Magic of Ascanio Vol. 1 - The Structural Conception of Magic
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It's hard to believe that The Maestro, Arturo de Ascanio, left us in 1997. That's mostly because his influence on the world of magic remains as alive as ever, permeating card magic for generations.
To ensure his legacy lives on forever, Jesus Etcheverry compiled Ascanio's legendary card magic (including many unreleased effects), theories, thinking and philosophy into a tremendous four-volume set.
While all these books are phenomenal, many agree that this first volume, Magic of Ascanio - The Structural Conception of Magic, is a must-read for all serious students of magic. The first book in the series is a real gem because Ascanio lays out his entire worldview of magic. It's one of the most important theory books on magic ever written.
It comes with our highest recommendation.
Required reading for magicians that want to improve their magic. OK, so some parts read a little strange, probably because of the translation. And there are some repetitive topics, because the book is in part laid out as a series of interviews. But as I've said, if you're an intermediate to advanced magician, and you want to be questioned and challenged to think about how to improve then this is a great book. The others in the series are usually not as well recommended, but I think I would like to get those too.
I know a lot of you out there a reluctant to shell out money on theory books, but if you reallybwant to understand the tragectory of close up card magic in the 21st century this book is a must read. The Spanish School has spred and influenced more top teir card workers than anyone since Vernon and Marlo and Maestro Ascanio is the headmaster of that School. These volumes are gorgeously printed and the binding looks like it will last even under the heavy reading and re-reading this book deserves.
This book is not one that you'll quickly read. And not only is the prose dense, but the concepts are something you'll have to really think about.I found myself nodding agreement time and again throughout the book, and consider this one of my best purchases for the year.
What a treasure! This book should be on every magician's bookshelf, from amateur to seasoned professional. The content is inspiring, intelligently written, and presented in a way that itself serves as an example of everything within. The book quality itself is wonderful -- beautifully laid out, extremely high quality paper and binding, and marvelous photos. Ascanio's thoughts should be foundational for all who do magic, and this book easily qualifies as one of the absolute best books on magic theory. This is a book to own, do not settle for a PDF copy. This is a book I will read and re-read often. Bravo to all contributors who got this published so that Master Ascanio keeps inspiring us today!
I have read the book cover to cover and I have a few comments. I find Ascanio to suffer from a bit of superiority in his attitude towards certain other magicians. The book is a verbatim print of his lectures and thus does not have an Integrated feel to it. Ascanio does provide a taxonomy but it's a bit all over the place. The interviews are interesting but it's all a bit random. I think the book requires a rewrite to make it properly cohesive. In my opinion there are better books out there. Not sure if this is worth $65. Just my humble personal opinion.
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Walter asks: When Structural Conception of Magic will be available.
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