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Astonishing Essays #2
The A,B,Z's of Magic
The A,B,Z's of Magic by Rob Zabrecky. Zabrecky is a master of character development and entertainment, and his Astonishing Essays volume explores these issues in great detail. This manuscript began as part of Rob's award-winning lecture program. Here he expands on this content and gives magicians a master-class on the performance of magic.
Astonishing Essays is our most ambitious publishing project to date. It's a TEN-VOLUME collection of small, attractive books that will make you a better magician. The concept is simple: we pair the very finest intellects in magic with a topic they're passionate about. Each collection can be read in one sitting; it's meatier than an article but shorter than a full book. Think of it as "novella" size. Brew yourself a cup of coffee, get comfortable in your favorite chair, and open Astonishing Essays to be transported to a new world. These books will challenge the way you think about your magic and expand your horizons.
Astonishing Essays is our most ambitious publishing project to date. It's a TEN-VOLUME collection of small, attractive books that will make you a better magician. The concept is simple: we pair the very finest intellects in magic with a topic they're passionate about. Each collection can be read in one sitting; it's meatier than an article but shorter than a full book. Think of it as "novella" size. Brew yourself a cup of coffee, get comfortable in your favorite chair, and open Astonishing Essays to be transported to a new world. These books will challenge the way you think about your magic and expand your horizons.
65 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 6, 2022
Review first published here (with more detailed notes).
Rob Zabrecky is a not only a successful magician, but also an accomplished actor and musician.
He built a charming, mysterious and bizarre character, and his unusual style is what distinguish him from the mass of interchangeable magicians that we’re used to see. His touch is groundbreaking and like nothing you’ve seen before.
But there is a method to the madness. Here is how Zabrecky himself introduce the book:
And that’s he does with wit, passion and efficiency.
The book is structured as a collection of mini-essays, one for each letter of the alphabet: A for Acting, I for Ideas, H for Honesty, R for Risk, etc.
Even though this book might actually be of interest to any live performer or artist, it is firstly written for magicians.
Core ideas and thesis
This is more a collection of thoughts and ideas around performing magic, not a book structured around the progression of a core thesis.
Still, there is one central question connecting all these essays:
How to become a better performer?
All the ideas revolves around these main themes: acting, creativity, meaning, passion in your craft, risk taking, questioning aspects of your performance and practice, empathy, respect for the craft, scripting.
Impressions
This is good. Really good.
It’s packed with actionable advices, and inspiring reflections about the art of magic and the act of performing.
Above all, it’s great guide on creativity, and the passion for the craft of magic that come out of every essay is inspiring and thought-provoking.
Really resonated with me as I’ve been trying to improve my performing skills and give more meaning to my magic a lot lately.
Rob Zabrecky is a not only a successful magician, but also an accomplished actor and musician.
He built a charming, mysterious and bizarre character, and his unusual style is what distinguish him from the mass of interchangeable magicians that we’re used to see. His touch is groundbreaking and like nothing you’ve seen before.
But there is a method to the madness. Here is how Zabrecky himself introduce the book:
Throughout my performing career, I’ve made it part of my crusade to demystify the creative process – taking apart its pieces one by one, examining them and putting them back together to understand how they work as a whole.
And that’s he does with wit, passion and efficiency.
The book is structured as a collection of mini-essays, one for each letter of the alphabet: A for Acting, I for Ideas, H for Honesty, R for Risk, etc.
Even though this book might actually be of interest to any live performer or artist, it is firstly written for magicians.
Core ideas and thesis
This is more a collection of thoughts and ideas around performing magic, not a book structured around the progression of a core thesis.
Still, there is one central question connecting all these essays:
How to become a better performer?
All the ideas revolves around these main themes: acting, creativity, meaning, passion in your craft, risk taking, questioning aspects of your performance and practice, empathy, respect for the craft, scripting.
Impressions
This is good. Really good.
It’s packed with actionable advices, and inspiring reflections about the art of magic and the act of performing.
Above all, it’s great guide on creativity, and the passion for the craft of magic that come out of every essay is inspiring and thought-provoking.
Really resonated with me as I’ve been trying to improve my performing skills and give more meaning to my magic a lot lately.
Displaying 1 of 1 review