Wayne Dobson;s Legacy
$124.95
Wayne Dobson's Legacy - Vanishing Inc. Magic shop (vanishingincmagic.com)

The Hype:

A remarkable, three-book collection honoring the legacy and iconic routines of one of magic’s most prodigious performers and creators.

Wayne Dobson is one of the UK’s finest television magicians, a legend in the tradition of Chan Canasta, Al Koran, David Berglas, David Nixon, Tommy Cooper, and Paul Daniels. The international superstar has headlined everywhere from the most prestigious UK venues to the Las Vegas Strip. He cemented his place as a household name with three highly successful TV series, most notably the eponymous Wayne Dobson - A Kind of Magic, which brought in 11 million weekly viewers during its prime.

It’s a tall task attempting to capture a life as remarkable and expansive as Wayne Dobson’s, particularly given his severe medical condition. But, thanks to tireless support from writer Bob Gill, who interviewed and workshopped with Wayne daily over a five-year period, “Wayne Dobson’s Legacy” manages to do so masterfully.

Wayne Dobson’s Legacy gives you unrestricted behind-the-scenes access to Wayne’s life, legacy, and most cherished magic secrets. There are more than 1,000 total pages split across three gorgeous, hardback books—each with its own distinct focus. You can purchase them individually or save 30% by buying the complete three-book set, which also comes with a beautiful custom slipcase.

Originally, this project was supposed to be just a memoir. However, during the writing of Volume I, Wayne re-discovered a lost collection of notes containing 150+ routines and ideas intended for a fourth TV series, which was canceled when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. This discovery inspired him to comb through all of his work and pick the strongest material to create a second, and eventually third, book for this incredible set.

Wayne Dobson’s Legacy offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of a magician whose impact on the world of magic is immeasurable. Take a peek behind the curtain and explore the secrets, techniques, and nuances that made Wayne Dobson a magic icon. From his amazing close-up magic to his hilarious comedy stage routines, this three-book set is a treasure trove for everyone from beginner magicians to seasoned professionals.

My Take:

I have been waiting for this set of books for a long time. I stopped by Tony Dunn’s studio a year ago and he was just finishing the illustrations for this set, so I got to see some of them even before the gang at Vanishing, Inc.! He told me that this was one set I should review. It had some great material. I waited for a whole year to get a copy of this and,was it worth it? To quote a former vice presidential candidate, “You betcha!”

This book has all the best design ideas that Vanishing has shown in the past. Beautiful hardbacks with cloth covers. Impeccable illustrations and layout. Lots of very cool historical photos in the Memoirs book. There is absolutely nothing here that you shouldn’t love.

I suggest before diving into the books that you do as I did. Hit Youtube and watch as much Wayne Dobson as you can find. Watch his presentations. Watch his interplay with his volunteers. This is a true master at work.

The set consists of three books.

Memoirs - which is his autobiography. Fantastic reading here. He says he doesn’t want people to see how brave he has been. He just wants to share his magic. He doesn’t feel sorry for himself and there is no reason you should either. Despite the handicap of multiple sclerosis, he has continued to crank out great material even if he is no longer capable of performing some of that himself. His story of overcoming adversity would make a great Hollywood movie, like “My Left Foot". So. if you are looking for a book full of “woe is me”. move it along, folks. Nothing to see here. No self pity here at all from Wayne.

Book 1 - Memoirs - My Story

 Wayne lets you know quickly that he was no choirboy. He needed to feed his magic cravings (didn’t we all?) and got the money wherever he could, including theft. I have read a lot of biographies of British musicians and it seems there were not too many avenues open in life for lots of them. Mainly factories or physical labor. The lucky ones formed a band and were able to make a living. Wayne’s story is different in that instead of picking up a guitar, he picked up a deck of cards. And we are so lucky he did. One thing that Wayne had that a lot of us wished we did was very supportive parents. I have run into so many youngsters that love magic but their parents feel it is a waste of time. Sometimes it is and sometimes it’s not. Wayne was one of the lucky ones.

This book is loaded with funny anecdotes. He loves to make people laugh. I was fortunate enough to see him at Magic Live 2013. He was rolled out onto the stage in his wheelchair to be interviewed by Jeff McBride. Jeff said that he has heard that Wayne had just completed a book on retorts to hecklers and Wayne verified that was true. Jeff wanted a demonstration so Wayne said to insult him. Jeff did and Wayne said. “that will be number 17. Let me look it up and read it to you. Number 17 is....” and the answer he gave was not one suitable for church groups. In the book, Wayne lets you know right up front that his language can be pretty, shall we say, rough at times. That is the way he grew up so we shouldn’t take offense. When he gave his answer to Jeff, the whole audience burst out into uncontrollable laughter. I was so fortunate to have been there. And yes, his language can become quite colorful so if you get offended easily, this is probably not the book set for you. But these are all words you hear pretty much everyday, so buck up and dive in. It’s quite a ride and worth every step of the way.

The book is loaded with anecdotes of his life experiences, both ups and downs. And he is hilarious. Sorry Wayne, I can’t help thinking of the bravery you have exhibited. So sue me.

You will particularly enjoy Wayne’s description of the Windmill Shuffle (which uses no cards but some sleight of hand enhances the experience.) Also, the big names he has associated with. And did I mention that this book will have you laughing out loud?

My favorite is actually the first photo in the book. It is a baby picture of Wayne with the caption “I couldn’t walk then either!” This one item alone let me know that I was going to enjoy this book immensely. 

If this was the only book in the set, I would not have been disappointed but there are still two more volumes to explore, each one loaded to the gills with great magic.

I liked Wayne before but this book has made me truly love him.

Book 2 - A Kind of Magic - Live on TV

This a dream come true. Wayne, one of the most famous magic names on the planet has decided to share all his closest guarded secrets. Since he is no longer able to perform them, he has decided to share them with the community. Ever wondered how the huge buzz saw cut cut right through his body without hurting him. Now you can find out. There is just so much gold in this book, it is unbelievable.

The book is divided into three sections and I will give a few samples from each.

Preshow

Five Card Repeat - If you have watched anything by Wayne on Youtube, you have no doubt seen this. He cut the six cards down to five which speeds up the process. A beautiful routine and, get this, zero gaffed cards.

Fans of Sam the Bellhop will love this. Wayne has a full deck story replete with lots of laughs along the way.

You like doing Card in Orange, try the Crying Game where it is loaded into an onion.

I have been having a ball with He Who Spelt It Dealt It. A small packet effect with no sleights that will fit into your pocket just right. For years, I have had a jumbo deck in my drawer and never figured out a routine to use it for. This is perfect but also perfect in regular sized cards. I threw mine into my pocket for a party recently and it killed.

The Kid’s a Magician - Great routine if you bring kids up as volunteers. The routine makes the kid a hero and will fit int your pocket or wallet making it the ideal routine to carry on your person at all times.

And of course his fabulous sponge ball vanish with a 3“ sponge ball. This vanish has been used by Lance Burton.

The one routine that contributed to his fame more than any others was his vent routine with audience members, Voices. This is one that cannot be taught from a book but he gives his views on everything. I have seen countless ventriloquists try to copy this routine. Some do a pretty good job but no one can touch the Master.

Wayne’s Stage Illusions

Wayne holds nothing back in describing his stage illusions. What he reveals here is unbelievable.

It starts off with a nice essay on box jumping.

He gives complete step by step instructions for both the Asrah and De Kolta chair with lovely illustrations of all by Tony Dunn. Of course, both have been given the Dobson touch.

The Pyramid - One of Wayne’s favorites, basically a doll house type illusion brought up to date.

We travel quite a bit so we have stayed at a lot of hotels and one thing they all have in common is luggage carts. Room Service was inspired by Steinmeyer’s Origami illusion. This gives you an idea of just how much can be hidden inside a base.

Close Up on TV

Here’s one for the coin guys (and girls). Coins to Glass. I have seen this type of routine performed by different magicians. Always a crowd pleaser, Wayne teaches his handling and his thoughts.

Hanky Poo - A no move packet monte card trick with a rhyming patter that uses jumbo cards. One gaff is used and you are told just how to make it .

The Homing Death Card obviously is Wayne’s version of the homing card with his touch.

I have some friends who are very good with coins and the Flick move has always fascinated me. He gives detailed instructions on mastering this. (Not nearly as hard as it looks).

Razor Card - another one that I have seen many versions of over the years and still a pleaser. A razor blade is put into a boxed deck of cards, shaken up and the cut up pieces are poured out leaving one card intact, the selection.

If you were fortunate enough to be able to see his TV series when it was on, the last section gives a blow by blow description of each of the episodes.  

Book 3 = Dobson’s Choice - New and Improved Creations.

As his body failed, he wanted to keep on performing. Using the technique of Keep It Simple. this book is loaded with gems.

The book is divided into two section,To note a few items from each section.
 

Stand Up Creations

Echo - As his voice degenerated, he was unable to do his famous Voices routine, so he came up with this as a substitute. He has taken Card on Seat and turned it into a comedy masterpiece. You are not only given the story behind the routine, you are taught the routine in full.

Eye Pad - This does require a gimmick to be built but when the audience is expecting an IPad and you bring out a notepad with an eye on it, you are sure to get laughs.

Oddball - was inspired by Max Maven’s Kurotsuke from his Videomind series. This too requires making a prop but it is ingenious and so easy to do.

Max was also famous for his routines on TV that allowed the audience at home to move their fingers on the TV screen to end just where he wanted them to using a technique know as the Q force. This is Wayne’s version.

The Unnamed Card - this takes its origin from the tossed out deck and will play equally well with a small group or on a large stage. It is described at the sleeper effect of the book. Easy to do and it kills.

Close up Creations

3Sixty and 1Eighty - Card to clear box. This was actually released as a dealer item (as were several others in this book).

He offers two different approaches to the Anniversary Waltz card routine. Anniversary Tango is performed using gaffed cards while Compatability uses no gaffs and could even be done with a borrowed deck. It is accomplished using a mathematical principle that is well hidden.

Lucky Dip - a simple easy to do routine that fooled even Darren Brown - another one that was a marketed item previously. Possessions will teach you George Sands’ marvelous Prime Time force.

 T.L.C. - This is basically a Mental Epic that you can carry in your pocket. Three black cards, each with one of the letters, T L and C. You are in a casino. One of your volunteers thinks of a number on the roulette wheel; which you guess before it is named. .A second spectator thinks of any card and the last counts the change in his pocket. Unlike Mental Epic, this has no moving parts and will fit nicely in your pocket.

He finishes the book with “Fifty Shades of Gold” - 50 great tips on how to become more of a success in the magic field.  There is truly some valuable info here and I would recommend both reading this and utilizing it.

I am grateful for Wayne sharing this material with us, for Josh and Andi at Vanishing Inc, for publishing this beautiful set and for Tony Dunn, who recommended that this is a book I should review. So thanks to all, and did I forget something?

Oh yeah, this book could not be recommended any higher. It needs to be on your shelf and I guarantee this will be a classic.

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