I need to "pick some brains," get some thoughts. I've almost - almost - been talked into doing Lorayne: The Classic Collection, Volume 3. The books I had planned for it - to re-write, etc. - are Quantum Leaps, Trend Setters, The Magic Book. But, I'm having kind of second thoughts about The Magic Book - because - that was/is a book basically for beginners, although so many experienced magicians have told me that they fool other magicians with much of the stuff therein, and that they've put a lot of the items into their repertoires, etc. The only other book I can include, as the third one, is Mathematical Wizadry. But that, of course, isn't on card magic, etc., it's all stuff to do with numbers. So, what do you think? Shall I "do" The Magic Book or Mathematical Wizadry as the third book of the volume? Or do you have other suggestions? Of course, there's also my The Himber Wallet, but that really is a different "category" kind of book; no? Thanks. Best - HARRY LORAYNE.

Even though it is a beginner's book, I'd put The Magic Book into your new collection. It's from the same time period as the other books, and I know that there are many magicians who would enjoy it.

Since The Magic Book was a mass market publication (Putnam, I think), is it possible to put a new version in Lorayne: The Classic Collection, Volume 3?

While I agree that the Himber Wallet Book and Mathematical Wizadry, may be too specialized to fit into the Classical Collection series, The Magic Book should definitely be included.

Here's why:

The criteria should not be whether the book was/is for "beginners" but whether the book was/is important, and The Magic Book certainly was/is that.

Yes, it is filled with fundamental sleights and techniques, but it also has a broader array of principles, performing tips, ideas and valuable introductions to other categories (coins, routines, self-workers, numbers, mentalism, etc) that are useful to "intermediates" and "advanced."

The book belongs in the Classical Collection because it is a classic.

I love The Magic Book! My copy is over 30 years old and I still read it and use material from it. I think it would be a worthy addition to the Classical Collection.

Hmmm..., Mathematical Wizardry is recent enough that it doesn't seem to need a rewrite. If you have to choose between that and The Magic Book, I would pick The Magic Book. Is there enough obscure material published in magazines and lecture notes (and potentially unpublished items) that might comprise the third section? Also..., even though I already have a copy, it might be fun to add the Professor Magic booklet in it's original form. Whatever you do decide, I'll take one!

Whatever your final decision Harry, I WILL have a copy in my library!

MMc

Harry,

Here's my two cents. I would prefer you include "The Himber Wallet Book" because it wasn't a mass market book and it's out of print.

Here's another wild thought. How about including Dingle's Deceptions. While I know the material is Dereks, you wrote it and brought it to life.

And perhaps there's material you covered in lectures, but never put in any of your books.

Looking forward to adding CC3 to my collection.

Harry,

Would there ever be a chance for a reprint of Star Quality? It's the only bit of your authored card stuff that's not already on my shelf. Love to see it one day. Regal's stuff is great.

I vote for The Magic Book and/or Himber Wallet Book over Mathematical Wizardry. If you were feeling especially generous, adding a few things like The Great Divide or Numero Uno would certainly be nice for those of us that can't get our hands on Personal Collection... and hopefully doesn't give away too much of Personal Collection so as to burn those that own it. Just some thoughts...

I'd vote for The Magic Book too. Adding a few things from Personal Collection would be lovely too.

The first 2 volumes are so great. Can't wait for Vol 3.

The Magic Book. It is such an important staple for so many. Although it may be a beginner book - I never thought of it that way - there are many powerful effects inside it's covers. It would be very useful for everyone to have your updated thoughts on these classics!

Add me to the list of 'Himber Wallet' Harry. For reasons mentioned above, there weren't too many of those around. I'll be buying all three books in the future anyway, regardless of what you put in. But, the inclusion of the Himber Wallet section might force my hand on purchasing Vol 3 sooner rather than later. Good luck with the project - be sure to let us know when its out huh?

I'd put my vote in for the Magic Book, but will buy CC3 no matter what.

Mr. Lorayne:

I think Dingle's Deceptions would be a great choice. I HAVE the book, but I think it deserves to be included in CC3.

Or - and I KNOW this is a TALL order - what about some of YOUR best material from BOF trilogy, Apocalypse, Hugard's Magic Monthly, etc. etc.? Obviously the key word is SOME. While I would LOVE a 3000 page Harry Lorayne book, most people have gigantobibliophobia, and I doubt you would want to undertake such a massive addition. Then again, others could do most of the work as Howard Lyons, Alan Slaight, and Max Maven did for the Stewart James books.

Having said all of this, I think The Himber Wallet Book would be a better call than The Magic Book. Don't get me wrong, The Magic Book is GREAT, but I think that The Himber Wallet Book would be a better fit considering the other material in this HOPE YOU WRITE IT BOOK (none too subtle plea, but do please understand, I played an all night music gig, it is 8:48 AM EST, and I have not slept yet).

Magically, musically, and "exhaustedly" yours,
Vlad

The Magic Book.

I vote for The Magic Book.

By the way Harry, I caught you being interviewed at your home on a local NYC TV station. You were entertaining as usual.

Larry

Thanks for the suggestions above, folks; I've also been getting many personal emails and phone calls. Right now, the consensus is, and I'm sort of leaning that way - to include my re-write of Dingles Deceptions - and because that's a pamphlet and not a large book, it'd give me room to include either some new stuff, or my re-write of Numero Uno and The Great Divide from Personal Collection, since so many have been asking for those two items. HL.

Harry,

That's really great to hear. Keep us posted.

Craig

I am excited!

Now that sounds like a winner, Harry!