Book Reviews
REVIEWS BY LINKING RING
"EGYPTIAN MAGIC"
Faithful readers of this journal will recognize Ed Solomon from his
several contributions to Tom Craven's "Havenly Close-Up" column. Members
of the Shadow Digest website will know him as the contributor of the
wonderful DeNomolos story effects. Subtitled "Presentations for the
Storyteller," these are DeNomolos presentations, and the fact that they
are practical as well as telling is amply shown by the color photos of
the beautiful, exotic props accompanying each.
DeNomolos is a wonderfully fleshed out character: an eccentric, somewhat
elderly gentleman, who is a retired educator (even as is Solomon
himself). He is a "collector of the unusual, a student of the black arts
and a bizarrist by choice." Like many of us he collects boxes of all
sorts. "His knowledge, while humble, is all embracing, and he will
debate at the drop of a subject."
As "the master" he explains in the introduction, he is an Egypt buff as
is reflected throughout this fascinating volume. The trick titles well
illustrate this theme: "An Egyptian Card Box," "Building a Pyramid,"
"Beads of Nefertiti," "Mummy Transposition," "Scarab Ritual," etc., etc.
There are thirty such presentations, which accompanied by those color
photos of exotic looking Egyptianesque apparatus. The book opens with a
ritual based on U.F. Grant's Altar Lights (coincidentally, the first
serious magic trick I ever owned). Yes, there are a couple of card
tricks, but most use Egyptian tarot cards and would not be considered a
card trick by lay audiences.
Essentially this is a book of story close-up magic with lovely
gerrymandered (a better term, I think, than "built," although great care
has been taken with them), exotic apparatus that you will have to make
should you wish to do any of them. And, you will. Worth more than the
price to me for the examples of the spell a creative, intelligent,
thoughtful approach to magic can weave for an audience. Highly
recommended, sure to be a collector's treasure.
Phil Willmarth
March 2003
"STRANGE OFFERNINGS"
A companion volume to EGYPTIAN MAGIC reviewed in March, here is another
book of DeNomolos' story presentations complete with color photos of the
apparatus involved. There is even a color photo of DeNomolos as a
frontispiece. It is important to note that each and every piece in the
book has been performed and proven practical and entertaining.
You will find "humor", dark mystery, accounts of witchcraft, dabblings
in Alchemy, stories and presentations for amusement and amazement of
anyone who would dare to delve into the strange world of DeNomolos,
Sage, Mage, etc. The material presented is not supernatural but the
audience does not know this and it is to your advantage that they do
not.
There is even a dark, practical joke, which should cause screams and
concern about the health of the person it is performed for or "on." All
in all, it is a delicious mix of the bizarre, the unusual, the spooky
and the just plain fun. It is a great read and should be a source of
inspiration regardless of your area of magical interest.
Sure to be a collector's prize and highly recommended.
Phil Willmarth
April 2003
"SOUND FX"
Ed Solomon's name is now familiar to the regular readers. His EGYPTIAN
MAGIC was reviewed here in the March, 2003 issue and his book STRANGE
OFFERINGS was reviewed in the April, 2003 issue. Here is yet another in
that same format, again sure to be a collector's item.
Here are 20 story presentations, all of which use a magical, surprise
sound to add mystery and emotional impact. Ed Solomon is a retired music
teacher, so sound and recording devices are very much in his toolbox.
The sound of children's laughter, a voice from a long-ago past, a heart
beat, the tinkle of wind chimes in a darkened, wind free room, the sound
of a Bo'sun's pipe, the sound of a nightingale. Any one of these added
to an emotion-packed story…well you can just imagine the impact.
These are tales of life and death, happiness and sadness, of spirits
roaming a darkened room, etc. These are excellent examples of how to add
emotional impact to stories or magical presentations. I like this a lot
and find it quite inspirational. I believe you will, too. But, don't
delay, these won't last long.
Phil Willmarth
August 2003
"SOMETHING STRANGE WITHIN"
Here is another book of "Presentations for the Storyteller." Faithful
readers will recognize Ed Solomon from his award winning One-man Parade
in the October issue-indeed five of the 26 presentations in this book
may be found in that Parade. So check it out, if you like the material
therein, you will definitely like that in the book. If you don't,
consider this: One of the major factors proposed for the lower respect
rendered Magic than the other Arts, such as drama and music, is Magic's
lack of emotional appeal. If that resonates in your heart of hearts,
perhaps the kinds of presentations offered here, are just what your
magic is lacking.
Here are some of the titles of the effects described, which will give
you some idea of what the presentations might be like: "Acid Reflux,"
"Afraid of the Dark," "Birthday Surprise," "The Hand of Fate," "Lunacy
or Moon Madness," " A Touch of Merlin," and "Wizards School."
Here are some of the magical effects: predictions, book test, coin in a
bottle, Hindu rope, ball and vase, pulse stopping, jumping bone, Chinese
vase, hanging coins, mysterious movement, and torn and restored. There
is a Glorpy- like effect, the appearance of a "demon", a visual
illusion, etc.
I really like this book a lot. I am in awe of the imaginative
presentations, the charismatic props Ed Solomon has developed, and the
fun, spooky, emotion arousing effects produced. The methods are often
different than what one would expect, as are the climaxes. Try one of
these among those you normally do and check the reactions. You just
might be surprised (and converted). Highly recommended.
Phil Willmarth
March 2004
REVIEWS BY ONLINE VISIONS
"TALES WORTH TELLING"
In a Blink: 10 Out of 10
The title of this book, pretty much covers what it's about, tales worth
telling. And, boy, is that an understatement! Not only are there
almost-two-dozen stores worth telling, and they will hold the audience
spellbound!
For years, I have argued that bizarre magic - or, to be more accurate,
storytelling magic - should be able to touch the audience with just the
story and without any magic.
My favorite in this collection - "Carl's Garden" - is just such a story.
No need for magic here; in fact, if anyone can hear this and remain
unmoved, then they have a heart of stone!
Add the right magic and you have an even more powerful piece.
And that's pretty much true for every story in this book.
In the yarn, "Fairy Tales Can Come True", Solomon starts off on one tack
and then switches to another in a delightful romp, giving a whole new
use to the Okito box (well, not a "whole" new use...).
Solomon goes from the commonplace, in "Man, Spam, Scam", to the exotic
in "Mythos".
But in all cases, the story is the thing. As he says, at the end of
"Mythos", "...no matter how good the effect or how good the slight of
hand, without a story it is just a novel way of bringing about
transference".
My only quibble with this book - and it's a small one - is that many of
the routines, or stories, require specialized, dealer items, which
Solomon rightly does not go into here.
I say it's a small quibble because, if you think you are ready for this
sort of thing, then you probably already have the props, stuck in your
magic "junk" drawer or are wondering why you ever bought them.
This e-book deserves - and gets - the highest recommendation.
"TALES WORTH TELLING"
In a Blink: 10 Out of 10
Material: 10
Excellent and mostly original material. And that which is not original,
like W.W. Jacobs classic short story The Monkey's Paw, is fully
credited.
Quality: 10
Solomon writes like a pro and, given the number of books that he has
produced, that's not surprising.
Illustrations: 10
There are many color photos of the props. Solomon could have put more in
but they wouldn't have added anything to the book.
Presentation: 10
The material is presented is a professional and "you will use it"
manner. As Solomon says, "I am never able to just think about it as I
write. I need to have the props in my hands so that it is not just
another pipe dream."
Originality: 10
Highly recommended; see "Material" above.
Peter Marucci
"THE MISSION OF THE MAGE"
In a Blink: 10 Out of 10
By saying that the stores and routines in this book are "compiled and
edited" by Ed Solomon, the author short shrifts himself, since that
implies that none of the more than a dozen and a half yarns are
original.
For example, "Dad's Brownies" is a great routine with or without the
magic. In fact, it - like so much of Solomon's work - is faintly
reminiscent of the late Gene Poinc (or should that be the other way
round?)
As well as being a great story, and a good vehicle for magic, the tale
provides a great moral lesson, too - and without being "preachy".
I thought my favorite was "Marfa Mysteries" - one story seamlessly
blends into another - until I found out why: The last part is credited
to me! It appeared, pretty much as Ed Solomon records it, in my monthly
column.
Gee, no wonder I liked it so much!
Seriously, trying to pick out one favorite routine is pointless; there
is just so much good material here.
Solomon can take something like that old saw, the piano trick, dress it
up with gold coins and a good, solid story line, and end up with a minor
miracle called "Pirate Gold".
"That's What It's All About" will bring a tear to the eye - right up
until the end and the truly bad magic gag!
However, as Solomon says, "Release from tensions and relaxation of the
mood is often a mean on lightening up an otherwise too serious
presentation."
In the piece "The Butterfly", Solomon points out that the story will
stand alone and "it (can be) simply a motivational story that is good in
almost any situation."
"The Dime" most certainly will bring a lump to your throat and it works
with the simplest of magic.
As in many of Solomon's routines, he gives more than one way of
including the magic in the story.
And "Walls" is a wonderful story that can stand-alone (again) or
incorporate Tom Jones' "Window of Opportunity".
In either case, it is a powerful piece on which to end the book.
"THE MISSION OF THE MAGE"
In a Blink: 10 Out of 10
Material: 10
It may be "old hat" to say it but the material here, original or not, is
nothing short of brilliant. And none of these are pipe dreams: You can
see in you mind's eye each one working! A well-deserved 10.
Quality: 10
Solomon, while not a professional writer, certainly writes like one and
the routines are a joy to read. An unequivocal 10.
Illustrations: 10
The type of stories that Solomon deals with wouldn't be aided by
explanatory illustrations; anyway, your mind's eye does a much better
job. There are many pictures of the props.
Presentation: 10
There is only one word and that word is "brilliant". This warrants at
least 10; I wish the scale went higher!
Originality: 10
This is a sort of gray area; some of the pieces are clearly not original
and Solomon points that out. Some others may be original - I have no way
of knowing. But, as I said at the beginning, Solomon takes no chances
with credits and says that he "compiled and edited" the stores; he
doesn't say they are original. But why screw up a perfect score? I give
this 10, too.
Peter Marucci
REVIEWS BY M-U-M MAGAZINE
FROM OUR POINT OF VIEW
"STRANGE OFFERINGS"
Ed Solomon's name will be familiar with those who subscribe to Shadow
Digest, and his offerings have appeared in these pages from time to
time, with more to come. Essentially, this is bizarre magic-spooky
happenings involving unique and intriguing artifacts, and accompanied by
entertaining stories. As Ed explains, these are not for Sunday school,
although there is nothing satanic about them. What he has done is
compile 29 of the best routines that DeNomolos, Sage, Mage, etc., etc.,
has posted on the Shadow Digest.
The book has 103 large pages, and is paper bound. What sets it apart,
aside from the high quality of the presentations, are the
illustrations-all full-color laser prints. This is especially important
to storytelling magicians because in a very real sense, props create
ambience. (Bruce Barnett says that such photos inspire him to work hard
on the appearance of his own props.) So when the story has to do with an
exotic gold-leafed wooden hand from India, when removed from a wooden
box, mysteriously moves on its own, we can sense the entertainment value
of the routine more exactly when we see a photograph of the gold hand. A
black and white print just isn't the same. Or how about what appears to
be a blue-and -white porcelain tea cup that DeNomolos swears was once
owned by Miss Jerry, that turns on its saucer, moved by unseen forces
(different forces that used with the wooden hand, by the way.) Or how
about a special box made from a section of tree limb with a hinged lid
that opens to reveal spaces for seven colored stones, although only six
are seen. The "blood stains" on the box are an added bonus. This box
looks so neat you're halfway home just by opening it! DeNomolos uses it
for a prediction of sorts, although not with the usual 6-item force.
"DeNomolos set a place at his table with a rather large leather altar
cloth of I guess that was what it was. I had not seen this before and I
thought that I knew most of his trappings well. It was dark but I could
make out a circle and several strange markings at each corner much like
decorations on points of a compass…" and so the stories flow. Again
quoting Bruce Barnett, "[Ed's] passion and dedication, as does his
perfectionism."
Highly recommended.
David Goodsell
February 2003
"EGYPTIAN MAGIC"
Ed Solomon is an Egyptologist, kinda. He loves the stuff and has been
collecting "Egypt" things for many years. And he is a magician His alter
ego is a sage mage named DeNomolos. DeNomolos performs bizarre magic for
his friends, who often visit him in his home. Quite often the effects
and routines use the "Egypt" stuff and have to do with "Egypt' history
and theology. Solomon is DeNomolos' Watson, and has recorded nearly 30
such effects in the book EGYPTIAN MAGIC.
DeNomolos reasons, quite rightly, that the impact of his kind of magic
depends in large part on the props uses-that and the stories. So, he
wants the readers to see these items. Some of them are one-of-a-kind,
which means that the reader cannot reproduce them exactly; however those
so inclined will have no problem finding similar objects. As is the case
in many bizarre routines, the actual magical secrets are quite simple,
and for the most part are not original with DeNomolos. For example,
"Reanimation" relies of the "Telekinetic Timber," doctored to look like
an old piece of wood. Some of the routines are created around old magic
tricks, possibly no longer available-a vanishing pack of cigarettes that
became a block of gold and Grant's "Sacred Temple Altar Lights," are two
examples. Some rely on dealer items and secrets from books by Larry
Becker, Max Maven, Brother Shadow and others. Therefore, the actual
modus operandi are missing from several of the routines, and the reader
is directed elsewhere for methods. Egyptian Tarot cards, statuettes,
scarabs, reed mats, parchments covered with hieroglyphics, small mummy
cases. These are also props. So, if you are not going to learn how to do
all the tricks, why buy the book? Well…you probably won't want to buy it
unless you are particularly fond of story magic and want to see how one
very skilled storytelling magician built routines around tricks, how he
embellished them with exotic props, and turned the occasional magic
tricks for friends into an event. Then you might buy it. I know I would.
Highly recommended
David Goodsell
March 2003
"SOUND FX"
In my opinion Ed Solomon is among the best storytellers in magic today,
in particular in what is termed Bizarre Magick. His stories have nothing
to do with demons or evil spirits. His presentations are not druidic.
There are no ceremonial robes or daggers, potions or incantations,
although there is often a unique box, bell or candle, or a bras birdcage
or a bo'sun's whistle, or perhaps a mummified alligator claw-unusual
things a person might collect over a lifetime of travel. Ed especially
likes unusual boxes. His presentations have everything to do with
stories that touch the heart, that bring back remembrances of youth and
lost loves, or call to mind concerns over growing old. Occasionally they
touch on hauntings and unusual occurrences, and maybe memories of Harry
Houdini. Ed writes, "Finding the right story is the task of the teller
of tales. Assigning some bit of magical emphasis is the challenge of the
Bizarrist." That is, Ed writes for magical storytellers.
In SOUND FX, the focus is on using simple electronic devices to create
audible "happenings" that enhance the story. These invariably come at
the end of the story, often after a few seconds of appreciative
silence-a bird chirping, a heartbeat, spirit raps, the SOS of Morse
code, a plaintive little voice calling for help, a doorbell, and my
favorite, the faint sound of children's laughter. These effects are all
possible using simple, inexpensive tape players and digital message
recorders, often muffled through layers of cloth. We recognize, of
course, that without the proper ambiance and the storyteller's skill
these sounds will be perceived for what they are. But to bring your
audience into the story, and make them a part of it and you have real
magic.
With his attractive and unusual props as well as photos of the sound
devices, reading about them is like reading a collection of what we used
to call "short, short" stories, for that is what they are. If you never
perform one of these routines, you will likely just enjoy the read. AS
written, these stories are set in what we perceive to be the cozy but
unusual study of Ed Solomon's alter ego, DeNomolos. DeNomolos often has
friends over, and their conversations include stories told by DeNomolos,
and they, in turn, often include unusual occurrences.
Highly entertaining and recommended.
David Goodsell
October 2003
REVIEWS BY ORACLE MAGIC MAGAZINE
"Presentations For The
Storyteller - THE COMPLETE WORKS OF DeNOMOLOS." I
MUST add my recommendation that you purchase Ed Solomon's latest book,
"Presentations For The Storyteller - THE COMPLETE WORKS OF DeNOMOLOS." I
was privileged to receive an advance copy to review. It came at a
perfect time. I was spending 3 days in the hospital due to a blood
bacteria infection and, not being one to watch much TV, I had the
pleasure of reading every word of Ed's book. It absolutely captivated
me. So much so, I wrote a note back to Ed expressing my delight and he
was kind enough to quote me on the back cover. This is what I wrote:
"DeNomolos is one of the grumpiest, long-winded and oddest magicians I
know. He is also one of the most brilliant. From his workshop and his
mind have come some of the most unusual and diabolically clever magic I
have ever had the privilege of learning.
I suspect he draws inspiration from another brilliant story-telling
magician, his friend -- Ed Solomon. In fact, I have long suspected
DeNomolos' "den" is really a subterranean extension of the abode of
Solomon. The combination of their minds suggests a more-than-casual
relationship and interaction that lifts magic into realms that far
transcend the tricks and puzzles most magicians perform.
If you are a thinking magician who understands that storytelling can
raise even common magic tricks onto a higher dimension this is a book
for you. You will laugh, cry, cringe and at times scream as you read its
pages. They are emotional tales, with magic tricks being the
punctuations that give DeNomolos' magic meaning, mystery and substance.
UNIQUE is the word!
DeNomolos is "one-of-a-kind" and therefore there is no other magic book
like this one. It too is one-of-a-kind. You will be entertained by the
grumpy old DeNomolos as he tells his stories and entertains his company,
but more -- you will be inspired as you learn how magic can be presented
in a way most magicians have never even considered … but should!"
Larry White
Co-Editor ORACLE MAGIC MAGAZINE
Previously Magic Editor, M-U-M _________
Others here have described the contents so I will not repeat them. But
let me tell you that this is a BIG book. It is 8 and 1/2 inches wide by
11 inches tall and 1 and 1/4 inches thick. It contains 503 pages and it
weighs almost 3 and 1/4 pounds! Practically every routine is illustrated
with photos of the actual props -- these routines are not pipe dreams,
Ed has constructed and performed every one. You are buying a lifetime of
work.
The book has been expertly edited by Bill Palmer who also did the layout
who was thoughtful enough to have it printed in a typeface (Optima) that
is larger and easier to read than Ed's E-book publications.
It is a book I will refer to time-and-time again. So will you. The
stories are clever and worth rereading. The gimmicks and methods are so
clever they inspire other uses.
The book sells for $85. Once you heft the package in comes in you will
suspect you received your money's worth. Once you flip through the book
you will know you got your money's worth. And once you read the book you
will discover you have bought a gold-mine for a steal!
I brought one other book with me to the hospital. Bob Neale's new "This
Is Not A Book." I'll tell you about that one tomorrow. It not only IS a
book, but it is another gold mine.
In the meantime, order Ed's book. Then write your review for us. While
you are waiting for it start writing all the words of praise you can
think of -- you will be using them all!
Larry White
LARY KUEHN
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF DeNOMOLOS. VOL.1
The book is a compilation of the first six books of the series called
Presentations For The Storyteller.
This compilation is a huge, hard back tome of 500 plus pages.
Shipping weight is almost 5 pounds
* 8 1/2 x 11 x 1 1/4 inches *
Multiple gray scale photos and an easy to read font type with nearly 150
presentations with full script and pictures of the props.
The chapter titles (books included) are:
EGYPTIAN MAGIC
STRANGE OFFERINGS
SOMETHING STRANGE WITHIN
SOUND FX
THE BACKDOOR KEY OF SOLOMON
MAGIC BY THE SEAT OF YOUR PANTS
$85.00 US plus shipping and handling.
This is just now being released so check the website over the next two
weeks for specific ordering information.
www.denomolos.com
Okay, the above is the boilerplate info. As to what is inside this
volume – and it is a volume – are not only the great stories you would
expect from Ed Solomon but more uses for shims, magnets, small
recorders, etc. that it becomes mind blowing. You will be amazed at all
of the various twists that he has come up with as well as showing you
how the props should look.
About Ed's book. You got the basic info in his rant of shameless self
promotion. Now for the truth.
As to what is inside this volume – and it is a volume – are not only the
great stories you would expect from Ed Solomon but more uses for shims,
magnets, small recorders, etc. that it becomes mind blowing. You will be
amazed at all of the various twists that he has come up with as well as
showing you how the props should look.
Just to cite a few examples, everyone knows the “dead finger” in the box
thing but wait until you encounter the “X Rated” version as well as
really dressing up the traditional version. Or a moving finger that
writes. Now that is weird!
There’s even a new look for a Chick Pan along with so many moans and
whispering voices that you will get a whole new outlook on thinking
outside – or inside – the box or even in your pockets.
It took me two long nights just to speed read this little jewel. It will
now put my brain in overdrive for months with re-reading and then adding
more twists for my own use.
This book will help you not only craft the props but give you fantastic
insight as to why stories are the true key to our chosen form of
entertainment.
Just like a lot of the stories, it really is hard to try and nail down a
classification for this book. Its spooky, its mystical, its bizarre, its
mental but regardless it will be a seminal work for many years to come.
I’m already chomping at the bit for Volume 2 and Volume 3 to be
released.
When you consider that each section was originally done as an e-book and
sold for $25.00 each, this is a true bargain. The simple math is you get
$150.00 worth of books that stand on their own as one well- done
hardbound book for $85.00. Plus, its certainly easier on the eyes.
Lary Kuehn
PS: Traveler and T. Everett are already fighting over who get space in
the shop first.
Lary
Lary Kuehn
l.kuehn@jewelpro.com
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