Classic Magic Literature

This book is a rare gem, recognized as a classic even before its release.

Breakdown:

Cervon’s extensive notes expanded into fourteen large binders, famously known as The Castle Notebooks among insiders. These notebooks contained coveted secrets and tricks, meticulously gathered by The Professor over a remarkable seventy-year career in magic. The knowledge within was closely guarded, reserved for a select few.

Now, for the first time, the legendary Castle Notebooks are being unveiled to the magic community. Bruce Cervon, with the blessing of Dai Vernon and collaboration from Larry Jennings and Louis Falanga, is sharing this treasure trove of invaluable insights.

Volume One features over fifty card and coin sleights, tricks, and routines, fully detailed for the first time. This material represents the essence of Vernon’s magic, showcasing the expertise that established his legendary status. Readers will gain profound insights into the psychology known as “The Vernon Touch,” along with entertaining historical anecdotes. The book also includes rare photographs and memorabilia from The Professor’s personal collection, complemented by a biographical essay by Elizabeth Wilson.

Recommended For:

Specifications:

This edition is finally back in print, offering a unique glimpse into the genius of Dai Vernon.

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.

This third volume of The Vernon Chronicles continues to deliver exceptional magic from the repertoire of the esteemed Dai Vernon.

The book begins with a special essay exploring the close-up magic scene in New York City during the pivotal 1920s and 1930s. William P. Miesel crafted this historical overview from columns in the old Sphinx magazine, featuring Dai Vernon and his contemporaries like Sam Horowitz, Ted Anneman, and Luis Zingone. Collaborating with Dai Vernon, Max Maven, Bruce Cervon, and Stephen Minch, Miesel meticulously reconstructed some of their most fascinating effects, creating an important historical document that sheds light on Dai Vernon’s life.

Following this, we delve into a significant portion of Dai Vernon’s unpublished work, showcasing many lesser-known sleights and tricks involving cards, coins, and bills. The magic presented ranges from nearly self-working to highly skilled. Notably, this volume includes an explanation of the legendary “Joker Monte” trick, which Vernon used for decades to mystify fellow magicians, featuring his original method along with innovative ideas from Tom Gagnon.