📖 Overview
Dai Vernon's More Inner Secrets of Card Magic is a fundamental text on advanced card magic techniques, published in 1961 as a follow-up to the original Inner Secrets volume. The book presents Vernon's personal methods and handling for classic effects in close-up magic.
The text breaks down complex sleight-of-hand moves into detailed steps, accompanied by clear illustrations that demonstrate proper finger positions and card manipulation. Each routine includes Vernon's notes on timing, misdirection, and psychology - elements that elevate the material beyond mere technical instruction.
This work collects some of Vernon's most influential contributions to card magic, including his approach to the Ambitious Card routine and work on false deals. The methods taught represent refinements developed over decades of Vernon's performing career.
The book stands as a testament to Vernon's philosophy that simplicity and naturalness are the highest achievements in card magic, emphasizing economy of movement over unnecessary flourishes. Its influence continues to shape how magicians approach both classic effects and modern innovations.
👀 Reviews
Book collectors and professional magicians prize this text as volume 3 in Vernon's Inner Card Magic series. Readers note the advanced difficulty level compared to earlier volumes.
Likes:
- Clear explanations of Vernon's handling on complex sleights
- Photos that illustrate key moves from multiple angles
- Focus on audience misdirection techniques
- Inclusion of Vernon's personal tips and variations
Dislikes:
- Some illustrations lack detail for intricate finger positions
- Several routines require props no longer manufactured
- Text assumes familiarity with previous volumes
- Binding quality issues reported in 1980s reprints
A magician on Magic Cafe forum wrote: "Vernon's work on the pass alone makes this worth studying." However, another noted: "Not for beginners - start with Volume 1."
Limited review data available online due to book's age:
Goodreads: 4.7/5 (12 ratings)
Amazon: No listings found
Magic Cafe Forum: Multiple positive discussion threads
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The Royal Road to Card Magic by Jean Hugard. A structured progression of card magic techniques from basic sleights to complex routines with clear explanations.
Stars of Magic by Harry Lorayne, John Northern Hilliard. A collection of professional-level card magic effects from renowned magicians of the twentieth century.
Card Control by Arthur Buckley. A technical manual focused on advanced card control methods used in both magic and gambling demonstrations.
Card College Volume 1 by Roberto Giobbi. The first volume in a series that presents fundamental and intermediate card manipulation techniques with detailed illustrations.
The Royal Road to Card Magic by Jean Hugard. A structured progression of card magic techniques from basic sleights to complex routines with clear explanations.
Stars of Magic by Harry Lorayne, John Northern Hilliard. A collection of professional-level card magic effects from renowned magicians of the twentieth century.
Card Control by Arthur Buckley. A technical manual focused on advanced card control methods used in both magic and gambling demonstrations.
🤔 Interesting facts
🎴 Dai Vernon, known as "The Professor," fooled Harry Houdini with a simple card trick called "The Ambitious Card," demonstrating his mastery of sleight of hand
🌟 The book is part of a larger series that includes "Inner Secrets of Card Magic" and "Ultimate Secrets of Card Magic," which collectively represent some of the most influential works in card magic literature
🎭 Vernon spent decades studying gamblers and card cheats to perfect his techniques, leading to his reputation as one of the greatest card magicians of the 20th century
📚 Many of the techniques revealed in this book were closely guarded secrets that Vernon had previously shared only with his inner circle of magicians at Hollywood's Magic Castle
🔍 The book features Vernon's revolutionary "palm-to-palm" pass, a technique that transformed how magicians approached card control and influenced generations of performers