Free From Filler by Euan Bingham
Background
When I read Mogs review of another of Euans booklets More Derivative P*sh I was intrigued enough to visit his site. When I saw the content of his booklets I was interested. When I saw the types of reviews he was getting from the likes of Peter Duffie, I was sold. Undecided on which of his four booklets to buy I made the hasty decision to get the full collection. I consoled myself that at least my beer tokens were going to a fellow Scot (cheers Euan), and it wasn't the first or last time I'd spent a wad of cash on unseen magic. As fate would have it, I wasn't dissappointed. A few days later an envelope arrived with my purchases, with a hand written note from Euan, thanking me and advising me if I needed any help to contact him (nice touch). Now I haven't had time to look through the material in detail, but from my rough browse I am very impressed. Heres a review of the booklet which I have had a chance to workthru in detail, Free from Filler.
Review:
Euan has a straight forward writing style and quickly gets down to describing his card effects. He doesn't mess about; most of the time he doesn't bother to explain the effect. Straight into the moves, and you can tell he loves the art of card magic. His influences are in strong evidence too, notably Duffie and Sadowitz, and he always gives full or partial credit where appropriate.
Euans effects are just how I like them, short and punchy. If your looking for a 10 minute tour-de-force your not going to find it here. If your looking for direct card magic, you'll find it in abundance. At this point I would normally point out a few personal favourites, but I can't. Goto Euans site and take a look at the table of contents. The title of this booklet is bang on, Free From Filler. In addition, the booklet includes some sleights which should be of interest to most, including notes on the pass and the rather interesting Scorpion Change.
Do you get the feeling I liked this. Everytime I get a new delivery through the door I am at pains to quickly identify that one good effect out of the collection which justifies the price I paid. I did it with Euans work too; its on page 1, 2, 3 .....
Okay there are some downsides. If your expecting a full on description of each effect with pictures, your not going to get it. It may also stretch your magic library in terms of the references, something I think Euan secretly enjoys. I get the feeling that Euan isn't presenting a set of finished effects (although he is) but simply presenting his current thinking. Rather than, aren't I great, do this he seems to be saying this is what I've come up with, over to you.
His blog is also amusing and informative, but be aware it does use the richer aspects of our language.
Overall:
Great stuff.
