I learned Vernon's cups and balls and his symphony of the rings from Lewis Ganson's books. If Ganson has a book on a subject that I want to learn that is going to be one of my first places to go. I also trust Michael Close and Jason England in whatever form I can get them. Jason also does a good job of listing book resources in his videos. I defy anyone who is not already accomplished in card magic to learn Andrus' card control just from the books. Like a college course that uses a textbook, one also relies heavily on the instructor to elucidate and bring the concepts into the real world.
Since I began my journey in magic before the internet and magic videos (starting with VHS) I learned my magic with books. Learning from books is a skill that is developed over time (think of the classic read, 'How to Read Books') is something that takes work and has been lost somewhat to a generation that has not been forced to develop that skill as far as one could. When videos came around I watched several and really appreciated seeing the routines actually performed. However, I eventually realized that I wasn't thinking about the possibilities of how I could do it, but merely parroting the video I was watching. I will say that I have gotten some great ideas for misdirection that I had not previously considered. That being said, when I bought a trick that had the routine printed, I was pretty much in the same boat. Today, I still prefer to read a book and visualize me performing with other routines, looking for connections, etc. But I do really like videos that show sleights and techniques. Seeing the finger positions and timing is really helpful. In the end, there is no right or wrong, but finding out what works best for you.
I love read and learn magic From books. You can learn wonderfull tricks what never will be in video. You can create with Your interpretation. Also videos are very good to see performances
Reading is the best way to learn magic. But poor vision and eye strain led me to start using some DVD and downloads and have found them very useful, but they're just not the same as the written word.
Books and video combo work best for me. I’ve read many an effect that I didn’t think was good then I saw it performed on video or live and went scrambling back to the book to learn it. PS Jeff I admit I had some book envy when you showed your collection. 🙂
Videos, to me, are too dependent. They depend on a device to play/reply. The advantage to video is that the tonal inflection for the scripting. I appreciate books because they’re not dependent yet portable. But the biggest advantage is the ability to physically bookmark, highlight and underline as if it were a college course’s text book - because it is.
No question, books are my favorite! Lectures are always great too! DVDs and Digital Downloads are way down on my list. This is why I hate new magic, they never have written instructions, they just shoot a cheap video.
I understand that viewpoint. I don't hate new magic (or even video), but like you, it's further down my list of preferred learning sources. Thanks for letting us know where you stand! 👍
Hey, can you do a review on Theater of the Mind (Richardson)? I noticed a lot of sellers are selling this book on eBay, around $80 - 100. Even though it is not cheap, the book is still very accessible for purchase on eBay. The title sounds interesting, but I don't really know what's in it. If you can do a review on the materials, much appreciated.
I like watching videos for performance, but I don't find them too helpful for learning. I hate that I have no control over the speed of intake. I tend to want to go faster or slower than the presenter does. Also, there's just so much more content in books. Books are information dense. Videos, not so much.
I very respectfully disagree. I learn better from video than from books. I can stop, pause, rewind, fast forward.and replay later. Plus I can store them on external drives (Google,Dropbox,iCloud,etc) and play them wherever and whenever there is an internet connection on my phone, iPad, laptop, or computer. I’m a visual person. I can read a routine in a book and not grasp its power until I see someone performing it in front of a live audience. I can see the reaction. I can feel the reactions. The creative juices within me begin to overflow. I guess the best of both worlds are the books that contain both. Giobbi, Hass, Han, Jay, yes, the great minds of magic are learning about the power of video. Hopefully this trend will continue. I have nothing against books, I have a few. But my video collection outnumber my books by 4 to 5 to 1. Nothing is more entertaining for me than to watch a master performing magic. Better than TV, better than a crappy violent or oversexed movie, NOTHING beats watching ‘real’ magic. I could go on and on about this, but I’ll get off my soapbox now. Thanks for the video. And ALL your videos. They make me think and feel good about my passion. You da man Jeff!!!!
Great comment, Paul. No worries that you disagree! I understand the visual nature of learning, and I've seen that. You get a lot of good content from videos, and I love the way you overcome the passive nature of it. I have many fond memories of watching a DVD together trying to suss it out before watching the method. And, in some cases, inventing a method or tweak better than the actual method! 😆👍 Thanks again for your input, support, and comment❗
Good to discuss thanks for sharing.
I learned Vernon's cups and balls and his symphony of the rings from Lewis Ganson's books. If Ganson has a book on a subject that I want to learn that is going to be one of my first places to go. I also trust Michael Close and Jason England in whatever form I can get them. Jason also does a good job of listing book resources in his videos. I defy anyone who is not already accomplished in card magic to learn Andrus' card control just from the books. Like a college course that uses a textbook, one also relies heavily on the instructor to elucidate and bring the concepts into the real world.
I agree that there's a place for all types of learning
Fabulously interesting and helpful. Thank you. Abe Carnow, CPA
So glad you enjoyed it, from one CPA (and Erudite Magician) to another! 😃👍
Since I began my journey in magic before the internet and magic videos (starting with VHS) I learned my magic with books. Learning from books is a skill that is developed over time (think of the classic read, 'How to Read Books') is something that takes work and has been lost somewhat to a generation that has not been forced to develop that skill as far as one could. When videos came around I watched several and really appreciated seeing the routines actually performed. However, I eventually realized that I wasn't thinking about the possibilities of how I could do it, but merely parroting the video I was watching. I will say that I have gotten some great ideas for misdirection that I had not previously considered. That being said, when I bought a trick that had the routine printed, I was pretty much in the same boat. Today, I still prefer to read a book and visualize me performing with other routines, looking for connections, etc. But I do really like videos that show sleights and techniques. Seeing the finger positions and timing is really helpful. In the end, there is no right or wrong, but finding out what works best for you.
That's right! Sounds like we learn similarly. Thanks for taking time to comment! 👨💻
I love read and learn magic From books. You can learn wonderfull tricks what never will be in video. You can create with Your interpretation. Also videos are very good to see performances
Agreed! There are pros and cons to both. And fortunately for us, we don't have to choose one to the exclusion of the other! 📚🤷♂️📺
I absolutely agree with the mimicking videos. This video is spot on.
Thank you, @jasonm921
Reading is the best way to learn magic. But poor vision and eye strain led me to start using some DVD and downloads and have found them very useful, but they're just not the same as the written word.
I'm glad to hear you've adapted and continue to grow as a magician. Way to go!
It’s funny you showed Dear Mr. Fantasy. I just bought the paperback edition and since it’s on the thinner side, it goes everywhere with me.
It's like I knew...🔮😉😄
I love reading! And when I'm not, books look better on the shelf than dvd's. Thanks Jeff!
You bet, thanks for watching!
Books and video combo work best for me. I’ve read many an effect that I didn’t think was good then I saw it performed on video or live and went scrambling back to the book to learn it. PS Jeff I admit I had some book envy when you showed your collection. 🙂
Ha, thanks, David! If there's a specific book you want to see reviewed, let me know! 😉
Videos, to me, are too dependent. They depend on a device to play/reply. The advantage to video is that the tonal inflection for the scripting.
I appreciate books because they’re not dependent yet portable. But the biggest advantage is the ability to physically bookmark, highlight and underline as if it were a college course’s text book - because it is.
Reasonable. 👍
No question, books are my favorite! Lectures are always great too! DVDs and Digital Downloads are way down on my list. This is why I hate new magic, they never have written instructions, they just shoot a cheap video.
I understand that viewpoint. I don't hate new magic (or even video), but like you, it's further down my list of preferred learning sources. Thanks for letting us know where you stand! 👍
Hey, can you do a review on Theater of the Mind (Richardson)? I noticed a lot of sellers are selling this book on eBay, around $80 - 100. Even though it is not cheap, the book is still very accessible for purchase on eBay. The title sounds interesting, but I don't really know what's in it. If you can do a review on the materials, much appreciated.
Hey Daniel, thanks for the request! I actually love this book and refer to it often. I'll see what I can do in the near future! 🤔
@@EruditeMagic Thank you!
I like watching videos for performance, but I don't find them too helpful for learning. I hate that I have no control over the speed of intake. I tend to want to go faster or slower than the presenter does. Also, there's just so much more content in books. Books are information dense. Videos, not so much.
Great thoughts!
I very respectfully disagree. I learn better from video than from books. I can stop, pause, rewind, fast forward.and replay later. Plus I can store them on external drives (Google,Dropbox,iCloud,etc) and play them wherever and whenever there is an internet connection on my phone, iPad, laptop, or computer. I’m a visual person. I can read a routine in a book and not grasp its power until I see someone performing it in front of a live audience. I can see the reaction. I can feel the reactions. The creative juices within me begin to overflow. I guess the best of both worlds are the books that contain both. Giobbi, Hass, Han, Jay, yes, the great minds of magic are learning about the power of video. Hopefully this trend will continue. I have nothing against books, I have a few. But my video collection outnumber my books by 4 to 5 to 1. Nothing is more entertaining for me than to watch a master performing magic. Better than TV, better than a crappy violent or oversexed movie, NOTHING beats watching ‘real’ magic. I could go on and on about this, but I’ll get off my soapbox now. Thanks for the video. And ALL your videos. They make me think and feel good about my passion. You da man Jeff!!!!
Great comment, Paul. No worries that you disagree! I understand the visual nature of learning, and I've seen that. You get a lot of good content from videos, and I love the way you overcome the passive nature of it.
I have many fond memories of watching a DVD together trying to suss it out before watching the method. And, in some cases, inventing a method or tweak better than the actual method! 😆👍
Thanks again for your input, support, and comment❗