“Holy sh*t! I’m completely blown away. I thought this was going to be a small little manuscript. There is so much information here!”– Nathan Kranzo

“…it is an extraordinary book. I mentioned my general dislike of the Living & Dead tests. However, this compilation of yours opened my eyes to all the possibilities of this premise. It’s remarkable the breadth and width of the concept. I love being surprised in a good way, and this is exactly what your book did for me over and over again.”– Todd Robbins

“THE QUICK & THE DEAD by Mark Strivings is an embarrassment of riches for anybody interested in our art.”– Joe Diamond

“I can’t put your book down.”– Marc Salem

“I feel confident offering glowing praise so soon despite having only read portions of the book. Gathering, sorting and presenting so much fascinating and USEFUL information in one place is a true gift to our community. That Q & D was a labor of love shows in all your hard work and in the accessibility and clarity of your writing. Your excitement with the results of your research is contagious.”– Bill Cushman

The Quick & the Dead by Mark Strivings

This groundbreaking book offers an extensive collection of techniques, ideas, and presentations focused on the Living & Dead test. Spanning nearly 300 pages, it delves into the rich history of this fascinating concept, revealing insights that many may not realize are part of its legacy.

Within these pages, you’ll discover:

• A thorough examination of the only other comprehensive work on the subject, dating back eighty years, featuring some of the best examples in the genre.
• Alternative presentation methods that don’t involve the deceased at all.
• A wealth of techniques for discreetly marking various mediums, making this chapter invaluable.
• Complete presentations utilizing diverse approaches to the L&D.
• Methods for obtaining secretly written names or other information.
• Unique interpretations of the L&D, ranging from delightful to bizarre.
• Distinct L&D tests, each with its own unique flair.
• Presentations that, while not strictly L&D, offer incredible results.
• Magic tricks that use the L&D as a foundational element.
• Innovative uses of playing cards in L&D presentations.
• A dedicated chapter on effects using slates.
• A collection of unusual L&D concepts for those who enjoy the darker side of magic.
• An impromptu, propless demonstration that stands out as one of the strangest ever created.
• A comprehensive bibliography with over 500 references, providing a gateway to further exploration.

Additionally, the book features a remarkable Foreword by Paul Brook, a respected figure in mentalism, who even includes a bonus effect. He emphasizes the value of focusing on a single theme, which enhances understanding and retention of the material.

As you engage with this book, expect to be inspired and to generate your own innovative ideas. It’s designed for both casual readers and those who delve deeply into the art of magic.

“This is going to be quite the journey. For those who carefully absorb what follows, I know there will be a whole bunch of moments when eyebrows get raised and the thought of, ‘that’s really cool’ will pass through your head. And for those of you who flip through this more casually, there’s a solid surprise on pretty much every page. Hopefully, there will be something here for everyone. Candidly, I fail to see how there couldn’t be.”

This book is a treasure trove for magic enthusiasts, offering insights and surprises on every page.