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Before We Begin

Book by Asi Wind
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4.5 | 22 reviews

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Asi Wind magic book
Tricks from Asi Wind's repertoire
Preshow magic
Mentalism preshow work
Before We Begin by Asi Wind
Before We Begin by Asi Wind

Asi Wind is a shining light in our industry, and his first book, Repertoire, was a true sensation when it was first published. We're delighted that Asi Wind has teamed up with us again for his brilliant new book, Before We Begin. This is one of the most comprehensive books to be released on a topic that very few performers understand: the art of the pre-show

Pre-show allows you to add miracles—showstopping, inexplicable moments—to your show. But, only when it's handled correctly. Asi realized that, shockingly, there are weren't many other books on how to properly conduct pre-show techniques. Before We Begin fills this void.

In this gorgeous new book, Asi Wind explores every angle of pre-show work: how to select volunteers, what to say, how to avoid problems, what to say onstage so that nobody realizes that you spoke with anyone before the show, and more. You’ll learn ways to enhance your current material, as well as explore opportunities to add completely new elements to your show.

Asi Wind is not only an expert on this topic, but also interviewed three other magic luminaries to provide more well-rounded insights: Luke Jermay, Max Maven, and Penn Jillette. While Asi performs mostly mentalism onstage, the information in this book is equally applicable to magicians and mentalists.

This book is the best in class and the only book of its kind. Wefirmly believe that, for years to come, Before We Begin will be regarded as an essential text for parlor magic and stage magic performers. This book is the key to unlocking the next level of your magic performance.

For magic collectors, we have also produced 300 deluxe editions of Before We Begin. These limited edition books come with a bookplate signed by Asi and are housed in a uniquely-designed kinetic slipcase that opens so beautifully, it’s like a magic trick in itself.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Since shooting the trailer, we’ve been made aware that in fact this is not the first book devoted to pre-show. Mark Strivings’ Before The Curtain Rises was published in 2000 and is out of print. Thanks to our friends that pointed this out.

147 pages | Hardback.

Add to cart ($59.95)

Before We Begin - Deluxe Edition

We went all out with this limited, deluxe collectors edition of Asi’s Before We Begin book. It is limited to 300 copies and comes with a signed and hand-numbered endplate and a custom kinetic display case that makes the book pop up into view when you open it. Once they are sold out, they will never be available again.

Asi Wind magic book
Tricks from Asi Wind's repertoire
Preshow magic

Add to cart ($150.00)

Contents of Asi Wind's Before We Begin

  • First Impressions
  • Selecting Targets
  • Approaching Targets
    • Justification
    • Walk-Around
  • Tools
    • Obtaining Information
    • Forcing
  • Scripting
    • Pre-Show Script (Drawing Duplication)
    • Show Script (Drawing Duplication)
  • Camouflage
    • Pre-Show Script (Excerpt)
    • Show Script (Excerpt)
    • Randomness
    • Shifting Focus
    • The Challenge
    • Changing Your Mind
    • Have We Ever Met Before?
  • Assisted Pre-Show
    • Assistant’s Pre-Show Script
    • Mentalist’s Show Script
  • Unusual Pre-Show
    • Incomplete Pre-Show
    • Open Pre-Show
    • Half-Open Pre-Show
    • Candid Pre-Show
    • Expandable Pre-Show
    • Eavesdropping
    • Across Time and Space
    • Pre-Order
  • An Ounce of Prevention
    • Cue Sheet
    • Preventing Exposure
    • Overuse
    • Missing Targets
    • Unchangeables
  • Video & TV
  • Virtual Pre-Show
  • Scripts
    • Book Test (Pre-Show Script)
    • Book Test (Show Script)
    • Think of a Name (Pre-Show Script)
    • Think of a Name (Show Script)
  • A Brief History
  • Max Maven Interview
  • Penn Jillette Interview
  • Luke Jermay Interview
  • Final Words
  • Epilogue

Add to cart ($59.95)

 

Customer reviews for Before We Begin

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Reviewer

Javier

Very enjoyable book. I must admit that I made a mistake. I had watched some appearances of Asi Wind in Fool us and I did not realised that the book was about metalism, that I don't perform (I think that not being english my native language play me). Anyway, I have had a good time reading and learning a lot about preshow. If you are on this, buy it.

 
Reviewer

Bill

I've never been very good at mentalism tricks but this sure was a good read and really helped me. I always struggled with picking volunteers from the crowd and I read a lot of good tips. Really enjoyed the three interviews at the end.

 
Reviewer

Steven

In the trailer, Asi Wind states that this is "an entire book dedicated to one technique, but will turn your tricks into miracles." Both statements are true, but the first half actually minimizes what you get from reading this work! Yes, the entire book is dedicated to exploring various applications of pre-show, but it's also very much an introduction to modern mentalism. Every chapter contains insights and ideas that are applicable across all aspects of mentalism so even those who do not engage in pre-show are able to learn new ideas. It's also refreshing that the book goes through various different uses of pre-show so one doesn't have to be scared away by the challenge of keeping everything completely under wraps. Being able to do so can add to a trick significantly, but there are plenty of uses of pre-show that are more open and easily enhance a performance as well which are discussed.

In addition to the main content of the book, the three interviews at the end are truly invaluable. The unique voices Max Maven, Penn Jillette, and Luke Jermay in addition to what Asi already provides really make this book worthwhile for anyone interested in not only mentalism but also in enhancing themselves as performer generally.

 
Reviewer

Morris

I am excited to read this book I bought the effect "Super Lemon" which uses some pre-show work, my hope is that this book will clarify how to do that with confidence.

 
Reviewer

Dan

This was bought to read as part of the magicians book club and though this isn't a book I would have initially chosen myself as not being a mentalist I'm so glad I did! This book is great for all magicians and has something in it for everyone and though not trick based does give you some useful hints and tips for your everyday show

 
Reviewer

Dan Thorpe Guitar Ltd

This is a book every mentalist should have on there bookshelf, whether you are a beginner or experienced mentalist. Ideally open in their hands being studied. This book covers everything you need to know and also points you in the direction of how to use techniques with your own work.

Unlike many magic books this isn't a theory book you plough on to get through the information you want. This book is enjoyable to read.

 
Reviewer

Alexander

If you are a seasoned mentalist or even a magician that does the occasional bit of mentalism every now and again, believe me when I say that Before We Begin is a must-have for your library! Asi does it again (creating another piece of stellar material, that is), but this time around he pulls back the curtain on his thinking and approach to something many of us fear and/or don't know how to properly employ: pre-show. I'd love to give examples from the book, but it could be potentially revealing so I will say this: if you are serious about taking your audience members on journeys they won't forget, how to transform something as simple as a drawing dupe into an emotional, memorable experience, do yourself a favor and invest in this book. It's a phenomenal resource!

 
Reviewer

James

I almost didn’t get this book as I don’t really do a whole lot of mentalist. I ended up getting it anyways because I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of preshow work. The tips and tricks laid out in this book are phenomenal. So well thought out and expressed very simply. I can absolutely see myself using some of the stuff in this book.

 
Reviewer

David

Buy it.

 
Reviewer

Ed

Best book I have read in a long time. Easy to read. Easy to follow. Great examples. Very practical. I did not realize how, with a small amount of practice and using materials I already have, could transform my existing routines into another level of miracle. I plan on using it right away.

 
Reviewer

Gary

Before We Begin is an excellent book. Asi Wind’s years of experience are distilled and presented in extremely easy to understand methods that provide the real work on Preshow. His insights eliminate the concerns and provide the necessary confidence for those of us just starting out or experienced in using this technique. Well worth the price! Thank you Asi!

 
Reviewer
VI Monthly
Member

Dale

Asi Wind is one of the most creating performers in the world of magic and mentalism. Having appeared on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us" his presentation and technical skill are unsurpassed. His new book "Before We Begin" is a must for any serious professional or amateur performer. I highly recommend this book and would consider my own performing library incomplete without it. Vanishing wins again with its recent additions to the Asi Wind collection of performances, lectures, and books.
Pre-show allows you to add miracles—showstopping, inexplicable moments—to your show. But, only when it's handled correctly. Asi realized that, shockingly, there are weren't many other books on how to properly conduct pre-show techniques. Before We Begin fills this void.

Selecting the right volunteers: Asi Wind explores every angle of pre-show work: how to select volunteers, what to say, how to avoid problems, what to say onstage so that nobody realizes that you spoke with anyone before the show, and more. You’ll learn ways to enhance your current material, as well as explore opportunities to add completely new elements to your show.

Limited Edition: There are only 300 deluxe editions of "Before We Begin." These limited edition books come with a bookplate signed by Asi and are housed in a uniquely-designed kinetic slipcase that opens so beautifully, it’s like a magic trick in itself.

Great work Vanishing and Asi Wind.

 
Reviewer

Matt

This is an excellent book that I would recommend to anyone willing to read and think deeply about what is being presented.
I imagine some will be disappointed that there are no routines fully-taught that can be cut and pasted into their repertoire. Scripts are provided to illustrate method and strategy, not to be copied. If that is what you are hoping for, don't buy this book.

I greedily hope people will overlook the true value and opportunity this book presents to the performer open to raising the level of their magic and mentalism. A recipe book this is not, but more of a field guide for the adventurous performer who is content to enter uncertain territory.

I tend to read books that are heavy on sleight of hand and explain routines or the philosophy and theory of performance and magic. This book doesn't really sit into either of those categories comfortably. Methods and philosophy are discussed, but this felt more like an overview, a masterclass or lecture that can save you a lot of time and avoidable mistakes. Asi Wind has researched, practiced, adapted and delivered extremely successful performances based on this tactic, and now he is sharing it with you. He also shares his failures in the hope that other will avoid the avoidable.

If you think the price is high for the size of the book, imagine hiring Mr Wind to teach you pre-show for an couple of hours and be thankful he has put fingers to keyboard.

I'd never thought about using pre-show in my own performances and came to the book somewhat skeptical and uncertain of what I would get out of it. I knew Asi Wind could deliver ingenious routines and invisible sleight of hand. I wasn't sure what this book would offer me personally. I've not come away with revolutionary new methods to achieve pre-show, though there are certainly some nuggets of gold ( general tips, strategies and guidance for the complete newcomer are provided) in these pages that I will guard jealously. This book does something far more important, it makes the case for why you should consider pre-show as a tool in your arsenal.

On this last point his book has succeeded admirably. It has changed my mind about pre-show and made me want to explore it as a way to heighten my own performances. I think this is a noble achievement for a magic book. I hope Asi Wind continues to produce more thought provoking books on other subjects.

PS Read it with a pen and paper to hand. There are brilliant tips peppered throughout.

 
Reviewer

Mattia

I have been waiting for a long time, and finally make me happy, i love the study and the passion of asi wind for the magic world, definitely one of my favorite magician in the entire planet! thank you for this gift!

 
Reviewer

Marc

I just ordered this in deluxe version. I have been looking for this type of book for many years . Finally thank G-D asi released this . I plan on giving a more detailed review once I read it. I’m sure it will be amazing
Asi trained me many years ago and his attention to detail is fantastic and made my show better. Enjoy

 
Reviewer

Phil

Just purchased. This is a no brainer decision. Asi Wind is one of the very best performers and teachers today. I’m sure this book will become the year’s #1.

 
Reviewer

Jeffrey

It’s just good. It’s a very useful book, however there are a lot better books on this subject available.

 
Reviewer

Steven

It has been a month since I finished reading Asi’s “Before You Begin” and I am still not sure exactly what to think. It felt a little “wink, wink, nudge, nudge” to me. Talking AROUND the work, as though the reader needed decoder ring to understand all he was offering.

It’s not that there weren’t specific effects including in the text…I’m all for philosophy and psychology when it comes to the deeper things. But I was simply underwhelmed by Asi’s contribution. Pre-Show is a no-brainer for performers that actually work. I work hard to MEMORIZE every name in my audience and glean as I go. It works, it’s organic and there’s no awkward impression pads or center tears.

I am willing to push into some of the ideas (that might be where the true treasure is) so my judgment could course correct. Call it style or experience, I not sure I am a better mentalist because of this read.

As already stated, the interviews were more captivating and life giving.

 
Reviewer

Michael

The book is an interesting read, but after finishing it, it feels like only a few points hammered in over and over in different phrasings. It is also much shorter than I was expecting considering the price. I had a blast reading Parlor Tricks and Darkest Corners, and yes, this one doesn't contain any effects like those did, but the essays within seemed far more in depth. If this was $20 cheaper, it would be a good value, but at its current price point, I was underwhelmed with the surface level overview.

 
Reviewer

Willie

I was a bit disappointed, mainly because I AM NOT A MENTALIST. Most of the content was aimed toward selecting and setting up audience member for mentalist effects, and did not seem relevant to me. There is better material elsewhere for non-mentalist pre-show work. For mentalists, however, this is golden.

 
Reviewer

Bill

I was really disappointed in this book, which surprised me, because Bill Abbott's work using preshow and an Invisible Deck is one of my all time favorite things. Using preshow and an approach he got from Dr. Jaks, Abbott totally fooled me and a roomful of magicians. And he made me smile when I found out what he was up to. Buying a book just about preshow, I was looking for things that went above and beyond and surpassed what Abbott is doing with his (Jaks) Invisible Deck. And unfortunately, nothing in this book came close to be as wonderful as to what Abbott is up to, so I was very disappointed.

 
Reviewer

Dante

If you've been to any of Asi's lectures or have his "Repertoire" book, you'll be disappointed.

It has a lot of "logical" advice. It contains many things a magician/mentalist should already know if they're working on stage. (audience management & tools for extracting information)

It has 2 interviews with celebrities (Penn and Jermay) that only do theater shows and talk about the subject in terms of theater environment. Are you doing theater shows?

IMO, the best part of the book is the interview with Max Maven, and he talks about his 4 sided triangle. So you may get a lot more from Max's penguin lecture where he discusses in depth this or even better, get Prism for the same price. Or any product by Max.

If you're a seasoned pro and study the craft constantly, you won't find anything new here.

 

Community questions about Before We Begin

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  • Andreas asks: Hi. Can the material also be used in close-up settings with smaller groups? Thanks

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds: There are no routines taught in the book but rather the technique of Pre-Show. This can be applied for smaller, formal performances.
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