Interpreting Magic
Where do we begin about Interpreting Magic? Theoretically, this book shouldn't be good. David Regal is prolific and just ten years ago he published the outstanding Approaching Magic, which contained a lifetime worth of magic and wisdom. It's almost unheard of for a magician to publish more than two books of top-quality material. There simply isn't time in one life to road-test so much material. And yet...Interpreting Magic is here, and it's exceptional.
The format is interesting: there are sections of tricks with cards (an excellent section, in particular, on Assembly routines), parlor magic, stage magic, magic with finger rings, and more. But between these tricks are both short, punchy essays on magic (these essays are particularly strong, thanks to Regal's background as a Hollywood writer). And between everything else, there are more than a dozen essays with some of magic's most important figures. These interviews are terrific: Teller, Derren Brown, and others sit down to talk about various aspects of magic.
There is no doubt: you will be a better magician after reading Interpreting Magic. You will discover new material for your performances. You will be inspired.
More info:
- Over 60 routines for close-up, parlor & stage.
- Over 500 pages.
- Over 1,000 photographs.
- 30+ conversations with artists, inventors, and contributors to the magic craft.
- Introduction by Michael Carbonaro.
500 pages. Hardbound.
"David Regal is one of my heroes. He's my go-to guy for creative real world solutions in magic." Mark Kalinc
"This book offers a wealth of wonderful ideas that will ignite your passion of magic and put you to work." Asi Wind
"Here's the bottom line. If this book only had the magic routines, it would be worth the price. If this book only had the essays, it would be worth the price. If this book only had the interviews, it would be worth the price. To get all three, packed into a beautifully produced, 565-page book is a gift. In fact, it's the gift that keeps on giving, because I know you will return to it often to find magic you previously overlooked and to remind yourself of the wealth of useful information contained within." Michael Close
"Interpreting Magic is a classic David Regal book in the best sense of the word." Pete McCabe
"Interpreting Magic is smart, creative, and insightful on every level." John Gustaferro
"Get this book." Lee Asher
"There is no one else on earth better suited for thinking about and creating works of magic." Michael Carbonaro
Customer reviews for Interpreting Magic
I could wax on about the specific, ingenious routines that David describes, but suffice to say that the quality and quantity of routines quite simply ensures that there is something for everyone. David's vulnerable stories and enlightening essays provide practical advice on how to not only perform magic, but interpret it, as the title alludes.
Finally, David's interviews with a staggeringly-impressive list of magic's living legends all reflect the diversity of backgrounds and unpredictable paths that one can take in this wonderful world of magic. This book is a treasure to magic-lovers everywhere; thank you, David, for sharing it with us.
Great interviews, great insight, and great tricks. I never wanted the book to end.
That was my first reaction when I saw this. How does this guy find the time to put this much incredible material into these beautiful books. I'm just dumbfounded and the thought and presentation that these have. I'll be learning and working out of these for the rest of my life, absolutely.
I said this on my the Approaching Magic Review.. but this should be considered an essential magic book. This belongs among the likes of Art of Astonishment, The Books Of Wonders, Strong Magic, and Magic and Showmanship. They are that damn good.
Oh, and David's Bottle alone is worth the price of the whole volume.
Don't pass this book up.
Community questions about Interpreting Magic
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Kalv asks: Are the tricks/routines sleight heavy?
- 1. Jim responds:Not in my opinion.
Phillip asks: Which should I buy first, Approaching Magic or Interpreting Magic?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Both books can e read separately so we do not have a preference. They are both terrific books.
Charles asks: Can you say, generally, what the difference is between the two books ("Approaching Magic" and "Interpreting Magic"). Are they basically the same kinds of books, but with different tricks?
- 1. Prahlad responds:This has one major difference - there are more interviews with other magicians. In approaching magic there's only one with Armando Lucero.
Douglas asks: I don't suppose you might offer a two volume deal of Interpreting Magic and Approaching Magic? Say, for a few dollars off.....
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Not really how we work. But, we do offer a price match guarantee. So we'll match any cheaper price you find online.
4 questions
