Helge Thun is a magician who clearly knows his onions. His performances are meticulously crafted and designed to entertain. Not only is he a member of the illustrious "Flicking Fingers," but he’s also a stand-up comic in Germany – so you know he’s got the chops! We’re chuffed to bits to present his first full-length book in English: Evidence of a Well Spent Life.
As Guy Hollingworth points out in the foreword, there are a ton of books on card magic, but very few delve into longer, structured routines like Evidence of a Well Spent Life. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of entertaining and sneaky card routines that blend multiple effects into one slick performance.
Every routine packs a theatrical punch, with each moment building towards a climax that you won't forget in a hurry. Take "Better Safe than Sorry 3," for example: three cards are revealed even though the deck is strapped down with rubber bands. It gets better, too—the effect repeats under test conditions, and the final card pops up folded neatly inside a sealed plastic box, also secured with rubber bands. Who’s the magician now, eh?
Helge’s clever structuring ramps up the deception. In "Eight Ahead!", he pushes the One Ahead principle to dizzying heights, leaving the audience scratching their heads. Four signed cards vanish and reappear in all sorts of unexpected ways before transforming into Aces. And just when you think it can’t get any stranger, those selections show up in four impossible spots: sandwiched between two cards, in the card case, in your wallet, and even in a matchbox. (Bet you didn’t see that coming!)
But wait, there’s more! Helge’s also included original sleights that are just right for stand-up, close-up, or even strolling performers (and some come with a handy QR code so you can see them in action). Plus, he dishes out valuable essays on improving your magic game. You’ll get real insights on using humour for deception, adapting card magic for stand-up gigs, and how to construct your routines. (His essay on treating spectators should be mandatory reading for anyone serious about performing.)
This book also covers Helge's innovative approach to creating signed duplicate cards. Not only will you learn the method, but he’ll show you several applications, including a killer Brainwave, an impossible Torn and Restored, and one of the strongest Traveler's routines we've ever laid eyes on. Each copy even comes with eight special cards to get you started performing these routines straight away.
If you’re into performing card magic on stage, want to play around with signed duplicates, or are just after card magic with solid structure, Evidence of a Well Spent Life is an absolute must for your shelf.
Full Table of Contents
Foreword- Guy Hollingworth
Introduction - Helge Thun
Chapter 1: Single Cards Instant Camera Card Bulkoki Reloaded Humour as Deception
Chapter 2: Technique Action Fan Palm The Bent Cop Transfer Card in Mathbox - Three Loading Methods Hands up!
Chapter 3: Beauty of Complexity Better Safe than Sorry 3 Strangers or Friends? The Flying Four Eight Ahead! Pockets Full of Presents
Chapter 4: The Duplicate Principle The Signatures 4 Card Brainwave Free Choice Cornererd Round the Corner Filling the Gap The Cloth of Death Duplicate Travelers Boxed
