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Still Small, Still Deadly, More Minimaliastic Magiic Meanderings - Paul Hallas The Secret Lives of Magicians’ Rabbits - Paul Hallas
Quite a few years ago, I saw an advertisement in a magic magazine for a book called “Small but Deadly - The Packet Trickster’s Handbook), Being a big fan of packet tricks, I rushed off to Hank Lee’s to make the purchase only to be told that it was only available directly from the author in England. So I wrote that one off. Then H& R Books decided to make it available in hardback so I broke out my wallet and added this to my library. What a wonderful source! He had it set up in sections so that if you were looking for a trick with a particular theme or plot, it was easy to find. This has been my favorite magic book for years and really the only one that I have read cover to cover several times. A real must have. So I was excited when I heard that a followup tome was available. However an email to Paul let me know that it was sold out and only available in pdf format. I have always detested reading from a screen (give me the old hard copy) so, once again I passed. Then, lo and behold, I got an email from Paul letting me know that he had arranged to publish the book himself. It was now available online and he wanted to know if I would like to review it. Didn’t have to ask me twice. The original book was in a small format and the new one is much larger. Over 200 pages devoted to packet tricks. Although you are taught a number of packet effects in the book, this is not its true value. This is actually a reference book on the subject. The book is set up in sections by both creator and subject matter. Under subject, a type of effect is noted, then you are given a list of about every packet trick of this type. Each is listed, along with the creator, history, in a book or released as a standalone, just about every thing you might like to know. Some of the subjects are Flushed Away (tricks with a Royal Flush as a climax), Still Jazzing Around (tricks inspired by Peter Kane’s Jazz Aces), Where the Wild Things Are (Wild Card effects and, I am proud to say, my own Wild Card Routine “Pandemic"is listed). There are many more but just wanted to give you an idea of what you are getting. He also has sections on a lot of different creators giving not only a bio on them but an extensive list of any packet effects they have created. I have my favorites and it is nice to know just what effects I managed to pass by. Some of my favorites include the wonderful John Bannon and his Big Blind cohort, Liam Montier, David Regal. Paul Gordon., Cameron Francis and many more. It is obvious that Paul has spent many hours on what is a labor of love for him. If you are seeking a specific type of routine, this is the place to look. Or if you want to see what other packet effects have been released by one of your favorites, you can find that here, too. The real value for me here is the endless lists of references. Paul mentions the book “Packet Tricks” by Jerry Mentzner. I checked my bookshelf and had a copy which I haven’t touched for years. That is about to change. Thanks, Paul. This is a book that needs to be in your magic library. My shelves are running out of room but I guarantee you, there will be a place for this one. And, in the same package, Paul sent me a copy of his children’s book, “The Secret Lives of Magicians’ Rabbits.” If you have seen the movie “The Secret Lives of Pets”, you probably have an idea what this is about. Paul has shown another side of himself here/ This book is loaded with pictures of rabbits in a lot of situations. All the pictures are done by Paul using the Microsoft Bing Creator. The pictures are absolutely fabulous. Having played around with AI myself, I know how difficult it is to get just the illustration you want and Paul has hit a home run on every page. This would be an excellent book to purchase for a youngster or just leave it out on your coffee table. Anyone seeing it will want to have a peek. You will love it. I did. Both of these books get kudos from me. They are both fun to read and, like I said, Still Small doubles as a reference book. Both are highly recommended. |
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