Beyond Imagination by Norman Gilbreath

More than 30 routines, most with cards but also ones including coins and credit cards from the creator of the famous Gilbreath Principle. And although the focus of the book is not on the Gilbreath Principle, there are several routines based on it along with a thorough explanation of the principle.

With a foreword by Max Maven, who states “Along the way, you will get some answers that help to define … (Norman’s) … mentioned eccentric pathways, for Norman is not merely interested in devising clever tricks (albeit, as just indicated, this collection has plenty of those). He wants to take his magic somewhere. As such, he puts considerable effort into analyzing how tricks can be structured into full routines, and routines combined to build full acts. And, in the pages that follow, he will share that thinking with you, as well.”

Hardbound with 4-color dust jacket, 349 pages. Includes a CD containing flash program tricks and all the illustrations, in color, from the book.

Quotes:

Paul Curry: “You certainly have put a lot of deep, and very productive, thought into your famous principle. I wish I could be at your lecture in order to see for myself how it all works when it’s properly done.”

Martin Gardner: “Mr. Gilbreath is eminently qualified as a performing magician of skill and experience, and as a creative inventor of unusual magic effects that are widely known and used.”

Gordon Bean: “Not long ago in the Magic Castle, some Japanese visitors clustered around an intense silver-haired man who was seemingly manipulating the magnetic fields of colored rods and discs. The visitors were the Tenyo brain trust, and their admiring exclamations – during effect and explanation – were those of experts watching a master. The master’s name will live as long as cards are riffle shuffled, thanks to the wonderfully counter-intuitive principle that bears his name.”

Hiroshi Kondo (Tenyo Co.): “It was a pleasure to meet you at Magic Castle during our stay in Los Angeles last month. I would like to thank you for showing and explaining to us your unique magnet trick. We were really impressed with your beautiful routine.”

Howard Hamburg: “Whenever I think of an individual who is creative and innovative in the art of magic, Norman Gilbreath comes to my mind. His creation of the Gilbreath Principle has been utilized for the creation of many incredible magical effects.”

Paul Green: “Norman Gilbreath’ s mind is a treasure trove! Up until now there have been no maps except to those close to Norman himself. Now Norman has released his book, Beyond Imagination! Treasure, indeed, beyond my wildest expectations. “X” marks the spot within the pages of this book. Your magical repertoire will be broadened and your audiences will have their minds baffled.”

Tom Ogden: “Anyone who’s ever utilized the now-classic Gilbreath Principle knows how effective the disarming strategy can be. The meticulous thinking that went into this creation is evident in of all of Norman’s work, much of it detailed here for the first time.”

Jeff McBride: “Norman’s creations have baffled many of the brightest minds in the world of magic … prepare to be inspired!”

Daryl Martinez: “I’ve always thought that Norman Gilbreath’ s magic was brilliant and I’m thrilled that he’s has taken the time and made the effort to share his creations with us.”

David Regal: “Many contributors to our art have refined, improved or reinterpreted. Norman Gilbreath has done something of another order – he’s changed what is possible.”

Rafael Benatar: “Norman Gilbreath combines his deep knowledge of the properties of a deck of cards with an emotional appeal and clever routining. I’d run to get a copy of his book if I were you, and also if I weren’t.”