Price$39.95
Media TypeBook
CategoryGeneral
Date AddedOct 20, 2017

Magic as Entertainment

Taylor, Harold

Ed Meredith

(Based on 1 review)
Think of this book as your very own, private consultant to improve your shows!

Magic as Entertainment is filled with practical advice for the professional magician. Advice on selecting routines, stage presence, timing, dress, knowing when to pause, when to talk and knowing when not to, are just a few of the subjects conquered in this book. Well written and highly recommended for anyone wanting to improve their act. Limited quantities available.

Reviews

Stephan Sloan

Official Reviewer

Dec 11, 2023

Overview

Magic as Entertainment by Harold Taylor is a book that claims "It is like having your own private consultant to improve your shows". After spending a few minutes wading through the hackneyed jokes, endless anecdotes and superfluous statements, I would fire that private consultant in a minute. The publishing date claims it was 1991, but it seems like the text was written 25 years before and they just discovered it and decided to publish it. I can't of anybody in this century that speaks like this. If you want to torture yourself or read something that will tire you so you can fall asleep then this book might be for you.

Effect

Supposedly a guidebook on how to improve as a performer. The book covers various facets such as appearance, delivery, TV techniques etc.

Method

The book seems to be comprised of mostly anecdotal information. I'm imagining that one is supposed to gain insight by reading the endless stories peppered with tired jokes.

Product Quality

The book seemed to have been written in the 1960's - 1970's and in a manner I had never heard anyone speak. It appears to be a compilation of memories assembled together in a loose fashion to cobble together a book for no other reason but to sell it.

Ad Copy Integrity

The value of one's work is all subjective. If Harold Taylor feels that reading every single anecdote he can remember is of value to someone, it is hard to say that the ad copy is misleading. However, as an individual that owns over 800 magic books, I can say this is one book I personally feel I would get nothing out of it.
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