Rediscoveries: New Ways of Framing Old Favorites by Eugene Burger

Reviewed by Jamy Ian Swiss (originally published in Genii September, 1994)

Eugene Burger has just released a very limited run of a small manuscript created for his lecture (which ran until 5 a.m.!) at the recent S.A.M. convention. In these pages Mr. Burger describes his current approaches to three routines which he has published previously. Along the way he sets a fine example and provides valuable guidance as he re-examines his own work and, never satisfied, reports the results of his constant evolution to us.

Included is the Three Card Prediction, first released in Intimate Power, a simple trick that relies upon a method that some might regard as almost transparent. Mr. Burger nonetheless provides an effective step-by-step analysis of how to present this trick for maximum impact, mystery, and entertainment value, along the way imparting invaluable lessons that can be applied to improve any close-up performance. Paul Rosini's Double Reverse, previously described in The Performance of Close-Up Magic, includes an intriguing visual addition which lifts the effect out of the card trick category and into the realm of card magic, a differentiation which the author discusses in some depth. The final item is Voodoo, also from Intimate Power, without doubt one of the finest presentations for the ancient Ashes on the Spectator's Hand trick. Mr. Burger's previous approach has found its way into the repertoires of countless close-up magician (including my own). Mr. Burger abandoned this trick for some time, however, for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the current hysteria about the changing social mores of smoking. Mr. Burger has now resurrected this trick without a cigarette, and indeed without ashes. Nevertheless, a mark mysteriously appears on the spectator's hand in the course of some compelling theatrical embellishments. This is a standout piece of routining, full of new elements, both technical and presentational, from which anyone could draw ideas for their own use. Anyone familiar with Mr. Burger's previous approach to this trick will want this booklet; anyone interested in adding an outstanding and memorable mystery with a minimum of technical effort (and a maximum of performance skills) will want it as well.