Exploring the Smith Myth and the Rashomon Concept

This collection of magic tricks revolves around a common theme, aiming to illustrate the connections and unique characteristics that define each one. The term “curate” is fitting here, as I have meticulously selected various materials for readers to compare and analyze. This process serves to contextualize the motifs, shedding light on their historical significance and positioning within the Creative Continuum.

The two primary motifs featured are the Smith Myth and the widely recognized Rashomon Concept. It’s important to highlight that many interpretations of the Smith Myth incorporate elements of the Rashomon Concept.

The original Smith Myth, a standalone trick, debuted in the 1956 booklet The Five O’ Fetsch: A Quintette of Card Miracles, co-authored by Fred Smith and Hen Fetsch. This is also where I discovered Sydney Lawrence’s brilliant technique for forcing the same card on two different spectators.

• Introduction
• The Lawrence Two-Card Forcing Technique
• The Rashomon Concept
• Trio / Sydney Lawrence
• Smyth Bliss / Edward Marlo
• Two Mental Selections with Unexpected Roles / Jon Racherbaumer
• Do You See Your Card? / Scott Guinn
• Smith Turns Over / Larry Jennings
• Convincing Smith Myth / Jon Racherbaumer
• Smith Without the Myth / Dave Solomon
• Smythled / Thomas Baxter
• Smyth Myth Selected Bibliography