Parlour Tricks

Keith

PARLOR Magic is a must have. Learn what it takes to set up and execute a wonderful two man PARLOR show.
PARLOR Magic is where it's at.

Ken

A great look at what it takes to create a 2 person show. The relationship between the performers is just as important as the material they perform. This book is a great resource for inspiration on how to take great material and create memorable moments for your audience. It’s a fun read and watch, and the commentary is very insightful as well. One of my favorite books of magic and performance!

Joseph

The book is excellent! Morgan and West bring their show to life. It truly gives insight not only to the tricks preformed, but how they put Parlour Tricks the show together. It is a valuable resource not only for the magic, but what goes into creating a show. That alone in worth the price of the book. However, there is so much more that is given with the instructional videos. It is a great addition to any magical library.

Ángel Andrés

Phil

I'm such a huge fan of Morgan & West. What I admire the most about them is their attention to detail and how they work to refine by watching recordings of their shows. This book has so many ideas and great suggestions. Their theater training shines through and will inspire you to build your own character, environment, everything else beyond just the magic tricks to suspend belief.

Nicholas

Morgan & West will give you an entire 90 minutes worth of methods & effects - and that's great. But the real treasure here is something that is not as often talked about in magic literature: how to make those effects into a cohesive theatrical event in the classic sense. Their thoughts on how to tie character and suspense into moments of misdirection and humor, on how, why and whom to choose (or not) from the audience, are priceless advice. Their thoughts on finding the essence of a magical plot are valuable - even if you disagree with them. Cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Raul (Jay)

What got me interested in Morgan in West was that they dress up like steampunk characters and there’s also time traveling involved. So right there I was hooked on this book let alone their great magic that they do on stage. I never really did parlor magic so they are the first introduction to showing me what parlor magic is all about.

I think this book is great because it’s just a great read, but I don’t see any tricks that I feel like I identify with and want to perform it on such a stage. But it’s a great read, and I’m OK with that.

I’m not even done with the whole book or watching their presentation yet in full, but I hope that I will find a trick or two that I identify with and ‘yes ‘, there is something that I might want to perform. Since I’m not a working magician and nor do I have any desire to be one. I’m an actor and singer songwriter here in Hollywood California so I have my hands full with that. I still have dreams of performing parlor magic. I’ve always done closet magic all my life, but Morgan in West demonstrated what Pollard magic is all about so maybe somewhere along the line I will do one of these checks but for now it’s a really great book. And I love steam punk and I think they know what I’m talking about. So I give this book very high praises!

Matt

I got this book as a reward tier for the Black Friday sale, and I have been more interested in this book then any of the book I set out to purchase. It is written with style and the explanations are clear and to the point. It gives good insight into the possibilities that open with a two person act. It really is a delight to read and makes me want to read more books about Magic I will never preform.

Lior

The show video continues the quality of the book itself. The video is detailed and allows the reader to see with his own eyes the theories and ideas in the book. This is definitely a significant addition that shows care and appreciation towards the readers and viewers. The ideas are brilliant and open the door to routines with two presenters even for those who are not used to it. Well done

Gregory

Wow, what a resource!
When you see their shows, you know these guys are smart. But this book reveals just how many levels they're operating above most everyone else. There are wonderful detailed tutorials on the effects, but that's only half of it. The really good stuff is in the essays and discussions of how the shows are developed.
Two minor quibbles: a few typos (surprising in a book of such quality), and the photos are a little dark and murky, at least in my copy. They are legible though.
Thanks for the wake-up call, gents.

Mike

I really like liked this book. The thinking behind the routines (I don’t know how many of these I’d actually perform - that’s just me they’re very workable) is what drew me to the book. Good read and should be in your library.

Brandon

Excellent book! Required reading in any library.

Andrew

Absolutely loved this book. The tricks were great, the scripts were fantastic, but the essays were where it truly shines. Character, sets, scripting, audience management — their advice and experience were so thoroughly useful. Loved it.

Ben

A thoroughly.... thorough overview of Morgan and West's parlour show, taking into consideration everything you might want to know about how and why they do what they do.

Although not my performing style at all, I really appreciated the careful deliberations they make to ensure every detail is thought through, so that the audience gets the magic experience they want them to have. Something to aspire to!

Dimitrios

This book is absolutely fantastic. Almost every book I have bought from vanishing Inc is more than good, but for this particular one, I wasn't quite sure, until the moment I took it to my hands. The stuff that includes, is very useful, not only for parlour tricks,as the title says, but in close up as well. Plus, the way they write and explain things,is, in my point of view, of the highest quality. And, for this price, is absolutely fantastic deal. Highly recommended...

Johannes

This book is very worth the hype. The cards across trick is maybe my favorite and you can buy the gimmicks separately if you do not want to do them by yourself, which is nice. Every effect is very, and I mean, very well and detailed explained. The video is also entertaining!

Alan

What a great bonus included with the Parlour Tricks book! Just the opportunity to see Morgan & West's full act, professionally recorded, in front of a live audience, in high definition, is certainly worth the price of the book. I can't wait to dive into the text to learn the exacting details and thought processes that went into creating it.

Oliver

A different style of magic and new approach to perform at parlour or stage. I'm not gonna lie, the effects and routines taught in the book are very personal and in my particular opinion you should have your own style. But is good that they have shared with the magic community all of his show. The effects are great, but for me the most valuable thing of this book is how they explain the internal structure of everything. Great book to add to your collection.

Gary

This has to be one of the best magic books written in a very long time as will no doubt be a collectors item because Morgan and West are two very likeable guys and are at the top of their field. There is a 90 minute to watch and they talk you through it which is so insightful so if you want to learn how to perform mentalism then look no further than these guys and by the way the book is beautifully produced.

Rob

What a refreshing and novel presentation! The partnership played against their banter makes this particularly enjoyable. They seemed to extemporize what must have taken quite some time to get right. Use of lots of the audience also helped them feel included and closer to the presenters. Thanks for making this available.

Nathan

Great product, production and quality. Funny delivery. In depth knowledge shared. Everyone should watch this at least once. If not multiple times. Can't wait foe their next products in due course. Its a must purchase.

Pete

What can be said that hasn’t been already? This is an amazing book and piece of work from VanishingInc and M&W. The book is easy to read, extremely high quality and includes a plethora of great material. The fact that the book comes with links to performances of the routines is an absolute bonus. If you haven’t got it, why not?

Tom

It's...".GOLD"..Will probably be one of the best books ever written on magic. Get it....don't let it go by. Tom Williams

Colby

It was an added bonus to get the commentary of the performance and very much an insight into their thinking. Watch the performance, then watch this!

Christian

Aidan

Yet another amazing book. Just the fact it includes the entire script to there show makes it worth the price for me.

Gunnar

These chaps are not just gentlemen and time-traveler, they are writers! Really good ones indeed. Besides the obvious cleverness of their routines, and the fact that they really, really care about how they design and present every single little detail of their act (pretty much all of their props are made or modified to fit their theme), this book is outstanding, because their writing is so clear, engaging, and truly a joy to read. That deserves extra praise. Being science-educated theater-enthusiasts that met in college clearly is the source of this writing gift. Now on to the contents: I really enjoyed the breakdown of a show into every conceivable aspect (music, lighting, backdrop, props, costume, script). Interspersed everything about their complete show and its entire speaking and acting 'movie script' are thoughtful essays about why they do each detail. Get it! Read it! Brilliant!

Ronald

Wonderful audience engagement, using humor and reimagined illusions. They are Morgan & West!!!

jack

Robert

I don't normally review a product, unless they are especially good (or especially bad). This book is so phenomenally good, it should be required reading for all magicians. I could not think of a better book to illustrate how to design a show, why to design it a particular way, and how much thinking should go into the design. This book is easily on par with books from Tommy Wonder, Arturo de Ascanio, Darwin Ortiz, and other great writers on the craft of magic. Get it, read it, read it again. You'll be glad you did.

Gordon

There's no two ways about it, this is one of the loveliest magic books ever produced. The design and production are first class, and the material is great. A true labour of love all around.

Gary

More than Excellent 11 Stars!

Jake

One of the best books I have read!! Everything is extremely well thought out and no detail is spared, the video really helps to see how they perform the tricks, overall a really good book and well worth the money!!

Amanda

Love! Love! Love! The book is clearly written with fine detail. This book is different in my opinion from many other magic books. I think what sets the book apart is that it is written to explore their show. You get a feel for how they took the effects and worked it into a show with their characters. It has been a fun journey reading this book and reflecting on how I can make my magic better. Highly motivating! I also appreciate the humor and how thought out their entire act is. Incredible!

K

THE VALUE OF TEA DRINKING IN AN AGE OF ALCOHOL

The binding, design and layout of the book are first class; this does not affect or guarantee the quality of the content, but indicates a commitment to and respect for the material. (How pleased Messrs Morgan and West must be with the daguerreotype depictions, many in colour.)
A splendid demonstration of the refinement and adaptation of methods and techniques, rather than the adoption of novelty without merit or mere feckless complications. (This may not be a tome for Cristian Angelifans.)
A delightful read, thoughtful and informative with entertainment, not facile deceit, being the primary goal.
Well played, chaps!

Cory

OMG!!!!! this book has been eye opening, thought provoking, enjoyable funny, inspirational and informative. Being a lover of not just how tricks are done but the whys and the thought processes behind them is where the "true magic is". I have many favorites in my rather larger collection and this is up there with the likes of the Ortiz, Tamariz, Burger and Wonders works. I love that they included their show as well as a study guide. I will not attempt to do any of these routines myself but the insight it has brought me is priceless, its not what you do but how you do it and more importantly WHY you do it. Having the video is just enjoyable to see professionals in their element showing you WHY they are professionals. the only parts I have read is they essays that they included because they are some of the greatest straight forward to the point practical essays I've ever read. WELL DONE CHAPS....... or should I say friends. Thank you very much for these and thank you Vanishing Inc for producing these absolute Gems

Brian

Absolutely love the book (I love the act, too). In fact, I feel like I am actually reading it with a "spiffy chap" accent.

In the same way that most tricks are explained...Effect, Paraphenalia, Prep, Performance...these guys spell out the effect, explain their props, exact preparation (including where on the stage they put their stuff, i.e. stage left, center stage, back stage), explain their method, and then give a verbatim performance script (with important cues of when subtleties are to be performed). The best part is the follow up where they explain what they were thinking or what they have learned over the years of performing the effects.

Sure this is a collection of illusions performed by two people but magic is the art of performance and these guys really make that the reason this book is gold. They talk about the reasons they perform it the way they do...not just doing an effect, but making a moment of magic. You may not come away with a solo act, but you will definitely learn how to think about your act.

Love the act. Love the book.

Gregory Glau

My goodness, this book is simply spectacular! Magical—really magical—effects are detailed and explained, the photos are excellent, the storylines are wonderful . . . but the best part, to me, is Morgan and West’s thinking: the “why” behind what and how they do things. Thoughtful, interesting, valuable . . . magical.

It's quite an education to watch them perform, then read the chapter in the text that explains everything (including the thinking behind the effect). Wow!

David

This has instantly become one of my favorite magic books. The tricks are great, but since I'm a solo performer, most of the tricks are not all that practical for me. However, what I love are the insightful essays following each routine. These essays go deep on why they selected the trick, what they liked or didn't like about the source material, why they changed it, what kind of reactions they get, and more. Those essays are absolutely wonderful and useful to someone like me who's trying to polish his act.

Paul

'Our Magic' for modern times, simply written with humour throughout and in a manner that shows the value of thought, research and performing experience. Beautifully produced, i'd have liked the DVD included with the book but that's a minor quibble. At £50 it's a steal. It could just be the book you fall in love with.

Colin

I was lucky enough to pick up an early copy of this at The Session Convention. I am a big fan of Morgan and West, I like their style and I like the way they think about magic, so I was fairly sure I was going to like the book. I more than like it I love it, it’s one of the very few magic books I have read from cover to cover, every word, not just skipping to the tricks I was interested in.

There is a currently a bit of an upsurge in magicians putting on parlour shows. If you have ever thought of putting on a show, then you need to read this! If you have a cabaret spot, then you need to read this. If you are a children’s magician, then you are already performing a show, so you need to read this!

There are some great tricks in the book, most of which are doable as a single person act, some of which like “thought of cards across” are available from dealers. Brilliant as these items are, it is the bits between the tricks that contain the “golden nuggets”.
I loved reading about how they came to choose certain tricks and how they had to adapt them to fit their style. They worry about the perception of magicians to an audience and they work on breaking the stereotype that many people have of a smug magician.
I think that if you were to be chosen as a volunteer at a Morgan and West show, you would leave the stage feeling better than when you were called up, if only that were true in more shows.

For those of us who regularly perform for children we will recognize the idea that “children aren’t like adults. They are like drunk adults. Drunks adults who have sobered up a teeny bit and been put in a room where they are expected to sit down and pay attention.” A great thought when designing your next piece for children.

You will also learn about designing, scripting, sound design, prop decoration, writing the audience into the script and so much more, including how to make an impossible object!

The book is beautifully written with the full script for each trick and plenty of full colour photos. You also get access to watch the full “Parlour Tricks” show so you can see how everything works with a real audience.

A totally unreserved 5 Star review.

Braden

I purchased this book at MagiFest and devoured it as soon as I got home. I've already re-read the massive thing as well. I'm predicting that Parlour Tricks will go down as one of the best magic books there is. This is now an automatic recommendation of mine if anyone asks me about performing magic on a stage.

Kevin

I read it cover to cover after buying at MagiFest. Destined to become compulsory reading for anyone trying to learn magic, storytelling, developing character, and stage craft. A much needed addition to the Magic world and template for future books (I hope). Dare I say that is destined to be one of best Magic Books of the century. Highly recommended by a 50 year old, amateur Magi.

Dave

I'm currently 3/4 of the way through this book & can't say enough about it! The chapter "Removing the Cards from a Card Trick" it worth the price of this title alone!

Gerhard

Firstly this is a gorgeous book. It has a real magical quality to it and looks great on the shelf. I really enjoyed watching the parlor show and it gives a good idea what the effects look like in the real world. Even though the magic is performed by a duo the magic can be translated with some creativity to a one man execution. The book is well written, the tricks are killer and the explanations are really well done. The photographs are outstanding. Excellent job. Really happy I have this.