A New Look at Some Classic Close-Up

Second Revised Edition(1998)

By Bill Okal

 

A New Look at Some Classic Close-Up by Bill Okal is exactly what the title promises: a thoughtful reworking of proven close-up magic from a performer with real-world experience. Rather than chasing novelty for novelty’s sake, Okal revisits strong commercial plots and refines them with practical handling, audience awareness, and the kind of thinking that comes from performing for laymen—not just magicians. The result is a manuscript that feels less like a collection of “moves” and more like a lesson in how to make classic magic play stronger. Based on the contents, the material spans cards, coins, and rope, including Okal’s approaches to Torn and Restored / Transposed Card, Reverse Surprise, Slow Motion Aces, a Triumph variation, Three and Three, Coin Assembly, Cut and Restored Rope, and a Professor’s Nightmare count. 

For the close-up magician who enjoys classic plots with smart construction, this booklet has a lot to offer. It carries the feel of old-school worker material: direct, practical, and built to create conviction. If you appreciate close-up magic that favors strong routining over needless finger gymnastics, A New Look at Some Classic Close-Up is a worthwhile addition to your library. It’s the sort of book that can spark better performances from material you may already do—and that’s real magic, with no extra smoke machine required. 

Details: A New Look at Some Classic Close-Up by Bill Okal

​38 pages, 8 1/2" by 11", comb binding, softcovers. 

©1998 by Bill Okal