The Card Expert Entertains

by Dariel Fitzkee

The Card Expert Entertains by Dariel Fitzkee Considered one of Fitzkee's ultimate contributions to card magic. In this incredible book, Fitzkee drills down to the core nuance, the real work of these legendary effects and sleights. Fitzkee simplifies the complexity of entertaining with cards to nineteen effects, sixteen sleights. Mastering these methods is the first step in laying a proper foundation of card magic. The Card Expert Entertains belongs in every expert card magician's library, and is required reading for every beginner to the craft. Included in The Card Expert Entertains is a revision of Buckley's Thirty Card Problems—explanations and illustrations of the necessary sleights, supplementary suggestions, presentation ideas, observations, comments and advice on acquiring facility in these advanced card techniques. 171 pages. Illustrated by Fitzkee himself.

171 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1948

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, so great. Not quite finished with the book, but find it years ahead of its time, as well as our own. So many thoughts that most magicians never consider. A few modern magic sages are aware of some of these points, and have made them themselves. Finding them in this book is like finding a time machine that brings you to the present, but the present at its best.

What makes and effect good? This is an age old question, but is answered here as well as anywhere I've seen (and I've seen a bit.) This is worth reading again, and I will, often.

Another nice touch is that as the book progresses, he mentions, seemingly in passing, the titles and sources of some of the best tricks Fitzkee's come across. I am going to revisit each of them, from their original sources.

I've had this book in my possession since the 80's and am embarrassed to report that I have just gotten around to reading yesterday.

I was amused to find the £2.40 price tag on my original edition. Probably got it at Davenport's while I was busking in London.

The book is inspirational.

[MagicDave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable treatise on entertaining with a deck of cards. The author breaks down all the possibilities with a deck of cards into manageable categories so as to better identify to the reader that, despite the seeming millions of plots possible, there really is not so daunting a task at becoming proficient with card magic.