Sleightly Absurd





A captivating and inspiring journey through the ingenious mind of Charlie Frye.
This stunning nearly 300-page deluxe oversize hardcover book perfectly captures the spirit of one of the hardest-working entertainers in the business. Charlie Frye has spent more than four decades performing on stages across six continents, and Sleightly Absurd contains more than 50 of his most cherished hard-won secrets.
Charlie has not been one to often share his beloved brainchildren. Which is why it is such a special treat to have one book overflowing with his quirky one-of-a-kind musings and miracles. You’ll get a truly exclusive look into the ins and outs of this incomparable prestidigitator.
There are high-class feats for all types of conjurers. Musings with coins and cards that are both ordinary and extraordinary, including a fascinating treatise on the ACAAN plot. There is, of course, also a remarkable variety of parlor and stage effects. This includes three versions of the “oldest trick in the book”; Frye’s trademark Eccentricks (cartoon-illustrated gags, tricks, and stunts); mind reading miracles; close-up dodges with dice; and more.
All types of material for all skill levels. Sleightly Absurd offers something for everyone.
Sleightly Absurd is rounded out with a side-splitting memoir and collection of thought-provoking essays on character development, practice, and other practical matters for the modern entertainer. This is required reading for anyone who takes their craft seriously.
We’d also be remiss to no mention that book itself is a work of art. No expense was spared in crafting this smyth-sewn beauty that is truly a pleasure to learn from. A colossal colossus of conjuring and chicanery filled with over 1000 photographs. There truly is no equal!
"Here you will find cleverly crafted magic, brilliantly presented. Don’t just absorb all this wonderful magic; assimilate his artist ethic, his pro-tips, and be inspired by his process. This is where the craft approaches the lofty title of “art.” My highest recommendation." John Carney
"Occasionally you will meet someone in your life that is just really, really good at everything they do. It’s pretty annoying. Charlie Frye makes everything look clever, funny and so effortless. He is a master in every sense. He has spent years developing an impressive collection of great material. Study this man, learn his ways of thinking, rehearsing, ethics, and performing. Get into his head. It will make you a better performer. If you are lucky enough to have Charlie as a friend as I have, by example, he will make you a better person. This book is a great place to start." Kevin James
Contents of Sleightly Absurd
Act 1: Coins to Glass
Act 2: Mumbo Jumbo
Act 3: Some Assemblies Required
Entr'acte 1: The Schmuck Factor
Act 4: Dice Capades
Entr'acte 2: No Skill Required
Act 5: Going Mental
Entr'acte 3: Professional Courtesy
Act 6: The Eyeball Vase
Act 7: The Cups & Balls
Act 8: The Egg Bagatelle
Act 9: Playing With Knives
Entr'acte 4: Going for the Juggler
Act 10: Expat at the Table
Entr'acte 5: Process, Practice and Perfectshun
Act 11: ACAAN
Entr'acte 6: On the Subject of Character and The Ten Commandments*
Act 12: Eccentricks
Act 13: Around the World in 40 Years
298 Pages | Deluxe Oversize Hardcover (8in x 10in) | Smyth-sewn Binding | Over 1000 Photographs
Customer reviews for Sleightly Absurd
But this book....is one of the top 5 I've ever had the pleasure to read.
Yes, it's got a ton of tricks, and stunts, and gags, but most importantly, it has heart. Reading his thoughts on performing, past experiences, his take on character development.....truly inspirational. It makes you long to have been around during those days, and to have met those people.
But I do disagree with some of his philosophy and his ideas. Which is perfect. This means that I'll argue long and hard with myself vis-a-vis Mr. Frye's ideas, and I'll gain some knowledge or thoughts that I've never had.
And even though the tricks are (I'm sure) great, it's the little touches, ideas, and clever handlings that mean the most to me.
A dice force handling of the add top and bottom numbers that is absolutely brilliant. An idea with Jumbo cards that thrills me to the bottom of my magical soul.
This book is brilliant, and it's one of a surprisingly small list of books that I will NEVER give away.
Oh who am I kidding it’s a brilliant book I just want it for myself ?? great pictures to help you throughout, the tricks are fantastic and he has all his little touches, gags and fun ideas !
If you want to see me performing some of the effects, check out my YouTube channel, link below ????
https://youtu.be/M2pk-pFmz3E?si=XvUNfLiuGpynEo_q
The contents of the book are top-notch. Frye is a master of his craft, and he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in these pages. The tricks are well-explained and easy to follow, and they are all very entertaining. There is a wide variety of effects included, from card tricks to coin tricks to mentalism.
One thing to note is that this book is not for beginners. The tricks are quite advanced, and they require a certain level of skill and experience to perform. However, if you are an experienced magician, then you will find a lot to love in this book. In addition to the tricks, Frye also shares his philosophy of magic, which is quite important if you want to know how to truly captivate your audience and elevate your tricks from mere sleights of hand to unforgettable magical experiences.
Overall, Sleightly Absurd is a superb book. It is beautifully produced, it is packed with great content, and it is sure to appeal to experienced magicians. If you are looking for a new book to add to your library, then I highly recommend Sleightly Absurd.
Classics are a classic for a reason. In this book you're see why rather then some of the diluted Ill thought out routines that are about today
Community questions about Sleightly Absurd
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.
Jonathan asks: Kindly advise how to apply our points to this purchase, if possible.
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Please contact us at wizards@vanishingincmagic.com and we can assist with this
Jonathan asks: signed copy available?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:We don’t stock any signed copies of this product
Pun Yin asks: Is there any performance video included?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:No performance videos. However many of them can be found on Charlie’s Facebook page
Chris asks: Once again, why can't we see the index of this before we buy it? This question has been deleted twice? Why?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:An index has been added to the page.
4 questions


