In 1897 a magician and author named Roterberg published a classic book on card magic called "New Era Card Tricks". Originally this book sold for a smashing 2 dollars! Now, the reprint of this classic in card conjuring sells for 45 dollars in hardback form. So why am I writing about this here at theory11? "The Underground Magic and Cardistry Epicenter". Because, as it would seem, either Roterberg was ahead of his time or the great minds behind T11 are in fact fans of Roterbergs work. This was a great book full of great ideas for card magic, and some basics. The most amazing thing about this book is that it contains one of the first explanations (yes multiple options in the book) of the moving pips card and how to create it. I was shocked that over 100 years ago, what is better known now as "distortion", was not only being successfully performed, but also taught exhaustively.
Now, let me take a moment and state. I am not hating on T11, or saying they stole the trick (they never claimed it was a T11 original). I am simply stating an interesting fact that history is a funny and repetitive thing. Distortion is a cool product, but how funny was it that it was written so long ago. The great thing about the book is that it teaches you how to make it and in many different ways. Pips go moving all over the place! This is quite an interesting book, but page 214 where the "moving pip card" is explored is a must read for any distortion performer.
Now, let me take a moment and state. I am not hating on T11, or saying they stole the trick (they never claimed it was a T11 original). I am simply stating an interesting fact that history is a funny and repetitive thing. Distortion is a cool product, but how funny was it that it was written so long ago. The great thing about the book is that it teaches you how to make it and in many different ways. Pips go moving all over the place! This is quite an interesting book, but page 214 where the "moving pip card" is explored is a must read for any distortion performer.
