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Stairway by Markobi

Created by: Markobi

Stairway is a transformative book by Markobi that delves into the creative and philosophical aspects of magic, offering insights into performance theory, audience conditioning, and the mindset required for competitive magic. It's not just a collection of tricks but a guide to thinking like a magician, making it ideal for performers looking to deepen their artistic vision and understanding of magic. The book includes personal reflections, practical advice, and detailed analyses of FISM-winning acts, providing a backstage look into the creative process of a world champion.

Where to buy

Stairway by Markobi from Magicbox
MagicboxStairway by Markobi£88.80
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Stairway by Markobi from Monster Magic
Monster MagicStairway by Markobi£95.99
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Stairway by Markobi from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicStairway by Markobi£104.58
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Key features

  • Focuses on the artistic and philosophical aspects of magic

  • Includes personal reflections and practical advice from a world champion

  • Offers detailed analyses of FISM-winning acts

  • Designed for magicians of all levels seeking to elevate their craft

  • Blends magic techniques with insights into performance theory

Pros

  • Transformative for magicians looking to refine their artistic vision

  • Provides a unique backstage look into a world champion's creative process

  • Encourages a deeper understanding of magic beyond mere tricks

  • Suitable for magicians of all levels and styles

Cons

  • High price point may be a barrier for some

  • More about the philosophy and less about teaching specific tricks

  • Requires watching Marcoe's FISM performance beforehand for full appreciation

Effect

Stairway by Markobi is a book that offers a deep dive into the creative process behind magic performance. It presents a mix of techniques, personal reflections, and practical advice aimed at helping magicians refine their artistic vision. The book includes insights from Markobi’s journey as a World Champion, providing a behind-the-scenes look at his preparation and performance strategies.

Full details

The book is structured into multiple sections, covering topics such as audience conditioning, overcoming performance fears, and analyzing past FISM-winning acts. It includes actual pages from Markobi’s notebook, featuring sketches, handwritten notes, and detailed diagrams of his routines. While it does contain some magic techniques, the primary focus is on the mindset and methodology behind creating a compelling act.

Who should consider the trick

Stairway is best suited for magicians who want to elevate their performance beyond just learning tricks. It is ideal for those interested in competitive magic, stage performance, or developing a stronger artistic foundation. Beginners may find it challenging due to its conceptual depth, but intermediate and advanced performers will benefit from its insights.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The book does not focus on teaching individual sleights or tricks, so its difficulty depends on the reader’s ability to apply abstract concepts to their own work. The included routines require a solid understanding of magic fundamentals, making it more accessible to experienced magicians.

What magicians say

  • RealMagicReview (Steve Faulkner) describes Stairway as a "transformative read" that reshaped his approach to magic, emphasizing its value for refining artistic vision.
  • MurphysMagicSupplies highlights the book’s motivational aspects, calling it an "initiation" into Markobi’s world of dedication and perseverance.
  • MagicOrthodoxy (David) praises the book’s detailed analysis of competitive magic, calling it an "incredible journey into the mind of a genius."
  • PenguinMagicShop (Erik Tait) includes Stairway as an honorable mention in his 2024 roundup, acknowledging its impact on the magic community.

The consensus among reviewers is that Stairway is a valuable resource for magicians looking to deepen their understanding of performance theory and competitive magic.

What people are saying about Stairway

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Marcus Eddie highlights 'Stairway by Version' as one of his favorite tricks to teach, indicating its value in skill development.

magicorthodoxy says...

David considers it an 'incredible journey into the mind of a genius,' especially valuable for magicians considering creating their own competitive act.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

The book is designed to be accessible to a wide range of magicians, from stage performers to close-up artists, and caters to both those interested in competition and those who aren't.

penguinmagicshop says...

Erik Tait includes *Stairway* as an honorable mention in his top 10 magic tricks of 2024, noting its significance in the magic community.

RealMagicReview says...

Faulkner strongly recommends the book for magicians looking to refine their artistic vision and deepen their understanding of magic beyond mere tricks.

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