In the world of magic literature, where there's an overabundance of the ordinary, every so often, a book comes along that clearly stands out from the rehashed and recycled norm. A book that, even on casual perusal, demands to be studied for a lifetime. A book that represents the life's work of one of magic's most gifted artists. It's a rare occurrence when a magic book of such high caliber is produced, but at long last, the wait is over. It's time for Al Schneider Magic.

Al Schneider's place in magic history would be secure if the now-classic "Matrix" effect was all he ever created but, as it turns out, "Matrix" was merely the tip of the iceberg. Al Schneider has devoted his life to not only creating great magic but in uncovering exactly what it is that makes magic effective for audiences and it's that analytical approach to creating powerful magic that informs all of the effects taught in this landmark work. Al Schneider Magic secures his reputation as not only one of magic's great creators but also as one of its great theoreticians.

There are tricks with coins, cards, cups and balls, napkins, bracelets, finger rings, and more. One could easily build a complete close-up act from the material presented here. And, if you think you know what "Matrix" is all about, wait until you read the comprehensive treatment of the effect that you'll find in this book, including a discussion about its complete history, the philosophy of the effect, its many variations, and more...and all from its creator.

In a day and age when single-trick DVDs can cost $30.00 or more, you'll find more magical value in this book than perhaps any other single investment you've ever made in magic. It may be that Al Schneider said it best. When asked to summarize the value he believed Al Schneider Magic held, he simply said, "You are guaranteed to get something from this book that you will use for the rest of your life. What is that worth?"

732 pages, photo-illustrated.

Contents :

Introduction

Part 1: Some Magic Theory
Chapter 1: The Five Steps of Deception
Chapter 2: Intention of Reality
Chapter 3: Intention of Magic
Chapter 4: Five Steps to Mastery
Chapter 5: An Important Philosophical Thought

Part 2: Moves
Chapter 6: Coin Moves
Chapter 7: Cup and Ball Moves

Part 3: Applied Theory
Chapter 8: Expansion of Texture

Part 4: Quick Tricks
Chapter 9: Ring and Pencil
Chapter 10: With One Hand
Chapter 11: Vanishing Card
Chapter 12: Sly Napkins
Chapter 13: Vanishing Saltshaker
Chapter 14: Ring Gag
Chapter 15: Split Silver

Part 5: Wings of Metal
Chapter 16: Classic Coins Across HPC
Chapter 17: Beyond a Shadow of Doubt
Chapter 18: Beyond a Shadow of Doubt for Real
Chapter 19: Special Export
Chapter 20: Special Export Plus
Chapter 21: Junior Cross Cards
Chapter 22: Classic Cross Cards
Chapter 23: Flick Cross Cards
Chapter 24: One Half Gone

Part 6: Cards
Chapter 25: Spread the Joy
Chapter 26: Card to Card Case
Chapter 27: Face to Face Aces
Chapter 28: Universal Card
Chapter 29: Insurance Policy
Chapter 30: Marked Deck
Chapter 31: Snake Basket
Chapter 32: Card Wipe

Part 7: My Best
Chapter 33: Classic Matrix
Chapter 34: Stargate
Chapter 35: Halo
Chapter 36: Cone-n-Coin
Chapter 37: Osmosis
Chapter 38: LA Street Cups