Max Malini was the man who made magic a global affair, charming royals and presidents alike—he even had Theodore Roosevelt raving about him after a private performance at the White House! (No pressure, right?)
His audacious techniques and larger-than-life character have inspired legends like Dai Vernon and Ricky Jay to take up the wand. Yet, for such a celebrated magician, there’s been a glaring lack of written material about him—until now.
Enter Max Malini: King of Magicians, Magician of Kings, where Steve Cohen—New York’s own master of illusion from Chamber Magic—unveils a treasure trove of previously undisclosed information, both practical and historical.
From the secrets behind Malini's iconic Block of Ice Production and Blindfolded Card Stab to his clever card control, forcing, and palming techniques, this book is practically a magician’s manual. And let’s not forget the elaborate discussion of the Malini Egg Bag and the infamous Button Biting stunt that solidified his fame—this is a veritable how-to guide!
But wait, there's more! The book dives deeper than just the mechanics; it offers fresh perspectives on Malini’s performances and personality, shedding light on what truly made him a sensation.
Complementing the how-to content is the most comprehensive exploration of Malini's life to date. Cohen’s meticulous digging has unearthed a trove of previously untold stories and photos that showcase Malini’s prominence in early 20th-century magic.
His adventures spanned continents—from India to South America and even Australia (where some thought he was a spy—how’s that for a plot twist?). You’ll find tales of bravery and countless instances of chutzpah that not only defined Malini’s performances but also his remarkable life.
The Malini book contains:
- Over 500 pages, featuring 200 instructional photographs
- Detailed descriptions of 95 Malini tricks & methods
- Images of Malini's very own props from David Copperfield's private museum
- A transcription of Ozzie Malini's fond memories of his father
- A heartfelt biography
- Rare Malini memorabilia, including never-seen-before images
It’s a hefty cloth-bound masterpiece; 8 x 10", with a period-style smyth-sewn binding stamped in gilt, black, and blind. Each copy tips the scales at five pounds—perfect for impressing your mates (or for self-defence, we won’t judge).
Note: The second printing of the Malini book includes minor corrections, updates, and additions, along with a new binding colour, but the content remains largely unchanged from the first edition.
"Steve Cohen has provided a fitting tribute to one of magic's most lauded performers. The book provides a seamless tapestry of history and techniques that, lavishly illustrated and passionately researched, brings Malini's story to life. It is a book to enthuse any lover of magic and whether you are a performer or historian, you'll find much to enjoy." -Genii Magazine (Feb. 2022)Steve Cohen has wowed audiences worldwide. His long-running show, Chamber Magic, is often hailed as one of New York's best-kept secrets.
In 2012, he starred in Lost Magic Decoded, a special on the History Channel, along with a sold-out solo show at Carnegie Hall called Theater of Wonder. His work has appeared on CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, and Late Night with David Letterman, along with features in The New York Times and Forbes.
Note: The second printing of the Malini book includes minor corrections, updates, and additions, as well as a new binding colour, but is not substantially different in content from the first.
