This moment has been brewing for over thirty-five years!
A few months back, I decided it was high time to wrap up what’s undoubtedly the biggest, most intricate project I’ve ever tackled. And let me tell you, this new project is a beast. Sure, there are other books on this topic, but there’s NEVER been anything even remotely close to the sheer size and depth of this offering. Not even in the same postcode.
As the mastermind behind the legendary Sight Unseen Case, the global gold standard for such devices – a gaffed business card case that lets you perform sheer miracles – I have what you might call a ‘vested interest’ in business cards.
When I unveiled the SUC back in ‘95, I knew I was onto something special. Not only was it a marvellous tool for magical mayhem, but it was also a classy, well-crafted case to house my business cards. I recognised the potential of the SUC, but I wasn’t about to confine my magic and mentalism business card skills to just that. I wanted to dive deep into everything those cards could do!
Hence, I come to you today, dear reader.
This isn’t about the SUC. This tome is all about what goes INSIDE the SUC – the glorious business cards.
So, with great excitement, I present to you... The Business Card Compendium by Mark Strivings
Without a doubt, this is the most exhaustive and comprehensive work on the use of business cards for magicians and mentalists ever published!
Here’s what some early previewers had to say:
"This book is a must-have! I thought I knew a lot about BC magic, but even I learned some new stuff in just the first few pages. It's filled with valuable information. Get it now!"
- Dan Harlan
"As someone who has built his livelihood through the art of business card mentalism, I want to emphasize the absolute necessity of acquiring this remarkable book. Your journey will be enriched by the wisdom it holds."
- Paul Brook
"The book really is awesome.
Doing something mind blowing that leaves your audience with your business card in a classy way, is an invaluable tool for the working performer.
Mark has put together an amazing collection of Magic and Mentalism with business cards. The contributions are top notch and they come from top names like Phil Goldstein, Al Mann, Alex Elmsley, Barrie Richardson and the list goes on.
I found two things that I will be immediately adding to my repertoire. You can't miss with this. Highly recommended."
- Nathan Kranzo
"Wow! Thank you very much, Mark. You must have put in an unbelievable amount of time and effort to research and write such a huge book. [I invited Richard to enjoy the book.] I am. I'll be doing no more writing today!"
- Richard Webster
"Well, I'm gobsmacked! I've just spent half an hour barely touching the surface of the BCC, and I cannot tell you how pleased I am that I no longer have to dig through Ernie Heldman's "Cards That Mean Business" when I'm looking for a "new" business card idea. Not that there's anything wrong with Ernie's book... But why dig through a "pamphlet" when you can dig through an encyclopedia to find something that will work for your specific need? Mark, you've done an incredible job compiling this and I'm thrilled to have it in my working library. Every working magician should be so lucky!
Thank you! Thanks again... you've created something truly remarkable!"
- Tom Ladshaw
Inside this hefty tome, you’ll discover a delightful mix of topics, including:
- Business Card Markings
- Double Blank Business Cards
- Just Cards (and Nothing Else)
- Just Cards plus a Pencil
- Obtaining Written Information
- Mixing Double Blanks with Regular Cards
- Business Card Magic (THIRTY ONE items in this section alone!)
- Out To Lunch
- Stacks of Cards
- Secret Writing
- Borrowed Business Cards
- Business Card Backs
- Novelties
- Business Card Gaffs
- Paddle Moves
- Magical Printing
- Business Cards combined with other Common Objects
- Special Business Cards
- Unique Business Cards
- Forcing with Business Cards
- Tearing Cards
- Spooky Stuff
- Ashes to Ashes (Astral Ashes)
- Animations
- Topological
PLUS a massive bibliography featuring 1200 business card references! And more!
But wait, there’s more!
I’ve also got some brilliant guest contributors to share their wisdom:
- Phil Goldstein
- Dan Harlan
- Tom Ladshaw
- Anthony Lindan
- Harry Lorayne
- Jim Magus
- Tom Ogden
- Lee Freed
- Ian Adair
... and many more!
There’s even some input from yours truly, including one of my all-time favourite routines. Plus, you’ll find heaps of insights, updates, alternative handlings and more from me scattered throughout the book.
Also included is a treasure trove of information on getting your cards produced, the best ways to ‘road test’ your new cards to maximise their effectiveness, which cards to actually use, resources, and much more!
You get this exceptional book – 450 pages, 250 individual pieces, 25 chapters, 1200 references in the bibliography – beautifully printed, perfect bound in soft covers. It lies flat for easy reading and is a sight to behold.
It’s often said that if you find just ONE useful item in a book, you’ve got your money’s worth. I’m struggling to see how ANYONE could spend time with this book and NOT find something – or several somethings – to use. This book isn't exactly pocket change, nor should it be. But taken as a whole, it’s an absolute bargain!
