The Magic of Fred Robinson may
well be the most anxiously-awaited book amongst magicians the world
over. I've known about it for years and I'm sure most other magicians
have too. Alas, with most books of this size, delays kept creeping into
the project.
While I never had the opportunity to meet Fred Robinson, many friends
have told me about him. Dai Vernon's quote (used in the advertising for
the book) makes me sit up and take note:
"I state without fear of exaggerating that Fred was one of the all-time greats; especially with cards." -Dai Vernon
Fred was a private man but his skill at sleight-of-hand with
cards and coins was legendary. He could be found at the Magic Circle on
Monday evenings and many well-known names from around the world paid
homage to Fred and traveled countless miles to witness for themselves
his legendary skills.
He was the editor of Pabular magazine
and inspired
contributions from the finest magicians of his time. Many magicians
believe that this magazine was the best of its time; if not the best of
all time. This book contains all of Fred's contributions to the magazine.
The Magic of Fred
Robinson also documents and describes every effect that Fred performed. It
has been written by Peter Duffie who has skilfully described all of
Fred's sleights and effects in the greatest of detail. There are pages
of detailed drawings and photographs and the book pays tribute to one
of the greatest sleight-of-hand magicians the world has ever known.
It's certainly not a cheap book. But it's a great book and will no
doubt quickly go out of print and demand extortionate prices. Get it now
before it does.
Pages 286 - Hardbound w/ Dust Jacket