Rune Carlsen, an international award-winning magician from Norway, is a proper legend in the magic scene. With nearly four decades under his belt, he’s racked up more awards than you can shake a wand at, graced the screens of prominent TV shows, and snagged not one, but two golden buzzers from different countries. His performances have left audiences spellbound at The Magic Castle and have had him nearly outsmarting the infamous Penn & Teller (no small feat, that!).
With 27 years of professional experience, Rune thrives in close-up and parlor magic. His talents have not only charmed the socks off the public but have also earned him the affectionate title of "a magician's magician," as Howard Hamburg puts it. This level of esteem from his peers is a testament to Rune's knack for innovation and understanding of the craft.
And now, all that passion and know-how is wrapped up in Rune's debut book, "X". This snazzy hardcover features his top 10 favourite card tricks, a delightful mix of effects he loves and performs on the regular. Forget the usual suspects—this book shines a light on hidden gems, unpublished creations, and tricks that have left other magicians scratching their heads. Plus, it’s sprinkled with contributions from magic heavyweights like Shawn Farquhar, John Guastaferro, Vidar Strat, Jason Dean, Steve Ehlers, Tom Daugherty, Geoff Williams, Paul Vigil, Martin Nash, and Jared Kopf, along with Rune's own notes and variations to spice things up.
"X" is not just another trick collection; it’s also a peek into Rune's life with personal essays that reveal the mystical journey that shaped him. These tales, nestled among the tricks, add a bit of richness to the reader's experience. Each effect is laid out in detail, covering introduction, description, requirements, setup, performance, and additional notes, all presented beautifully with top-notch photos and designs.
Getting this book out into the world was a saga in itself, delayed almost three years by the Covid pandemic (cheers for that, right?). What could have been Rune's last hurrah has turned into a testament to his tenacity and undying love for magic. And just to keep things modern, Rune's included QR codes linking to a digital treasure trove for visual learning and community banter, making the whole experience even richer.
Rune Carlsen's impact on the magical arts stretches far beyond just performances and trophies. His book "X" and his continued ability to dazzle audiences around the globe firmly establish him as a guiding light in the magic community, inspiring all who dare to follow in his footsteps.
