Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.
In 1963, Dai Vernon received an offer from The Academy of Magical Arts to become the resident "living legend" at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Upon hearing this juicy tidbit, two eager close-up artists ditched their lives back East and hitched their dreams to the California sun, all in hopes of soaking up wisdom from "The Professor." Those two intrepid souls? None other than Bruce Cervon and Larry Jennings. Over a three-year odyssey in the early '60s, they practically lived at Vernon's feet, with Bruce diligently jotting down every pearl of wisdom he could snag.
Those notes? They spiraled into a whopping fourteen binders, affectionately dubbed The Castle Notebooks among the inner circle. The contents? Let’s just say they were the kind of well-kept secrets that magicians whispered about in dimly lit corners. Within those pages lay an arsenal of dazzling tricks and techniques, knowledge fiercely protected by the man himself over a remarkable seventy-year magic career—hidden gems meant for an elite few.
With this volume, we’re cracking open the legendary Castle Notebooks for the magical community. Bruce Cervon, with a nod and a wink from Dai Vernon, along with a little help from Larry Jennings and Louis Falanga, is ready to share this treasure trove of invaluable magic lore.
Volume One is packed with over fifty card and coin sleights, tricks, and routines, fully detailed for the first time. This is vintage Vernon magic—the kind that built his reputation and could boost yours too. You’ll also find deep dives into the thinking and psychology known as "The Vernon Touch," sprinkled with historical tidbits that will entertain and enlighten. We’ve even tossed in a bunch of rare photos and memorabilia from The Professor’s personal stash, plus a biographical essay by Elizabeth Wilson that’s worth the read.
Let’s be honest, very few books earn the "classic" label before they even hit print, but this one is definitely in that category.
51 illustrations, 33 historical photographs. 270 pages.
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