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Mysterious Stranger: A Book of Magic
Blaine’s Challenge!
———— —— —— —— —— — —— —— — —— —— — ——— —— ————
A never-before-attempted challenge to readers everywhere!
WIN $100,000.00
Hidden throughout the volume now in front of you are secret little signals, clues, and codes that,
once understood and deciphered, will lead to the discovery of a
Treasure!!
Which has been hidden somewhere within the confines of the continental United States of America.
Where is it? Who Will find it?
We Can’t Say!
——————————————
This challenge has been created and sponsored by the world’s greatest mystifier . . .
DAVID BLAINE
who was
Buried Alive
For Seven Days and Seven Nights.
The one and same who became
the world’s ONLY LIVING ICE CUBE in world-famous Times Square
and who . . .
stood as still as a statue
10 stories above Manhattan
only to
leap to his life below.
—————————————
The book in your hands now
Reveals
Some of David Blaine’s most closely guarded SECRETS. Such as
WHO IS HE?
WHERE DID HE COME FROM?
HOW DOES HE DO IT?
The reader will also
LEARN a multitude of inside SECRETS with which he or she too can mystify anyone.
THE MYSTERIOUS MR. BLAINE
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN RECORDED HISTORY
WILL READ YOUR THOUGHTS THROUGH THE WRITTEN WORD
“A latter-day Houdini.” —The New York Times
“The hottest name in magic.”— USA Today
HIS SECRETS WILL BECOME YOURS
——————————————————————————————
———— —— —— —— —— — —— —— — —— —— — ——— —— ————
A never-before-attempted challenge to readers everywhere!
WIN $100,000.00
Hidden throughout the volume now in front of you are secret little signals, clues, and codes that,
once understood and deciphered, will lead to the discovery of a
Treasure!!
Which has been hidden somewhere within the confines of the continental United States of America.
Where is it? Who Will find it?
We Can’t Say!
——————————————
This challenge has been created and sponsored by the world’s greatest mystifier . . .
DAVID BLAINE
who was
Buried Alive
For Seven Days and Seven Nights.
The one and same who became
the world’s ONLY LIVING ICE CUBE in world-famous Times Square
and who . . .
stood as still as a statue
10 stories above Manhattan
only to
leap to his life below.
—————————————
The book in your hands now
Reveals
Some of David Blaine’s most closely guarded SECRETS. Such as
WHO IS HE?
WHERE DID HE COME FROM?
HOW DOES HE DO IT?
The reader will also
LEARN a multitude of inside SECRETS with which he or she too can mystify anyone.
THE MYSTERIOUS MR. BLAINE
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN RECORDED HISTORY
WILL READ YOUR THOUGHTS THROUGH THE WRITTEN WORD
“A latter-day Houdini.” —The New York Times
“The hottest name in magic.”— USA Today
HIS SECRETS WILL BECOME YOURS
——————————————————————————————
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2002
16 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 26, 2017
This is a pretty lame celebrity autobio. Blaine's coauthor Ratso pads the book with history of magic-- 90% of the book is this-- but come on Blaine that's not why anyone's reading your damn book. If I wanted history of magic I'd get a history of magic book. There's like 3 paragraphs about Blaine's life and a handful more about his work. Disappointing.
It's a shame cos Blaine is an interesting character and a performance/suffering artist in the vein of Marina Abramovic-- so it would have been worthwhile to hear about his background and see some introspection. Instead we get this toss off. I recommend reading Abramovic's memoir instead
It's a shame cos Blaine is an interesting character and a performance/suffering artist in the vein of Marina Abramovic-- so it would have been worthwhile to hear about his background and see some introspection. Instead we get this toss off. I recommend reading Abramovic's memoir instead
March 25, 2011
A solid book. It covers a ton of topics, but none very in depth. The real good thing about this book is it's powers of motivation. Blaine explains his hybrid philosophy and how he became the person he is. It's a book that makes you wanna lower your shoulder and head for the end zone.
January 16, 2014
I had previously finished reading Mike Tyson's autobiography and saw that it was co-written by Larry "Ratso" Sloman who had also co-written two other books I enjoyed by Howard Stern. So I went to Amazon to see what else Sloman had written, or co-written and I found this book by David Blaine as a $2.99 e-book. I didn't really know what to expect when I first started reading it but must say I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
At first I thought this book was going to be the history of magic according to David Blaine, but he also shared how to do a few easy card tricks. He discusses some of the influential magicians and their signature illusion. On some of the illusions he shares how the it is done other ones he does not either because he doesn't want to share or doesn't know.
Once he gets through sharing the history or illusion and side shows Blaine starts sharing his story. The stories surrounding him getting his start in magic by working as a waiter in New York City and doing parties. He discusses just walking up to people at clubs and on the streets to perform tricks. Blaine would constantly practice his card tricks to be solid. His story of getting on television, being offered a show on MTV and turning it down to signing with ABC, is an interesting one.
The book really picks up pace when Blaine shares the behind the scenes information on his television specials including getting ready for both the buried alive and frozen stunts.
I would recommend this book for anyone that is interested in magic and/or illusion. I think with some of the card tricks, that are clearly explained in writing along with illustrations, could be good for a shy child to learn maybe to make friends. There is also a chapter dealing with confidence and shares how some of the great showman have built up their confidence that could help encourage a shy child.
If your a huge David Blaine fan and are hoping to learn more about the Mysterious Stranger through this book that will not happen. Blaine plays it pretty close to the vest concerning information about his private life. He does share his mother's story of fighting cancer, briefly winning and then ultimately losing the battle. The story never gets to personal beyond that.
At first I thought this book was going to be the history of magic according to David Blaine, but he also shared how to do a few easy card tricks. He discusses some of the influential magicians and their signature illusion. On some of the illusions he shares how the it is done other ones he does not either because he doesn't want to share or doesn't know.
Once he gets through sharing the history or illusion and side shows Blaine starts sharing his story. The stories surrounding him getting his start in magic by working as a waiter in New York City and doing parties. He discusses just walking up to people at clubs and on the streets to perform tricks. Blaine would constantly practice his card tricks to be solid. His story of getting on television, being offered a show on MTV and turning it down to signing with ABC, is an interesting one.
The book really picks up pace when Blaine shares the behind the scenes information on his television specials including getting ready for both the buried alive and frozen stunts.
I would recommend this book for anyone that is interested in magic and/or illusion. I think with some of the card tricks, that are clearly explained in writing along with illustrations, could be good for a shy child to learn maybe to make friends. There is also a chapter dealing with confidence and shares how some of the great showman have built up their confidence that could help encourage a shy child.
If your a huge David Blaine fan and are hoping to learn more about the Mysterious Stranger through this book that will not happen. Blaine plays it pretty close to the vest concerning information about his private life. He does share his mother's story of fighting cancer, briefly winning and then ultimately losing the battle. The story never gets to personal beyond that.
January 8, 2013
Read as a part of de riguer in my practicing magic days, this book is enjoyable for all levels. With explanations for effects that direct the reader to create and take chances, he explained the science and art of magic.
Read
March 3, 2013David Blaine and his challenge?
Has it ever been found out Out?
Uncovered?
Discovered?
Has the treasure been found?
I have not heard?
Has it ever been found out Out?
Uncovered?
Discovered?
Has the treasure been found?
I have not heard?
January 16, 2019
Totally enthralled by this man and all that he has accomplished.
What a fascinating man. I watched an interview with him last year, with Tim Ferris and ever since have gained such a respect for his art.
He’s a true inspiration, and is an embodiment of knowledge. Constantly pushing himself to out do himself in realms that are so far fetched from the average humans goals for the day.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the way it dips in and out of his personal life, his influencers and onto the greatest feats he ever did create! Along with all the explanation of how he felt before during after.
An eye opener into the life of someone who concentrates on the weird and wonderful to shock and amaze.
One of the greatest showmen of all time, and so humble at the same time.
What a fascinating man. I watched an interview with him last year, with Tim Ferris and ever since have gained such a respect for his art.
He’s a true inspiration, and is an embodiment of knowledge. Constantly pushing himself to out do himself in realms that are so far fetched from the average humans goals for the day.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the way it dips in and out of his personal life, his influencers and onto the greatest feats he ever did create! Along with all the explanation of how he felt before during after.
An eye opener into the life of someone who concentrates on the weird and wonderful to shock and amaze.
One of the greatest showmen of all time, and so humble at the same time.
July 17, 2017
Call me a nerd, but this was a really fun book. I happened to watch a clip of David Blaine performing on Jimmy Fallon and all of a sudden, I couldn't stop watching David Blaine videos. I wasn't sure what to expect from his book, but it was so interesting and really well done. Blaine is a very smart guy and a good writer. This book is hard to categorize: is it memoir? nonfiction/history? how-to? It includes his formative years and entry into magic, a summary of prominent magicians like Houdini, accounts of his biggest endurance feats, and a few explanations of card tricks.
January 6, 2021
David walks you through his life, from surviving a fire early on, to some of his magic specials. Code breakers or people who enjoy puzzles will enjoy this book, because throughout the book there is a series of objects that lead to a treasure. It's long since been claimed by a code breaker/puzzle solver, but how they figured it out is part of what makes this book enjoyable. A good read.
January 13, 2022
David Blaine is a crazy man! This is not really a "magic tricks" book, most of it is just David's own side of the story before he performed his crazy stunts. The book does have some very few nice and easy card tricks. It's hard to believe everything he says is true because it's just so crazy. A lot of the book is just history of magic and some of it is quite boring.
May 4, 2017
I was hoping to get more how-to's of amazing tricks, and less of an autobiography. I was impressed at the couple card tricks he explained and would have really liked more.
September 8, 2018
Much of the book is of other magicians who inspired him. Made me want to read on other magicians too to appreciate the craft more. Good light reading...
February 24, 2023
What a great read.. he manages to include you in the art of creating magic!
January 8, 2024
This brought me back to my childhood!
March 1, 2015
Rating: 4 stars (really liked it)
After coming across David Blaine's latest TV special Real or Magic and watching his jaw-dropping card tricks performed in front of people with insanely wild reactions, I instantly became overwhelmed with curiosity and began researching more about this amazing man. I was surprised to find out that this magician wasn't exactly fresh news, and has been around doing these things for quite awhile. I guess since I was much younger (about 8 years old) back when he was performing his older stunts and releasing previous TV specials, I sort of missed out. So, naturally I found myself rewinding back in time and watching things like Street Magic, his first ever TV special from 1997 on YouTube, or going online and purchasing this book in order to read more into this talented and inspirational character.
If you are a David Blaine fan, chances are you've already gotten your hands on this book. If you haven't already, then I suggest you do. It has everything that reflects what David Blaine does; in other words, what inspires him to do what he keeps doing. Part of it contains sections of historical references and stories behind magic and how it has grown to shape into its modern-day era. It also describes the obvious message behind how David Blaine has been looking to change the direction it's all been going in--which has been perceiving magic as a hobby or a game to pass time rather than a talent or a form of entertainment.
David Blaine is known for his "in-your-face" kind of magic. The type that makes you second guess the impossible for reality. It's an illusion without the traditional use of smoke or mirrors. And that's what I love about it because that's what makes it all come across as more than just a magic trick, but something inspiring and motivational. Something that releases that inner child and makes people of all races, beliefs, and classes smile and laugh alike. Making them forget any boundaries or limitations as if they've just witnessed something incredible together in that one moment. I love that about it.
If you're looking for a book of magic tricks, you won't find it here. Blaine brushes lightly over a few small "how-to's" but nothing major or exciting. Just one or two simple tricks.
What I also admired about this book is the style of writing. Although Blaine didn't personally write this book word-for-word, as a reader, you still can sense his personality seeping right off the pages. Blaine talks about his early stunts and the pressures and stresses he had to endure. About his early childhood and the struggles he faced when growing up and losing his mother or trying to make it big. It's almost written in a journal-type fashion. Like you're gaining a glimpse into his mind and what led him to be what he is.
I guess the main reason behind my admiration with Blaine and this book is his way of believing in no limitations. You can do anything you put your mind into, but it's easier said than done.
After coming across David Blaine's latest TV special Real or Magic and watching his jaw-dropping card tricks performed in front of people with insanely wild reactions, I instantly became overwhelmed with curiosity and began researching more about this amazing man. I was surprised to find out that this magician wasn't exactly fresh news, and has been around doing these things for quite awhile. I guess since I was much younger (about 8 years old) back when he was performing his older stunts and releasing previous TV specials, I sort of missed out. So, naturally I found myself rewinding back in time and watching things like Street Magic, his first ever TV special from 1997 on YouTube, or going online and purchasing this book in order to read more into this talented and inspirational character.
If you are a David Blaine fan, chances are you've already gotten your hands on this book. If you haven't already, then I suggest you do. It has everything that reflects what David Blaine does; in other words, what inspires him to do what he keeps doing. Part of it contains sections of historical references and stories behind magic and how it has grown to shape into its modern-day era. It also describes the obvious message behind how David Blaine has been looking to change the direction it's all been going in--which has been perceiving magic as a hobby or a game to pass time rather than a talent or a form of entertainment.
David Blaine is known for his "in-your-face" kind of magic. The type that makes you second guess the impossible for reality. It's an illusion without the traditional use of smoke or mirrors. And that's what I love about it because that's what makes it all come across as more than just a magic trick, but something inspiring and motivational. Something that releases that inner child and makes people of all races, beliefs, and classes smile and laugh alike. Making them forget any boundaries or limitations as if they've just witnessed something incredible together in that one moment. I love that about it.
If you're looking for a book of magic tricks, you won't find it here. Blaine brushes lightly over a few small "how-to's" but nothing major or exciting. Just one or two simple tricks.
What I also admired about this book is the style of writing. Although Blaine didn't personally write this book word-for-word, as a reader, you still can sense his personality seeping right off the pages. Blaine talks about his early stunts and the pressures and stresses he had to endure. About his early childhood and the struggles he faced when growing up and losing his mother or trying to make it big. It's almost written in a journal-type fashion. Like you're gaining a glimpse into his mind and what led him to be what he is.
I guess the main reason behind my admiration with Blaine and this book is his way of believing in no limitations. You can do anything you put your mind into, but it's easier said than done.
September 28, 2020
First let me warn you, I am a magician. I'm actually a huge fan of Blaine, but a few out there are not fans of his work. Many of his critics suffer from green envy. A magician strives to shape your memories.. This book strikes me as David's attempt to shape our image of him. The best lies have elements of the truth. We are drawn in through David's childhood, and his dramatic resonance to his mother's life. Blaine tells us the truth which is able to be verified. Then he draws us in by sharing some not so secrets. A few magic tricks are explained, so that you could preform them. What is more personal that being in David's thoughts, and beliefs. Every magic book has an explanation of the magicians vision of magic. We delve into his brain, heart, and his inspirations. Now that David has won you over, the author skips around as he spreads tales of Blaine's legend. The stories materialize from here to there, but never a clear path between the topics. Once you're weaving and bobbing the epic feats start flowing out; frozen in ice, burried alive, holding his breath for 17 minutes. Keeping you off pace, a few will slide right bye, and Blaine will have shaped you memory of him. It's an enjoyable read, and David has done many amazing things in his life. In the end, are reading about the man or the legend?
July 1, 2013
Don't judge me. No, no, please do. That's what these reviews are for ... Like many curious young boys, I too went through a "magic phase" although in late-blooming fashion, I entered that phase at the ripe age of 20.
I read this book during the holidays after experimenting with some card tricks and slight-of-hand with my cousin. Details from this book evade me (perhaps that was the intention), but I do remember being entertained enough to read it in two sittings. The most enjoyable parts were the recounting of the lives of Blaine's heroes Max Malini and Harry Houdini.
And now that I think about it, there was supposed to be a treasure hunt with clues hidden in the text revealing where $100,000 have been hidden somewhere in the United States. I never did find out what happened with that contest or Blaine's career post-2002.
----
"You'll wonder when I'm coming, you'll wonder even more when I'm gone." - Max Malini
"Human beings don't like to see other human beings lose their lives, but they do love to be on the spot when it happens." - Harry Houdini
I read this book during the holidays after experimenting with some card tricks and slight-of-hand with my cousin. Details from this book evade me (perhaps that was the intention), but I do remember being entertained enough to read it in two sittings. The most enjoyable parts were the recounting of the lives of Blaine's heroes Max Malini and Harry Houdini.
And now that I think about it, there was supposed to be a treasure hunt with clues hidden in the text revealing where $100,000 have been hidden somewhere in the United States. I never did find out what happened with that contest or Blaine's career post-2002.
----
"You'll wonder when I'm coming, you'll wonder even more when I'm gone." - Max Malini
"Human beings don't like to see other human beings lose their lives, but they do love to be on the spot when it happens." - Harry Houdini
December 26, 2007
a look into the mind of mystical genius. Blaine has incorporated the life philosophy of the illusionist that also includes the disciplined minds and bodies of indian yogis including a historical look at the escape artist/illusionist legends that have gone before. The book is part autobiographical and mystery--if you solve the code before a certain date (which i think has expired) you would have received $50,000 dollars (i think that was the amount). Outside the intrigue of the tradition of illusionists and their feats, Blaine includes a touching autobiographical narrative about what drives him to push his abilities to the max and beyond ordinary reason. if everyone adopted David Blaine's credo at the back of the book the world would be a paradise. believe.
January 22, 2008
Neat-o mix of Blaine's autobiography, humble beginings as a street magician, a history of magic itself, musings on how he prepared for his fucked-up endurance stunts including the psychological as well as physical effects, and he teaches you a few tricks, such as reading someone's mind to figure out what playing card they're thinking of. 9/10 times, a guy will be thinking "Ace of Spades" and girls will be thinking "Queen of Hearts."
July 12, 2008
Blaine on Blaine and also Houdini. An intimate look into the mind of a poor boy who later in life buries himself alive and encases himself in ice. Also a lot of interesting historical tidbits re: magic. There are magic trick instructions which I skipped over and a heavy dose of mystical clip art. The best parts are the pictures of David Blaine, who is a babe, and also the magic book quest rules that accompanied the release of the tome.
August 17, 2010
A bit of a history on magicians and escape artists. While the beginning of the book was primarily about other magicians, it eventually goes into more about David Blaine himself (although tidbits about him are throughout) and into stunts; which I do not find as interesting as the illusions themselves.
Writing was a bit scattered ... but then again, so is David Blaine. Not really a mysterious stranger. Nor is this a book of magic.
Writing was a bit scattered ... but then again, so is David Blaine. Not really a mysterious stranger. Nor is this a book of magic.
May 20, 2012
David Blaine intertwines his life and passion for magic into the lives of so many before him: Dedi, Orson Welles, Max Malini, Houdini. The beuaty of this book is how he gets across that magic is math and science, the mind and the eyes. He sums up his experience this way: "Magic is powerful drama and the world is its stage."
April 28, 2013
A few good card tricks mixed in with some general history on magic. Blaine then gives a brief overview of his personal history. Inserting mystic when possible the reality is that he is a street magician/actor who gained fame and now resorts to stunts in order to keep his high status as a international magician. Its all about presentation baby.
October 31, 2009
A nice autobiography on David Blaine focusing mainly on how he got into magic. It also includes a great short history of magic. Can't say that the tricks he reveals in the book are that great, because they aren't, but his mind set of success is enough to get you thrilled about anything.
July 21, 2013
Great read with several instructions on how to mystify your friends. Interesting stories on the history of magicians, building up to Blaine's own amazing acts that garnered worldwide acclaim. Definitely recommended for even the casual magic fan.
September 20, 2007
I'm convinced David Blaine made a pact with the devil.
August 27, 2008
and i like to stare at the cover, cuz he's a babe.
1
May 9, 2014amazon.com
November 20, 2008
David Blaine is so dedicated and passionate about what he does. This is an inspiring book.
January 28, 2009
A strange but somehow compelling book. Blaine is a very strange man, and his journey is a strange one, but I feel he is motivated by the right things: love, respect, and striving.
June 27, 2009
cool book, easy read; short biography, history of magic and magic how-to. If you have even a fleeting interest in David Blaine and magic, it's worth reading this 200 page book with a lot of photos.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews