Price$45.00
Media TypeBook
CategoryPhilosophy
Date AddedMar 16, 2003
Strong Magic
Ortiz, Darwin
Kaufman & Co.
(Based on 2 reviews)
Hardcover, 379 pages.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Overview
There are zillions of books on magic tricks but not many on magic theory. Perhaps it is because theory is boring to read, or perhaps theory is difficult to write about. There are some “classics” on magic theory that have been praised for time immemorial, however, I found that for one, the theory was sparsely interspersed between tricks and for another, written with such flowering prose that it was impossible to read the book cover to cover. Although several of these books were written by highly revered performers, they are so esoteric in nature, they had no practical real world usefulness.Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz is a completely different book. His philosophy and theories will probably tick you off and insult your intelligence but if you read through it, hopefully make you better magician and performer. Written by a man with a critical eye for magic, he will bash some of your favorite tricks, destroy some of your magic ideologies and criticize many of your magical choices. Ortiz pulls no punches when it comes to his philosophy and totally decimates time honored tricks that have been coveted by magicians for decades.
Strong Magic has to be the most practical book on magic performance I have read. If you are willing to accept a different outlook and want to upgrade your performance than Strong Magic is a must read.
Effect
Strong Magic is 371 pages that covers just about every aspect of magic and the performance of such. Comprised of a prologue and 22 chapters, Strong Magic covers everything from what magic is, why it is different than any other performance art, adding emotion to your magic, creating an act, a character, appearance, dress and so much more. The list is unending on what this book covers.Method
Darwin Ortiz does not have any reservations about dissecting time honored tricks and is willing to cast them in any light that represents the truth. For example, he will point out the inherent flaws in such well loved, and often performed tricks such as Twisting the Aces by Dai Vernon. What is most off putting but sobering trait of Ortiz’s writing style is that it is blunt, to the point and he pulls no punches. I can see many who would read this book and toss it aside because it questions their very ideology of magic. However, if you can get through the hurt, you will find truth.Product Quality
Ortiz’s writing style can be perceived as pompous, arrogant and insulting. His in your face style as far as I’m concerned is refreshing. The writing is thorough and every point is well postured. This is not a read for a beginner however. Many of his references are to tricks that one would have to know by being in magic a few years. When he refers to “Twisting the Aces” he does not go into a lengthy explanation of what that trick is, you will have to already know. There are numerous references in that manner.Ad Copy Integrity
The ad copy is very accurate. If you read Strong Magic and apply its principle, you cannot help but becomes a better magician and performer.(Top ▲)
Everybody should read this book at least once. It's a great read, full of interesting observations about magic. Although I don't agree with everything Mr. Ortiz writes, it makes me think about my magic, and that's always a good thing.