Blackstone
Key features
Contains unique information about Houdini not found elsewhere
Includes discussions on Blackstone, Scarne, and Thuren
Features a full-color graphic novel and a collection of photographs
Book comes with a bookplate from Kreskin's personal inventory
Offers a personal glimpse into Kreskin's experiences and observations
Pros
Valuable historical insights into magic and mentalism
Unique anecdotes and stories from Kreskin's career
Includes rare photographs and a graphic novel
Collectible item with personal connection to Kreskin
Cons
Not a magic trick but a book, so may not appeal to those looking for performance instructions
Photos described as 'unencoded stock' may lack uniqueness
Effect
The book "Conversations with Kreskin" offers readers an intimate look into the life and career of the legendary mentalist. Through personal stories, historical insights, and rare anecdotes, the book creates the experience of sitting down with Kreskin himself, hearing his firsthand accounts of magic history and his interactions with other famous performers.
Full Details
The book is a compilation of Kreskin’s favorite stories, presented in his own words. It includes a bookplate indicating that each copy comes from Kreskin’s personal inventory, adding a collectible element. A significant portion of the book focuses on Houdini, featuring details from conversations Kreskin had with Walter Gibson, a Houdini expert. These insights are described as hard to find elsewhere.
Other sections discuss prominent magicians like Blackstone, Scarne, and Thuren, sharing Kreskin’s personal observations and experiences with them. The book also contains a full-color graphic novel illustrating Kreskin’s journey to becoming "Amazing," followed by a collection of photographs from his career, including images with various celebrities.
Who Should Consider the Trick
This book is ideal for magicians and magic enthusiasts who appreciate magic history and first-person accounts from a legendary performer. It is especially valuable for those interested in Houdini, Blackstone, and other influential figures in magic. Collectors may also find the bookplate and personal inventory aspect appealing.
Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform
Since this is a book rather than a performance trick, there is no difficulty level associated with performing it. However, readers should expect a mix of storytelling, historical insights, and visual elements rather than instructional magic content.
What Magicians Say
SaturnMagicShop describes the book as "a fun read" and emphasizes its value for magicians interested in Kreskin’s perspective. They highlight the rare Houdini information and the personal nature of the stories, stating, "These are the stories he loves to tell people, and they were all collected in this book." The reviewer also notes the inclusion of a graphic novel and photographs as engaging additions to the storytelling.
The book is recommended for those who want to experience Kreskin’s stories firsthand, with SaturnMagicShop concluding, "You'll really enjoy reading this."
What people are saying about Blackstone
SaturnMagicShop says...
conversations with keskin is probably as close as you're going to get to experience what it's like to have a conversation or a meal with keskin these are the stories he loves to tell people and they were all collected in this book [...] there's actually information about Houdini here that I don't think you could find anywhere else
Review videos
Saturn Magic - Conversations with Kreskin (The Amazing Kreskin)
SaturnMagicShop mentioned this magic trick in this video.