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Strange Ceremonies

Eugene Burger

Kaufman & Co.

(Based on 2 reviews)
Shall contemporary magic continue on its artless downward spiral or shall we, as magicians, accept and appropriate these gifts which bizarre magick offers us? This, it seems to me, is perhaps the most crucial magical question of our time. How we answer it will determine both the character and quality of magic of the future.
-Eugene Burger

Strange Ceremonies is 104 Pages, Hardbound and Fully Illustrated

Reviews

Jeff Stone

Official Reviewer

Sep 13, 2013

I can't think of a better random I-Tunes song of the moment than Heaven and Hell By Black Sabbath when writing a review on a book about bizarre magick by Eugene Burger. It's perfectly perfect. My recent work has been very much inspired by the bearded wonder, and whether you're a bizarrist or a comedian, you must read Burger books. Period. He is a brilliant thinker, and gives magic the consideration and respect it deserves.

This particular work is a collection of Eugene's thoughts on defining bizarre magick, its history, its present and its future. It was written in 1990, yet it could have been written yesterday. Included also, are a few effects by Jay Inglee. Tarot, Pendulum, Ghosts . . . it's got it all. This book will help you better define who/what you are (or are not) as a performer. It will give you insight, historical information, and it will inspire you and your presentations.

I would dare say that as narrow of a subject as this is, this book is for everyone in magic. If for no other reason, to give you insight into a portion of our history. The book could be described very much the same way Max Maven describes the Gilbreath Principle . . . "A thing of terrifying beauty."

Final Thoughts
Last night was our quasi-monthly meeting of the magi. Each time we meet, my fellow magi are always jealous of the many, many, many items I get for review for free. Of course, I rub in it by bringing my latest goodies to the meeting and making a point of saying, "I got this for free . . . just so you know." I know . . . I'm immature. Anyway, my point is that I did not get this book for free. I forked over my own cold hard cash for it . . . a rare thing for me these days.

Bottom line: get it; read it; learn it; live it; love it.

Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM.
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Dave Janoskie

Mar 04, 2007

This is a now dated, but still very readable book by Eugene Burger. He looks at the question brought about the appearance of the tuxedo-clad magician and the meaning of what is magic that is not readily apparent.

Burger's definition of bizarre magic ( the antithesis of conventional magic ) is somewhat narrow as it looks as if he was influenced by his friendship with Tony Andruzzi, who is often marked as the champion of bizarre magic. His overview of unconventional magicians include Penn & Teller, Max Maven, etc.
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