The Man Who Was Erdnase by Martin Gardner, Jeff Busby & Bart Whaley 1991 First edition, published by Jeff Busby Magic, Inc. From Jeff Busby Magic, Inc's catalog:
S.W. Erdnase's The Expert at the Card Table is the holy grail of card magic. It's a legendary tome that has turned countless rookies into card sharks (with varying degrees of success, mind you). Published just after the dawn of the 20th century, the author’s name has become synonymous with the book itself - "Erdnase." But who exactly was this enigmatic figure that penned the finest card book ever? What sort of chap was he? Who was "Erdnase"?
In this gripping full-length book, you'll uncover the definitive tale of the life, work, and methods of the elusive cardsharp known as "Erdnase" - that’s Milton Franklin Andrews to his mates. This highly regarded work spills the beans like no other, featuring astonishing revelations and fresh insights you won't find elsewhere. Follow Andrews from the moment he popped into existence to his final curtain call. Discover how he transitioned from a magician to a card cheat, hustling his way through the world’s card games. You’ll learn about his dodgy associates, his family dramas, and his romantic escapades. Not to mention the murders he was implicated in, a cross-continental police chase, and a San Francisco getaway that made headlines (and probably a few enemies). For the first time, dive into the full, tragic account of the events leading to Erdnase’s demise. This book is basically the Sherlock Holmes of magic biographies – you’ll follow the winding path to unearth his unmarked grave and hear from family and friends affirming that Milton Franklin Andrews was indeed the man behind the curtain. And what of his famous book, The Expert at the Card Table? You’ll get the inside scoop on how he crafted and published this iconic work, where he nabbed his material from, and who lent a helping hand along the way. You’ll even meet magicians who actually hung out with Erdnase, and get the lowdown on his three favourite card routines! Expect detailed insights into the techniques, presentations, and props he favoured when performing close-up card magic.
The Man Who Was Erdnase boasts the first-ever analysis of all the material in The Expert at the Card Table - over 50,000 words of historical and technical references tied to the original text! This section will cut through the rubbish and provide you with the genuine sources, steering clear of the misinformation that's plagued the magic community. You’ll find an extensive technical section that teaches you the proper use of the Erdnase Grip, new methods for the Erdnase Bottom Deal, and the truth about the elusive Mechanic's Grip. This book is comprehensive. Expect a startling computer analysis of Erdnase's writing style, a deep dive into his handwriting, and a treasure trove of information on the rare editions of his iconic book. You'll read Andrews' own letters to various newspapers and a thorough list of sources about Erdnase and his contributions, including several gems that even seasoned magicians might not know. Plus, the book is packed with over 750 technical and historical notes! Revel in a trove of never-before-seen snaps of Erdnase in life and in death, his cheating partners, his collaborators, his romantic interests, and the magicians he rubbed shoulders with. You’ll spot his autograph and his various signature styles from his aliases. You might even catch a glimpse of his business card! Expertly typeset in a reader-friendly font, this hefty 448-page tome, The Man Who Was Erdnase, is the only thorough exploration of the man and his craft ever published. It’s a riveting tale of a remarkable character and his techniques – an extraordinary read like nothing else you’ve encountered!
"I read it without stop!!! I enjoyed it very, very, very much!!! It's very interesting and the technical chapters are great!!! What a job!... This kind of work advances magic more and more." - Juan Tamariz
