This ebook includes both the text and the photos of the original two volume hardcover set. Each of the almost 1000 photos is available twice. The first time the photos appear dispersed through the text close to where each photo is first mentioned. And the second time all photos are together in one place, the same way this material was originally published - text and photos separate. Having the photos included with the text avoids the constant reference to another volume. But having them also together by themselves allows for a stop-motion-like viewing of the action.
It is easy to sing the praises for Slydini. He was one of the most influential close-up magicians of recent history. Probably nobody sufficiently knowledgeable in magic will dispute this. The only other names which I would mention in the same breath are Dai Vernon, Edward Marlo and Arturo Ascanio. (I am excluding any living masters from this list or magicians far into the past.) Slydini had this incredible smooth style and lovable personality. He also created his very unique method of misdirection, which Karl Fulves has tried to capture in this volume. You will find several legendary routines and effective moves.
The continuation of this work can be found in The Magical World of Slydini.
Studying Slydini is a lifelong task. His teachings are rich and not necessarily easily accessible or understandable. This ebook is one of the cornerstones of studying Slydini. (Another one which goes deeper into the meaning and reasoning behind Slydini's misdirection is The Master of Misdirection by his student D. Angelo Ferri).
Preface
Introduction
SLYDINI - A Brief Biography
1. Basic Precepts
Slydini's Secret of Entertaining Audiences
The Basic Starting Position
The Eyes
Notes on Natural Magic
Developing Grace
Coordination
Noise
Some General Observations
To Conclude
2. Easy Routines and Moves
Sightless Vision
Mongolian Clock
Impromptu Miracle
A Note
Psychology - Too Good to Be True
The Sweep Technique
Sleeving
The Sleeving Switch
A Direct Palm
Slydini on the Mock Pass
3. Basic Moves
The Fake Take
The Fake Drop
Applying the Moves
Another Routine
More on Coordination
Coordination - An Example
Leave and Take
4. Fundamental Concepts of Slydini's Magic
Slydini's Concept of Misdirection
Invisible Sleights
Misdirection
The Retrieval
The Handling of the Misdirection Vanish
Miniature Misdirection
Timing
Applying the Concept of Timing
Timing - A Simple Routine
Producing the Ball by Timing
The Revolve
Details of The Revolve
The Imp Pass
5. Applying the Concepts
First Routine
Second Routine Vanish and Production of a Ring
Third Routine
Fourth Routine Vanish and Recovery of a Glass
Notes on the Handling
6. More Slydini Moves
The Han Ping Chien Move
Slydini Technique for Palming a Cigarette
Copter Control
7. The Purse Frame
8. Two Cigarette Routines
Destroyed and Restored Cigarette
Torn and Restored Lit Cigarette
9. Slydini's Coin Classics
Six Coins and English Penny
Six Coins and a Ring
Six Coins
Four Coin Routine
Two Coin Routine
One Coin Routine
10. The Helicopter Card
11. Paper Balls Over the Head
12. Poetry in Magic: The Close-Up Cigarette Production
13. New Card Moves
Drop Steal
Flat Tabled Palm
Card Mates
Card Mates - The Repeat
14. Paper Balls in the Box
15. Bonus Chapter
Gypsy Thread Trick
Production of a Glass of Liquid
The Slydini Switch
1st edition 1976, 234 pages; 1st digital edition 2015, 420 pages.
