In 1963, Dai Vernon received an invitation from The Academy of Magical Arts to pack his bags and saunter over to Hollywood, CA, to take up the role of resident “living legend” at the Magic Castle. Naturally, this news sent two eager young close-up artists—Bruce Cervon and Larry Jennings—on a cross-country jaunt, all for the chance to bask in the brilliance of “The Professor.” For three years in the early '60s, they soaked up every nugget of wisdom Vernon had to offer, with Cervon diligently jotting down everything he learned each night. (Talk about dedication!)
Cervon’s notes ended up filling a whopping fourteen large binders, which became the stuff of legend among the inner circle, affectionately dubbed The Castle Notebooks. These treasures contained a wealth of secrets and tricks that had been meticulously hoarded by The Professor over a lifetime of magic that stretched an impressive seventy years. (Let’s just say the secrets weren’t exactly on the menu for the general public.)
Now, with this very volume, we’re finally getting a peek inside those legendary Castle Notebooks. Bruce Cervon, with Dai Vernon’s blessing and in cahoots with Larry Jennings and Louis Falanga, is unearthing this massive trove of invaluable knowledge for all to enjoy. (You’re welcome, magic community!)
Volume One is a treasure chest of over fifty card and coin sleights, tricks, and routines, all fully detailed for the first time. This is vintage Vernon at its finest—the magic that solidified his status as a legend among magicians. Expect expert-level material ready to bolster your reputation (or at least give it a good nudge). You’ll also find rich insights into the thinking and psychology known as “The Vernon Touch,” along with entertaining and enlightening historical anecdotes. Plus, there are numerous rare photos and memorabilia from The Professor’s personal stash, not to mention a biographical essay by Elizabeth Wilson to top it all off.
There are few books that are hailed as classics before they even hit the shelves, and this volume is one of them. (Trust us, you want in on this.)
51 illustrations, 33 historical photographs. 270 pages.
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