Al Baker's Second Book by Al Baker, Jay Marshall, and Todd Carr

Effect

Al Baker's Second Book contains a wide range of magic effects, from close-up card tricks to mentalism and stage illusions. The book includes methods for making objects vanish, predicting thoughts, and performing baffling sleight-of-hand routines. Many of the tricks are designed to be simple yet highly deceptive, making them suitable for both casual and professional performances.

Full Details

Al Baker's Second Book is part of a larger collection compiled in The Secret Ways of Al Baker, a 900+ page volume that includes all of Baker's published works, unpublished manuscripts, and personal correspondence. The book features contributions from notable magicians like Teller, John Carney, and Max Maven, who highlight Baker's influence on modern magic.

Baker was known for his versatility, excelling in ventriloquism, children's shows, mentalism, and card magic. His work includes early applications of psychological principles in mentalism, such as the "center theory," and innovative uses of materials like human hair as invisible thread. The book also contains historical context, vintage advertisements, and illustrations that provide insight into Baker's personality and the magic scene of his era.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This book is ideal for magicians who appreciate historical magic and want to study the methods of a highly influential performer. It is particularly valuable for mentalists, close-up magicians, and those interested in the psychological aspects of magic. Due to its depth and historical significance, it is best suited for serious students of magic rather than beginners looking for quick tricks.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty of the tricks varies. Some routines rely on simple sleight-of-hand, while others require a deeper understanding of psychology and misdirection. Many of Baker's methods are clever rather than technically demanding, making them accessible to intermediate performers. However, mastering the subtleties of his presentations may take practice.

What Magicians Say

EruditeMagic describes The Secret Ways of Al Baker as a "time machine for magicians," emphasizing its historical value and comprehensive coverage of Baker's work. They highlight Baker's humor and creativity, noting that his tricks remain effective and engaging today. The book is praised for including rare manuscripts and correspondence, offering a complete picture of Baker's contributions to magic.

Magicians like Teller and Max Maven have acknowledged Baker's influence, reinforcing the book's reputation as an essential resource for serious performers. While the price is high, reviewers argue that the depth of material justifies the cost for those invested in magic history and performance theory.