Andi Gladwin
The Boy Who Cried Magic

Edmund

I bought an early copy at Magi-Fest. This is a great book full of very usable material and some sage advice.

Great job Andi.

Stuart

Just received the Deluxe edition and it’s simply beautiful.
I can’t wait to read it.

Jeff

Purchased the deluxe addition and couldn't be any happier. Quality is above and beyond anything I have purchased before. Thank you Vanishing Inc & especially Andi for the amazing gift before Christmas!

Mark

This is a quickie review--I received the book as a Christmas present, and I so have not yet opened it.

That having been said...I have watched every "play video" segment it comes with, and I feel confident saying this: anyone with an interest in close-up magic would be insane not to buy this book. It's that simple.

Picking a trick at random--watch "Castle Jacks" and tell me: do you have any idea how it was done? Can you think of a way you could improve it? More importantly--don't you want to perform it?

In addition to tricks, there are some really great moves. Two finesses I really like are his handlings of the Braue "pop-up" move and the Tilt. His pop-up occurs from an absolutely flat palm--think about that for a moment. As for his "Convincing Tilt": well, it's the most convincing Tilt I've ever seen. It's really beautiful, too.

I'm going to write a more complete review after I've had some time to work on the material. For now...I said I'd wait until Christmas to open the book. I don't want Santa to get honked off at me--but this is going to be one LONG wait.

David A

I got the Deluxe Edition, and WOW!! This is the most gorgeous book edition I have ever seen. Started reading through some of the effects and I cannot wait to work on these. The only problem I have is which effect do I start with first? Thanks Andi, this book is Amazing!! In looks and content.

Peter

If I could I would give this an excellent plus rating..beautifully written and the deluxe version comes beautifully presented...that's why I purchased two...this is sure to become a very very sought after magic book in the years to come...to all out there ..get in now, you won't be disappointed...oh by the way the tricks are great as well.

Arthur Alexander

This is honestly the nicest magic book of my collection. I just finished reading it the first time through (always read it cover to cover first) and I can't wait to go through these in detail. There are so many great tricks in this book, you won't know where to start. As usual, well done Vanishing Inc. and congrats Andi for finally publishing your own killer magic book!

Francesco

Bryan

Absolutely brilliant. As brilliant as the original Call to the Colors. There is a minor error in the printed text. On p. 165, after the pass, you should be showing Red cards, not Black cards.

Rick

A must buy. Nuff said.

Georges

Zayne

Dan

I will be reviewing this book for M-U-M magazine 2021

Victor

Catherine

Darren

Where to begin with this book. The content is some of the best I have ever read. You can really tell that this book has been created by someone with a true passion of the craft. Every bit of material is strong and there is no filler as you sometimes find with books on Magic. The book is so easy to read and get throughout that I have read it cover to cover and then have went back to specific sections again and again to re-read and practice.

Beyond the content the book itself is stunning. It really stands out of the shelf and is definitely the best looking book I own!

James

This book is amazing. The best material isn’t exactly easy, I’ve spent hours and hours for weeks working to perfect moves like the master push off. And I’ve loved every minute of it. The material in this book is well crafted, simple, direct, and powerful magic. 10/10

Martin

Great mix of reworking some close up card favorites and new effects destined to become classics. Particularly enjoy Whack Your Phone, Pocket Mule and Thought Experiment. Clear description of the Master Push off – while it will take more practice, it will eventually be worth the effort. Top notch production and photos, clearly written.

Jim

Ryan

Dan

I noticed the final routine in the book is NOT on the "every trick in the book" performance video. However, a performance of this routine can be found elsewhere, if you know where to look. Perhaps Andi should tell us where, and why this routine was omitted from the performance video.

Chris

Often I struggle reading text and translating that to what a trick is supposed to look like. Even though this video doesn't explain the cull shuffle, it really helps me see how it is supposed to look when performed.

Chris

A beautiful book that is easy to read. I also love that they included the videos to see what things should look like. I am, however, not a fan of the super glossy pages. I think that there are other nicely produced books with nice paper that handle easier than full gloss paper. Overall I am very happy though.

Rick

David

Epic! Andi has really revealed his working repertoire. It has to be?! Magic this good cannot be one off routines that he kind of knows about doing. Not only is this filled with treasures, the production value of this book makes it collector quality.

David

Epic

Mark

Great book and video’s. I have only just started my magic journey at the age of 61 and have found some of the tricks and sleights impossible at the moment but this book is very inspiring. Monte Python is reasonably easy to do and is brilliant. I like the essay at the beginning. Well done Andi.

Mark

Great book and video’s. I have only just started my magic journey at the age of 61 and have found some of the tricks and sleights impossible at the moment but this book is very inspiring. Monte Python is reasonably easy to do and is brilliant. I like the essay at the beginning. Well done Andi.

Grégory

Very Nice, And interresting. And love the combination book and videos -

Shalom

Shalom

Samuel

Buying this book should be a no-brainer for the card magician. Andi's writing is clear and the photos are beautiful as well as very helpful. The work includes not only routines (really good routines with great presentation angles), but also some of Andi's own moves which are also explained very well.
I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed with the purchase of this work. Unlike so much of what is put out these days (a trick of the week that one wonders how often it has been done "in the wild") this is a collection of pieces that (it is clear from the descriptions) Andi has performed many, many times. These are not crazy ideas that might work on Tuesday if the light is right and all the spectators close one eye, they are real-world routines that have been tested and refined.
Like all VI books, it is not only great information, but a beauty to behold. I know that some of you don't care about the printing, the clam-shell case, or the clear type-face, but many do. This will not disappoint either from an aesthetic or a content viewpoint.
Just get it! Otherwise you run the risk of paying much more on Ebay and kicking yourself for not purchasing it now.

Matt

I was a very lucky enough person to get the deluxe edition of this. It is one of the best deluxe sets I have in my library. Gorgeous fabric choices, I love the way it folds out and the book has its own slide in cover INSIDE THE BOX?! Not to mention 2 decks of Andi's cards. The ideas and routines in this book have such a huge punch and strong effect and yet learning them has felt pretty darn easy. It truly feels like Andi spent the time to trim the fat and unnecessary things from each explanation. The added video content for all of the pieces also REALLY help with figuring out all the how to's and monkey moves. Now to continue practicing the Master Push Off some more! :-P

Jonathan

The Boy Who Cried Magic is a masterpiece. Expertly written by an extraordinary magician with a clear voice and an obsessive passion for magic, this book contains beautiful routines and astonishing effects. No question, this one is a must have book.

Tom

I was really hoping for a troubleshoot video etc. I have the old video and still have trouble with this move. This just felt like a promo for the book not a download for the move itself

Jerry

Many thanks to Andi for generously demonstrating sleights and effects from his excellent "Boy Who Cried Magic," and for going over the fine points in detail... Special kudos for going the extra mile by patiently responding to questions from book purchasers with thorough explanations... A real treat for all... I'm especially pleased because I wasn't able to make the live session, which was supposed to be a one-off, so I'm delighted that it was recorded and archived after all... I'm sure I'll be referring to it again... Much appreciated!...

Jimmy

I got the Deluxe Edition from Vanishing INC. Overall, the book is really well made and written by Andi.
Great card tricks from Andi repertoire. I would say the book is recommended for intermediate level for magicians. However, there is a trick for everyone from beginner to expert level.

The book is easy to read with a lot of pictures in color if you need images to follow. Also, the product includes videos performances of every trick in the book. You can see the tricks are practical to do in front of an real audiences.

My favorites tricks are "Ghost" for a quicky trick, "Aura" for magician's fooler and "Fireworks" for his visual aspect. I would highly recommend this book to all card magician and book lover to put it on their magic library.

Roger

Edward

Jonathan

Matt

What a beautiful book. From the design to the layout, photography and style,everything is top notch. The contents of course are what really matters and they also will not disappoint. I've already learned and have been using "Fireworks" in my walk around shows to great success. If you love card magic and beautiful books you won't be disappointed in "The Boy Who Cried Magic".

Matthieu

Daniel

Ok so I haven't actually received this book yet but I went I to the downloads section on my account and to my surprise there wasn't just a single video of the tricks being demonstrated but each trick has its own video which is really nice and even a live lecture based on the book done over Zoom last month.

I am currently watching this Lecture and it's truly amazing and shows how much these guys care about making sure we can learn this stuff well and are really giving back to the magic community.

Thanks all at V Inc this is amazing!

Jonathan

David

Love the video performances of everything in the book. It really helps me see what the performance is supposed to look like.

Robert

The Book exceeded my expectations ! I feel Andi wanted to make sure the book was a great value and he made extra sure by paying attention to detail. So many things like clear pictures, easy to navigate layout, solid material for different types of magicians and on top of it all is that the Book is well made ! I almost forgot to mention the videos that come with the Book to further help with the experience. Thanks Andi !

Gary

Great Book! Lots of workers in this one! Great Job Andi!

Gareth

Tobias

Gonzalo

Andi has definitely put a lot of work into this book, the attention to detail is impressive. The colored pictures are beautiful. I really enjoyed the opening section of the book. The tricks are performance ready, vanishing inc realy did an awesome job with this one. You will not regret getting this book, even if you do not use the tricks in is a beautifull book to have on your shelf.

Tyson

Maxwell

Larry

Claudio

Gerardo

Saurabh

Jialin

Nigel

Neil

I’ve had this book since release and absolutely love it. There is something for everyone from beginner to sleight of hand ninja!! Andi and the VI team really pulled out all the stops with the design, explanations, photos and performance videos. Highly recommended.

Brian

Took me long enough to buy it and then even longer to read it but man I'm glad I did. Definitely worth the price. The book itself is very nice in terms of pictures and layout. The skill levels for the routines will very from easy to advanced so be prepared to work on some of the material. I assume I will be working on the Master Push Off for the next 8-10 years but that's not the teaching, that's my stupid hands. It's kind of the perfect project for someone like me who needs to learn something 12 different ways for things to make sense. Good written explanation (and motivation) pictures and video performances.

Michael

Aaron

When I ordered the book, I watched the videos endlessly. Each trick and sleight was so amazingly well done that in my several years of experience with magic, I could not for the life of me figure out how he was doing it. Then, I cracked open the book (came in pretty quick too), I was MIND BLOWN by the creativity and well thought out psychology behind everything. Do yourself a favor, my friends... Get. This. Book. Today. Don't hesitate.

Ferdian

Having a performance recorded alongside reading the more detailed explanations from the book definitely helps a lot, especially to focus on the timing & surroundings instead of the trick itself. Thank you for this!

Mike

Nathan

This is such a great resource for magicians and performers alike. A fine example of skill. A must watch for any one looking to extend their magical toolbox or just widen their understanding fo this topic. You should not be dissapointed with this download at all.

Mohammad Zubair

I noticed that no one mentioned this, but the downloadable performance videos are amazing.

The book quality is great and doesn't appear like a standard edition. Screams of quality from the word go .. the book cover, photographs, paper quality and also the tricks taught in the book. Absolutely no fillers.

Tricks are explained in an easy to understand fashion with great detailed photographs.

Cathal

Chi Chung

Gary

I love my magic books and this is one of the best books to be released in my opinion for a long time not surprisingly as it is Andi Gladwin the book it self is exquisite and the tricks are of the highest quality. I love Aura and ghost and his undo shuffle looks completely fair, this is a book that should be in every magicians library I recommend that you purchase this book because you wont be disappointed.

Dan Thorpe Guitar Ltd

This is one of my favourite books. The effects are well explained and the videos help with parts where you may be struggling. This is a book you will grow into. The effects are of varying difficulty but achievable with practice. This is what I like about books, they are a journey you can enjoy wherever and whenever you choose. I recommend this for all magicians with an interest in card magic.

Simon

It's such a great idea to have these videos available - I love magic books, but often struggle to picture what the tricks look like in practice and, like Andi says in this video, the timing of them. These videos are a perfect addition!

Minjun

great this book with the videos

Yohann

5/5 on this one.
A book I'll read and read again over the years. This is exactly the kind of card magic I imagine when if think about creating and presenting my card tricks. A lot of great ideas are contained whithin these pages. Just after one read, I improved three of my long time personal routines and learn two tricks I now perform regularly.
My book of the year 2021.

Johannes

What a great book from Andi Gladwin and worth the hype! The tricks are very usable, well explained and very easy to follow. The master pushoff itself worth the book itself! The video is also very good bonus which I would like to see more added in magic book purchases. Very devious. Wonderful book.

Michael

Franz

Great easy starter trick. Enjoyed doing this one already a few times. Helps get more double lift practice

Miklos

Frank

Jani

Ferdinand

Jack

This book really is amazing, containing really strong effects and written in a very reader friendly way. I love all of Andi's work and this was a no brainer for me, and a lot immediately going into my working repertoire. The quality of the book is another level and actually really like the size of the book despite some people disagreeing. Very pleased that it comes in a case which looks amazing on the shelf! Thank you for releasing an amazing book containing your best work :)

Warren

Nothing like the Walton trick, tricks that spread through deck after card is named are easy to track back and not magical

Jeffrey

Owen

Beautiful book. High quality paper. Clear instructions. Perfectly photographed. Well credited. This book will last me for years as I study and reread it for ideas and inspiration.

I should note that this should NOT be the first book for a beginning magician. References to Erdnase and others will not make much sense to a person who has never read another magic book.

Greg

Books are great! And the material is excellent at teaching and inspiring us to create effects. -Greg

Greg

Great presentation and inspiring handling. -Greg

Gabriel

Christopher

This is the most beautiful and well-made magic book I've ever laid eyes on! That being said, the contents are even more beautiful! The book is the clearest magic instruction I have ever read. The photos and videos make it even more clear! The effects run the gambit in the way of difficulty. To me, that's a very good selling point. I can not give this enough praise!

Thomas

Awesome! Grateful I purchased! Thank you Andi Gladwin. I LOVED "THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC! It helped fill a void and an understanding of things that I have not thought about in over 50 years. I recently lost my wife of 30 years and serendipitously went to the place that I had my first LOVE -MAGIC! When I was a " BOY " magician and my mom leaving me all day - by myself at Al Flosso's place on 34th Street, up the creakety old steps on Saturday's until his passing--and Tannen's on Sunday's on 1540 B'way. It was a different era. When I received "THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC", your neatly packaged book, in it's beautiful book sleeve , a quality that I have come to "never expect less" than from any VANISHING ,INC. Then with the added bonus lectures eBook lectures personalize your strengths- which lie in your calm organized demeanor. Along with being a thoughtful, brilliant magician and strategist and advocate in support of magicians and students of magic , of all ages. Knowing the subtext of any anticipated ‘speed bumps” that learning an effect is only just the tip of the 'tale'. Knowing, “if you don’t kick, you can’t score”. After working in the film industry for 40 years and academia for 17 years I have become a little skeptical of the intention-behind-the-intention of so many of us. Not with you what I gleamed from my first pass of THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC ( book and eLectures). You have been the “real deal”, up-front and constantly addressing the 'meaning, behind the meaning'. From the moment I cracked opened the book and your “dogged-ear” persistence , care of students and your enthusiasm for what "makes things work out”, all wrapped into your personal blend of knowledge, intensity, and skillsets, is what makes what I call you a Producer with a capital "P", in my previous career. But in this case, in , an “A” for a stellar scholar or "A"cademic of magic--and well, back to “P”, but squared “P2” Producer & Professor. Good producing and performance is all about cracking through the social veneer, actually seeing what's there in front of you, knowing how to expedite the procedures/processes/barriers (and there's tons of them- “jump the shark”) to actually get the process in motion, then keep all 'the show on the road'. Inform all the processes/procedures to actually realize the program/change/departmental challenges. It takes Intensity, Knowledge, Persistence, and most of all a huge affinity for the people . You and THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC have all these attributes and qualities- rolled in a "class product". I cannot recommend THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC, more HIGHLY. Or any product VANISHING , INC rolls out. I have never been disappointed

Thomas

Thank you Andi Gladwin. I LOVED "THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC! It helped fill a void and an understanding of things that I have not thought about in over 50 years. I recently lost my wife of 30 years and serendipitously went to the place that I had my first LOVE -MAGIC! When I was a " BOY " magician and my mom leaving me all day - by myself at Al Flosso's place on 34th Street, up the creakety old steps on Saturday's until his passing--and Tannen's on Sunday's on 1540 B'way. It was a different era. When I received "THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC", your neatly packaged book, in it's beautiful book sleeve , a quality that I have come to "never expect less" than from any VANISHING ,INC. Then with the added bonus lectures eBook lectures personalize your strengths- which lie in your calm organized demeanor. Along with being a thoughtful, brilliant magician and strategist and advocate in support of magicians and students of magic , of all ages. Knowing the subtext of any anticipated ‘speed bumps” that learning an effect is only just the tip of the 'tale'. Knowing, “if you don’t kick, you can’t score”. After working in the film industry for 40 years and academia for 17 years I have become a little skeptical of the intention-behind-the-intention of so many of us. Not with you what I gleamed from my first pass of THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC ( book and eLectures). You have been the “real deal”, up-front and constantly addressing the 'meaning, behind the meaning'. From the moment I cracked opened the book and your “dogged-ear” persistence , care of students and your enthusiasm for what "makes things work out”, all wrapped into your personal blend of knowledge, intensity, and skillsets, is what makes what I call you a Producer with a capital "P", in my previous career. But in this case, in , an “A” for a stellar scholar or "A"cademic of magic--and well, back to “P”, but squared “P2” Producer & Professor. Good producing and performance is all about cracking through the social veneer, actually seeing what's there in front of you, knowing how to expedite the procedures/processes/barriers (and there's tons of them- “jump the shark”) to actually get the process in motion, then keep all 'the show on the road'. Inform all the processes/procedures to actually realize the program/change/departmental challenges. It takes Intensity, Knowledge, Persistence, and most of all a huge affinity for the people . You and THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC have all these attributes and qualities- rolled in a "class product". I cannot recommend THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC, more HIGHLY. Or any product VANISHING , INC rolls out. I have never been disappointed

Jason

Clark

Beautiful book! It cries out to be read. The subjects and effects are well worth the price of this beauty! I can't imagine anyone regretting their purchase this book. Preforming the stuff here will mark you as true magician. Don't have the time to preform the routines? Get the book anyway and display it prominently on your shelf. Any of your friends who pick it up and flip through it's pages will still THINK you're a real magician.

Jack

Michael

David

This is high quality sleights and tricks contained in an extremely high quality, very well put together book. I am proud to own this book and I will treasure it forever!

Peter

Jeff

Just received the book this afternoon.
Can’t seem to put it down.
This is a wonderful addition to my library and repertoire.
Thank You Muchly!

James

I have been toying around with the idea of getting this book after watching Andi lecture. I wish I had taken the plunge earlier! There is so much wonderful material in this book. The layout is super easy and pleasant to read as well. I love this book.

Zee

Greg

This book is really special. Firstly it feels like I am sitting with Andi and having a conversation with him. The writing is clear and the instructions are easy to follow. The best part are the accompanying videos, which really assist especially when I am struggling with understanding a move or part of the routine.

The design of the book is classy and I love the vibrant colours. The pictures are crisp and clear and I love the mixture of sleight of hand, close up and stage magic. Most are within reach of the intermediate card performer with elements for the beginner and certainly looks after the expert card shark. Always something to learn. Thanks Andi!

Stephen

Andi Gladwin has written and produced a beautiful book on some powerful card magic. The book itself is visually stunning. A hard cover book with a bright red textured fabric, a protective shell that the book slides into, an attached ribbon bookmark, glossy color photos throughout. It all looks more expensive than the $50 price. Now that that's out of the way, Andi has included several great routines with some unique methods. These are professional level routines that are well thought out and not merely some interesting ideas that were dusted off and put in a book. Additionally, there are interesting moves and false shuffles that are gold. And to top it all off, Andi has videos available of the performance of each routine as well as demonstrations of each move covered in the book. Well done!

Greg

I love that there are accompanying videos. It makes the explanaitions much easier to understand, not that they aren't well written and described to begin with. But the visual aids do help.

Great content and a book I am proud to own on my shelf.

Zee

the materials are really nice. But the writing on the cover always come off. It is not printed on the book instate looks like its paste on the book.

MANTELLI - SALES

Victor

Lucas

I think this is the most beautiful book I have ever purchased from Vanishing Inc. It's beautifully printed with colour photographs. And within the book, you get Andi's working repertoire. A treasure trove of magic which includes his incredible master pushoff. Absolutely stunning.

Gerhard

This book is just brilliant, its pretty much one of my favourites. Andi is one of my favourite magicians, I really like is presentation style. Its all about the magic, not long convoluted drawn out effects. Every trick is in book is magical. They are certainly not for the beginner. There is so much to learn here. The print quality of the book is really nice and the hard dust cover is such a nice touch. Andi knocked this one out of the park.

Joonseo

The book is so beautiful .......
I love it

BRUCE

Frank

Zachary

Super excited for this book to be delivered. Firstly, the value you receive from some of these books is far greater than what you would normally receive for the same money buying individual tricks. The kicker (of which I was unaware at purchase) is that there are recordings for each of the effects/slights that were made accessible upon purchase. It is a nice resource to have along with the book itself. I already know my first to be learned from here will be the Triumph variation. Great stuff!

Minseo

Michael

Again, Vanishing Inc knocks it out of the park on the production side of things; this is a gorgeous book, with a design and slipcase that makes even the standard printing feel like a collector's piece. You'll be happy to have this on your shelf.

But it's what's inside that counts, and thankfully, The Boy Who Cried Magic delivers on that front as well. There are some strong and streamlined pieces in here, both for more formal stand-up situations and casual walkaround settings - Monte Python readily entered my go-to repertoire and is one of the only Monte effects I will use.

Be forewarned, though: a solid chunk of the material in this book is certainly not easy. Numerous effects are reliant on Andi's Master Push-Off, which is described in detail but will take some seriously dedicated work to bring to performance-level readiness. Without the Master Push-Off, there are a few pieces here that will either be unusable or need to be modified, potentially to their detriment.

However, while multiple pieces are what I'd categorize as advanced, there's still plenty of material here well within the grasp of the intermediate card technician. If you love card magic, you won't be disappointed by this book.

Chris

Timothy

Raciel

I am currently reading the book and checking out the routines. Some I have known such as ghost and Aura through passing. The fireworks routine,red black to the future and shuffle,cut, and stop and monte python are easily the ones i am drawn to.I can't wait to perform them
If for some reason you dont like any of the routines, Andi's master pushoff and undo cut easily worth it to add to your repertoire.

Pierre

Adam

Roberto