Tangled Web

Isaac

I received this in the post only a week or so ago but have not been able to put it down since.

Beginning from the outside inwards, the book is beautifully designed. The lightly embossed hardcover with delicate foil printing looks fantastic, the paper quality is excellent and there is even a bound ribbon bookmark.

The introduction, by Teller, sets the bar high and correctly asserts that what follows will both change and inspire. Sure enough, it does.

Rather than analyse each chapter and effect, I will pick out my two favourite aspects, one general and the other more specific.

First, the style in which the book is written not only makes it wholly readable but enjoyable, gripping and intriguing. Mr Mead's style is opinionated which may not suit everyone but made me think more carefully about what I present and how I present it. This approach was particular effective when the author delves into the issue of mingling with people whom you have not previously met (this section alone is worth the price of the book twice over). This leads me back to the style in which the book is written. The format is not trick-explanation-trick-explanation-essay, rather, it takes a logical path, as a novel would. 'The Approach' is dealt with early on and effects are integrated into the narrative in appropriate places.

The more specific part of the book that I would like to highlight is the chapter, 'Jazz Charts and Favorite Licks' which covers Dai Vernon's 'The Trick That Cannot Be Explained'. Calling from the experience he gained as a bar magician in Aspen, the chapter explores the unexplainable trick through presentational approaches, preparations and possible 'outs'. If you are unaware of 'The Trick That Cannot Be Explained', interested in learning more or are already well versed in using it, I challenge anyone not to benefit from reading what is said in these pages.

This book has already become a staple in my collection and I'm sure it will for anyone else who reads it as well.