Vanishing Inc.
The best magic tricks are often crafted by those who can't help but be endlessly curious. Few magicians embody this spirit quite like Ben Daggers, a chap who’s spent years drawing inspiration from every nook and cranny of the magic world (and a few outside it too) to whip up truly jaw-dropping effects. With a little help from our friends at Vanishing Inc., he’s finally let us in on his most prized creations in The Elusive Illusive.
This stunning hardback book is absolutely essential for any magician who values strong, entertaining, and downright inspiring magic. As Pit Hartling so aptly noted in the intro, Ben's magic is as straightforward as it gets. The plots are crystal clear, the effects pack a punch, and the delightful presentations keep audiences on their toes (and probably shouting “how did he do that?”).
Ben's success isn’t just down to luck; it’s the product of a lifetime of soaking up magic. From gallivanting around Osaka Castle with Richard Turner to those late-night wisdom-soaking sessions with Juan Tamariz in his garden, Ben has been on a relentless quest to catch the elusive beast known as the perfect magical effect.
The Elusive Illusive boasts over 200 pages of routines that Ben has polished in front of actual audiences. Inside, you’ll find 12 unique pieces that are as entertaining as they are magical, along with some original techniques—one of which includes a full-deck false shuffle that will leave you questioning your very existence. Plus, Ben tosses in three thought-provoking essays where he muses on thinking like a layperson, his thoughts on the classic force, and why revisiting old material is a must.
Forget conceptual fluff—this book is packed with real-world routines and techniques that Ben employs in his professional gigs, whether for private clients or at the weekly show he’s been running for ages. Some of these gems are a bit tricky, whilst others are a doddle. There’s a little something for every type of magician.
If you fancy pure magic, then you’ll adore "Technicolor", where Ben showcases some cheeky card-cheating antics that culminate in a riotous twist involving changing the back design of every single card. Or "Tribute", a unique skill demonstration where you blindfold yourself, shuffle, and manage to find all four Aces with just one hand—before hitting them with a kicker ending that will leave them speechless.
For those who lean towards the theatrical, "Invisible Sleeves" is a Coins Across routine with an invisible jacket twist that will have everyone scratching their heads. And don't miss "Babel Coins", a captivating routine where you transform coins with a special “elixir”—it’s as fun as it sounds!
Now, while most of the magic in The Elusive Illusive involves cards or coins, it’s not all about close-up material. "Hands Off ACAAN" is an excellent parlor piece where a named card is found at a named number in an audience-shuffled deck resting inside a wine glass. Yes, the spectators even get to count the cards themselves. "Uncommon Sense" showcases Ben's creativity beautifully, employing all five senses to pull off some incredible feats of magic, then using unconventional props to help your spectator replicate the magic.
Many of the routines work just as brilliantly in casual settings as they do in more formal ones. Take "One-Track Mind", where your spectator transforms into a card-tracking maestro who finds a named four-of-a-kind after a mere glance at a mixed-up deck. Or "Triumph for Two", a nail-biting race between you and a spectator to see who can sort a shuffled deck of cards (face up into face down) faster. After you magically unmix the cards and snag victory, you leave them astounded as the leftover mess in their hands sorts itself out magically.
The Elusive Illusive is not just a book; it’s a spark of inspiration waiting to ignite your curiosity. As with all Vanishing Inc. publications, it’s impeccably organised, featuring expert writing and crystal-clear photos that make learning a breeze. Grab your copy today!
