Goldman also presents essays about magic that offer his observations and insights. (Some of these same essays can be found in Goldman’s “The Little Book of BIG Secrets.”) He talks about the way that magicians approach magic; how magicians are often too focused on secrets; how the magic community often greets new effects and accuses inventors and more.
The book has a quirky tone, but it’s fun to read-the quirkiness is part of its inherent charm. At times, the navigation is confusing-it’s hard to figure out where one article starts and another ends, and where an article continues. It wouldn’t surprise me if this had been intentional on the part of Goldman.
The illustrations and explanations vary: some are easy to understand and others take some effort to decipher. This book is for intermediate to advanced magicians as Goldman’s effects and explanations require knowledge of basic sleights and concepts.
Bill Goldman’s Magic Bar and Grill is an entertaining and useful read. In it, most magicians will probably find some effects and concepts that they can put to good use.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.
