Cerca
A good magic book is a glimpse inside the magician’s mind. In Cerca, you’ll not only get a glimpse into Roberto Mansilla’s mind, but a glimpse into his heart.
If you’re a fan of Juan Tamariz, Gabi Pareras, Arturo De Ascanio, or Rene Levand, you’ll be able to see their fingerprints all over Roberto’s material. To paraphrase his own words, Cerca is the book he’s always wanted to write. Yes, it’s a book of magic. But it is also full of passion, wisdom, and stories.
Across the 208 pages are elegant routines designed for both parlor and close-up performances. You’ll read…
“Up the Sleeve” - An elegant card-to-pocket that makes the perfect opener.
“Magician Vs Puerto Rican Gambler” - After cutting to the four Aces, you magically change them into the four Tens.
“Matching the Cards” - Roberto’s version of the Vernon classic will go straight into your working repertoire.
“Coincidence” - A deeply deceptive two-deck ACAAN, perfect for formal close-up.
“Two Sandwiches” - The first phase of this sandwich routine is already amazing, but the second phase packs a powerful punch.
“This is Not a Sponge Ball Routine.” - A beautiful sponge ball routine will have you looking at the classic prop in a new light.
“The Color Changing Knives” - Inspired by Rene Lavand and Arturo de Ascanio, Roberto’s routine takes the classic plot and makes it even more magical.
“Harmony” - Roberto’s three-card version of the stop trick isn’t just fun and fooling, but poetic as well.
“Back to the Present” - A signed card vanishes only to appear in its original position, as if it never left in the first place.
“Back to the World” - An incredible Out Of This World routine using the color of the backs, rather than the fronts.
“Top Of The Bill” - This powerful Multiple Selection routine is the finale to Roberto’s close-up show.
You’ll also find a trio of what Roberto calls “Haikus”. These short pieces of magic are better suited to informal performances, yet they are deeply poetic, powerful, and deceptive. We don’t want to spoil them, but trust us when we say they’re incredible, and some of our favorite magic in the book.
There is always a story behind every great routine’s creation, and in Cerca, Roberto shares it. You’ll read the origin story of each of the fourteen beautiful routines, giving you a better understanding not just of why they were created, but also of their inspiration, purpose, and design.
Cerca means close, and this book delivers on the promise to bring you closer. Not just to Roberto, but maybe even to magic itself.
Contents of Cerca by Roberto Mansilla
Foreword by Helder Guimarães
Introduction
- Up the Sleeve
- Magician Vs Puerto Rican Gambler
- Matching the Cards
- Coincidence
- Two Sandwiches
- “This is Not a Sponge Ball Routine.”
- The Color Changing Knives
- Harmony
- Back to the Present
- Back to the World
- Haikus
- Nightmare Prediction
- Splitz
- Hero
- Top of the Bill
- Acknowledgments
Hardback | 208 Pages
Customer reviews for Cerca
Recommended.
Masterclassmember
All the effects are very workable and no one requires any knuckle busting gymnastics. A few required a few basic gaffs but if you’ve been in magic for a few years most likely you already have what you need or can get easily.
You get a lot of very practical magic for a very affordable price!!! I think this is a must have for any closeup worker’s library!
Get it! But most of all… read it !
Many of the routines explore classic plots in card magic, but Mansilla consistently contributes thoughtful touches or structural improvements. His handlings are direct and the plots are clear. Interestingly, despite coming from the Spanish school, these are not the typical multi-phase routines where several smaller effects build toward a final climax. Instead, the effects are concise and direct, almost American in style.
Nearly all of the material is card magic, with the exception of a sponge ball routine and a knife routine. Both of those are multi-phase.
Standouts for me include the very nice personalization in the matching cards routine, the card transposition with sleeve and return to the pocket, and the series of Haikus. The Haikus are all gems and reminded me of the type of impactful, compact effects you might find in a Frank Garcia book, though with far more careful crediting.
The closing multi-selection routine contains an idea that I suspect many readers will end up incorporating into their own work.
I was already a fan of Mansilla’s earlier book Naypes, which is what prompted me to pick this one up. I’m happy to say this purchase did not disappoint. I look forward to the next release from this fine magician.
Community questions about Cerca
Have a question about this product? It's possible others do too. Ask here and other Vanishing Inc. Magic customers will be able to respond with assistance! Alternatively, email us and we can help too.
Michael asks: When do the 48 hours begin?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:This began when the book was released
Dave asks: What if we purchase this book at Magifest; can we still get the free PDF version?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Please email us at Wizards@Vanishingincmagic.com
Frank asks: How difficult are any required sleights ?
- 1. Jim responds:Medium.
Ben asks: Can these routines be performed strolling, eg for guests standing at a reception?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Yes most of the routines are for this environment
4 questions
