The royal road to card magic is a well-known and respected book in the field of card magic. Written by Jean Hugard and Fred Braue, it is considered a classic and essential for anyone interested in learning card tricks. The book is divided into several sections, each covering different aspects of card magic. It starts with a brief introduction to card handling, teaching the reader basic techniques such as holding the deck and shuffling. These fundamental skills are crucial for mastering card magic, as they form the foundation for more advanced tricks. The subsequent chapters progressively introduce new techniques and tricks, building upon the knowledge gained from previous sections.
We see a shift in this attitude towards the end of the 18th century. Francisco de Goya’s Witches’ Sabbath (1798) at first glance seems similar to Rosa and Dürer paintings. It depicts the Devil in the form of a goat surrounded by a coven of witches in a barren landscape. The witches seem to be sacrificing newborns to the devil, with the corpse of an emaciated infant discarded to the left and one infant being offered up in the forefront of the painting. Goya uses the inverted imagery associated with witchcraft: the goat extends its left rather than right hoof towards the child and the quarter moon faces out of the canvas on the top left corner.
It is interesting how our relationship with the word witch has changed so much, and studying witch art throughout art history can help to unpack the connotations of the change. These witches worshipped the Devil in large numbers at nocturnal meetings where they desecrated the cross, ate the bodies of babies, and indulged in promiscuous sexual orgies.
The subsequent chapters progressively introduce new techniques and tricks, building upon the knowledge gained from previous sections. This gradual learning approach allows readers to develop their skills and confidence over time. The authors also provide detailed explanations and illustrations to ensure that the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Witch-Ikon: Witchcraft in Art and Artifact
The figure of the Witch has haunted the margins of religion and spirituality for thousands of years, as a figure of transgressive spiritual power, outlaw magic, and alluring sexuality. Equally pervasive is her presence in art, from ancient depictions in the near east, through the European Middle Ages, down to her present representations in occult subculture. WITCH-IKON gathers a selection of images of witches and their diabolical magic, emphasizing the range of artistic depictions that have helped coalesce this most powerful of modern supernatural icons. Numerous full color images are accompanied by several scholarly essays concerning the iconography of witchcraft and the images used to represent witches through time. Also included are numerous photographs from museum and private collections documenting occult artifacts used in witchcraft throughout diverse eras.
The royal road to card magic covers a wide range of topics, including false shuffles and cuts, forces, controls, and flourishes. It also includes numerous tricks and routines that readers can practice and perform. These tricks range from simple and self-working to more complex and sleight-intensive. This variety ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of their skill level. While the book primarily focuses on sleight of hand techniques, it also emphasizes the importance of presentation and showmanship. The authors stress that a successful card magician must not only master the technical aspects of the tricks but also captivate and entertain the audience. One of the standout features of the royal road to card magic is its popularity and influence. Since its initial publication in 1949, the book has been widely read and respected by both beginner and professional magicians. Many accomplished magicians credit the royal road to card magic as the book that sparked their interest and provided them with a solid foundation in card magic. In conclusion, the royal road to card magic is a must-read for anyone interested in learning card tricks. With its comprehensive coverage of techniques and tricks, clear instructions, and emphasis on presentation, it serves as an excellent resource for beginners and experienced magicians alike. Whether you are just starting or looking to expand your repertoire, this book is a valuable tool on your journey to becoming a skilled card magician..
Reviews for "Master the Royal Road: Card Magic Tricks for All Levels"
1. John Smith - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Royal Road to Card Magic". The explanations were confusing and hard to follow, especially for a beginner like me. I often found myself having to reread certain sections multiple times just to understand the basic moves. Furthermore, the illustrations were not helpful at all and didn't clarify the instructions. Overall, I believe this book is not suitable for beginners and would recommend looking for other resources that are more clear and user-friendly.
2. Sarah Johnson - 3/5 stars - I found "The Royal Road to Card Magic" to be a bit outdated. While some of the techniques and tricks are timeless, the overall style and presentation of the book felt old-fashioned. Additionally, the book assumes the reader has a basic knowledge of card magic, making it difficult for beginners to fully grasp the concepts. I think the book could benefit from a more modern approach, with updated illustrations and revised explanations to better cater to today's audience.
3. Emma Thompson - 2/5 stars - As someone who has dabbled in card magic before, I was hoping "The Royal Road to Card Magic" would provide me with some fresh ideas and advanced techniques. However, I found the book to be quite basic and not as comprehensive as I had expected. The tricks presented were predictable and lacked creativity. I believe this book would be more suitable for absolute beginners rather than those looking to expand their knowledge and skills in card magic.