This fourth volume of The Vernon Chronicles takes a delightful detour from its predecessors. In the making since 1965, this captivating anecdotal biography chronicles Dai Vernon’s journey from birth to his arrival at Hollywood’s iconic Magic Castle in 1963. As you dive in, you’ll feel like you’re perched beside Dai, soaking up the tales and escapades of a lifetime (and maybe sneaking a few secrets along the way).
Here’s the thing: you’ll pick up way more magic wisdom than you’d find in a standard book of tricks. Dai shares his thoughts on "Attack on Magic", "Practice", "Using Trick Cards", "Secrets", "Effects Defined", "Shade", "Authority", "Great Tricks", "Classics", and "What’s Wrong With Magic". (Spoiler alert: it’s not you!)
Dai also dishes on the techniques that built his global reputation while introducing a cast of magical legends. You'll meet his idols like the remarkable Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser and Max Malini, along with inspirations such as Nate Leipzig, Dr. James Elliott (the Challenge Card Champion of the World), and J. Warren Keane. And let’s not forget a motley crew of characters like Harry Houdini, Jud Cole, Fred Keating, and the enigmatic Mr. Shock, alongside the likes of Old Snakey Davis and "Slip the Jit" Harry — it’s like a magic-themed soap opera!
This is the enthralling tale of the world’s greatest natural magician — the extraordinary story of the bloke who managed to fool Houdini.
