe that such a monumental body of works can be tarnished by a small and less accomplished little book are tragically mistaken, or they don't know what they are talking about. In my opinion, of course.
Thank you for your erudite additions to the conversation! Perhaps we'll have an opportunity to meet in person someday...I will be in Italy this spring!
Nice review.
JT is a legend but my spider sense kick in on the PR Deluge on this book. $ is staying in my pocket. Thanks for the review!
You bet, George 👍
The word I used for this one was also "underwhelmed". I'd say that I'll wait for the reviews on the next one before I buy, but that means discerning between the real, honest reviews and the "everything Tamariz does is amazing" reviews.
If the rest of the volumes contain the same level of material and similar production values and I were to look at it as a complete set and ask myself if this is a $150 book...my answer would most definitely be no.
I'll keep my mind open for future volumes, but much more cautiously than I did for this one.
Sounds good, Jim! 👍
Great content as usual. Honest opinions are so hard to find in Magic.
Thanks, Jason!
I feel like Penguin thought of the product and then asked Juan to make it. They sent it to the big names without telling them the price. So the endorsements were inevitably glowing. And Juan is a very generous person. That's why his best tricks are ALREADY PUBLISHED.
We'll likely never know the orchestration or intent. But, I agree that Juan is a generous person and has probably already given the magic world his best stuff. I know every time I've read his ideas, he's prompted me to think!
I've seen Juan perform live for lay people - both his close-up show and his stand-up show (not in a convention environment, but shows where lay people paid to attend). Both shows were in an actual theater, not a hotel ballroom, etc. He killed both times and received multiple instant standing ovations in both shows. I enjoy his videos, but don't think they capture the experience of seeing Juan perform live. I also had an opportunity to speak with him after his close-up show for about an hour (which had about 800 lay people in attendance) and the thought he put into both the logistics and the effects was eye opening.
No one doubts his ability - this is certainly not a "bash Juan" seminar. But, I don't think this is his best work, and I'm not sure it fulfills the basic promise of an intimate experience... 🤷🏻
@@EruditeMagic While I haven't seen Letters, in general I agree on your assessment of value vs cost. My comment was more in response of the comments about not getting Juan, etc. There is a big difference between seeing someone perform live for "real" people and only seeing them on video or at conventions. I had a discussion with a young card guy who thought that any card routine that was more than 2 - 3 min long was boring for lay people. All I could think of was seeing Juan at a party, where he was introduced to a director and his model girlfriend (not magicians). Juan did about a 10 min. card routine for them that had them screaming and the director asking for Juan's contact info...I guess my point is lay people can love card magic when performed by masters such as Juan and Bill Malone (for example).
Point taken - thanks for chiming in!
I totally agree Jeff! Thank you for keeping it real. I bought it, but I’m like you, not a lot of value. Something needs to change for me to buy the other volumes.
Thank you for keeping it real.
You bet, Scott! 👍
I really appreciate the honest review, thanks
Of course!
The marketing got me to buy this book right away, and I think it is okay, but nothing more. Don't know if I buy the second one because you are right, 150 $ could get you 2 - 3 "normal" books, and there's a lot of good stuff out there. Thanks for your honest review!
Happy to do it!
I also had doubts about this book. I am working through “the Magic Way” and find my thinking on routine construction is evolving.
He can definitely prompt you to think!
Jeff, great review. Ever since they started to market this book, I was on the fence about its value. Your review confirmed my doubts. Thank you.
You're welcome, my friend! Happy to help 👍
I agree with your analysis (number geek lingo). Maybe suggest "Comic Sans" font for Juan's future works?
😄👍
Looking forward to this one 😊
Looking forward to you seeing it!
@@EruditeMagic 😊😊😊
It's ok to be picky, all the books I purchase are a big investment. I think about these all month long and hopefully have decided on one by payday... hoping I made the best decision until next payday.
Thanks, Jerry! 👍
Agree. I wished I had reread one trick from Menomica , than the new letters book. I would have gotten a trick I could use.
Agreed
I have two new books coming from Don's this week or next!
🔥🔥🔥
Helpful review. thanks!!
Of course!
Color changing knives... an homage to Arturo de Ascanio!
Yup!!
I bought it because of Penguin’s ad on the “secrets” from Juan’s vault - i agree that it is priced too high except given his eminent status in Magic and many of us that are book collectors we end up buying it. It could have been better and with more color photos.
Sure, I understand - no regrets! 👍
Very nice, honest review! To me, it was a bit of a disappointment. I think the this-will-only-be-published-once marketing trick worked on me. Right now I'm unsure if I will buy the coming volumes. Again, great video!
Thanks, 4suits!
Great review and agree with you 💯 😊👍😊
Thanks, Robert!
I believe it was meant to be a legacy more than a technical or educational book, so my main complaint remains the quality of production and lack of colors.
As if The Magic Way, Mnemonica, Sonata, or The Magic Rainbow wouldn't count? 🤷🏻😄
What is your favourite jaun tamariz books
🤷😂
This felt like it's part of a price grab (times 6) by penguin. Like they spent their money on filming big name endorsesments instead of the pamphlet.
Like I said, I'll stick to what I know, but I'd have a hard time taking the opposing view 🤷🏻
Call me cynical, but this seems like the format was created as a way to slowly but surely extract $150 out of magician’s pockets rather than as a genuine innovation. I would have rather Juan just wrote a new book with all this material collected and charged $60-$100.
I want to stick to what I know, but I would have a hard time arguing against your assertion...
If I’m not mistaken, I think Carney has been doing the same thing. Releasing a series of notes in a series.
The last I'm aware of is Sleights and Insights 🤷🏻
@@EruditeMagic LEGERDEMAIN - #1 SUITE FOR COINS AND HANDKERCHIEF
This is from his site.
Future Issues
In the works for the Legerdemain Series in the coming year; Downs’ Coin Masterpiece, Parlor Ace Routine, Ultimate 3 Card Monte, and a baffling Card Stab using the four Aces.
I bet once its all published, there will be a "all in 1" book printed.. $$$$$$$, it's all about the $
I hope not. I believe them when they say one-time printing. Only time will tell 🤷🏻
The 6 books together is probably worth it... but 25$ for each one, being so thin is way too much.
Somewhat disappointing!Underwhelming is bang on unfortunately.Juan of course is a genius so it’s a bit surprising that he’s I assume,happy with these products.But everyone to their own.
Not everyone will agree with me, but I think I've given factual reasons for my own opinion. The initial entry is not very impressive
@@EruditeMagic I have to agree with your assessment.Firm,honest but fair in my opinion.
Thanks, Kalvin! 🙏
Agree, seems overpriced for what you receive. I bought the book because of Juan’s reputation.
Disappointed
Seems many of us have the same story 🤷🏻
I'm always underwhelmed by Tamariz. I just don't get him at all. When lay people say they find card magic dull, Tamariz is always the first thing that springs to my mind. And I just don't get how people find him funny. He's like some Norman Wisdom/Jerry Lewis vaudeville clown from the 1950's -- hugely dated and really corny. His heavily accented English doesn't help. It makes it difficult to figure out what he's saying, and so much of his routines seem dependent on what he's telling the people he's demonstrating to.
There was a Chris Ramsay video a little while ago, proclaiming him The Best Card Magician of All Time, and perhaps he really is but I find him so dull that always struggle to watch to the end of the trick. And it's not all about language -- he just doesn't give me a reason to care. Yes, he's got cards. Yes, he's obviously manipulating them skillfully. And so what?
And it isn't that I don't like card magic. Bill Malone. Guy Hollingworth. Ricky Jay. Lennart Green. I could go on and on, listing watch guys I'd watch until the cows come home. But Tamariz just leaves me cold.
I've heard this from quite a few magicians over the years - you're certainly not alone in your opinion 🤷🏻
I don’t disagree