Across the Void by Paul Hallas. (Instant Download)

The Definitive Guide to Cards Across

Unlock the secrets of one of card magic's most captivating illusions with Paul Hallas's "Across the Void." This meticulously researched and brilliantly written manuscript is widely regarded as the ultimate resource for the "Cards Across" effect. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to refine your technique, an aspiring magician eager to learn the fundamentals, or simply searching for a show-stopping routine, "Across the Void" offers an exhaustive examination that leaves no stone unturned. Hallas guides you through a profound journey into the effect's myriad methods and captivating presentations, making it an indispensable addition to any serious magician's library.

A Journey Through Magic History and Classic Methods

Embark on a fascinating historical exploration, tracing the evolution of "Cards Across" from its earliest incarnations. Hallas meticulously details and comments on groundbreaking methods by pioneers such as Robert-Houdin, Devant, and Ponsin. The book delves deep into the intriguing concept of "Cards Being 'Thought Of' Travel," dissecting Zen's foundational methods, Paul Curry's ingenious variants, Henry Hardin's Kings Kards, and the legendary Acme Thought Card Pass by Jacob Daley and Annemann. This historical perspective not only provides context but also inspires new avenues for creative thought and performance.

Innovative Plot Variations and Modern Approaches

"Across the Void" goes far beyond basic methods, offering a wealth of innovative plot variations and contemporary applications. Explore "Selected Selections" with routines from Peter Warlock, Paul Hallas himself ("Glass To Glass"), and Meir Yedid's "Flight Fantastic." Discover how to infuse humor into your performance in the "Adding The Comedy" section, referencing routines by Terry Seabrooke and others. Learn about the strategic use of contrasting colored cards in "The Red and The Blue," including Horowitz's "Duo Flight." The manuscript also explores the elegant use of envelopes with Derek Dingle's "Cards Across Licked At Last" and considers "Less Traveled" paths with fewer cards and unique crossover plots.

Expert Techniques and Advanced Insights

For those seeking to push the boundaries of their card magic, "Across the Void" delivers. The "Other Additions and Pure Sleight Versions" chapter introduces different ways of incorporating cards and showcases pure sleight-of-hand methods like Prof. Hellis's "Hand To Hand Palm Change" and Hugard's "Radio Cards." Delve into "More Expert Approaches," featuring techniques from masters such as Alex Elmsley, Paul Harris, and Dave Campbell, alongside Peter Duffie's "Oversiter" routine. The book doesn't shy away from "Gaffed and Marketed Versions," examining the cleverness behind Vic Taylor's "Mentalogie" and Paul Hallas's "Rove No More," providing a comprehensive view of the entire landscape of "Cards Across."

The Essential Resource for Serious Magicians

Praised by luminaries like Steven Youell, who called it "probably the best manuscript I've ever read on Cards Across," and "Review King" (The Magic Café), who marvelled at the "wonderful writing style and the research," "Across the Void" stands as a testament to Paul Hallas's dedication. This expanded 2nd digital edition, boasting 107 pages and over 33,000 words, is an invaluable repository of knowledge. Whether you're looking for historical insights, groundbreaking methods, creative presentations, or advanced techniques, this book is truly essential reading for anyone passionate about card magic and the timeless "Cards Across" effect.

Original Specs

An examination of the classic "Cards Across" effect which discusses and explains many methods and presentations from "thought of" cards traveling to "signed cards" or those with different colored backs. If you've used this effect, want to use it or need a great routine for your show, this is essential reading.

Contents

• Introduction
• Early Cards That Travel: Detailing and comments on methods by Robert-Houdin, Devant and Ponsin.
• Cards Being 'Thought Of' Travel: Detailing Zen's method and variants, Paul Curry's variant, Henry Hardin's Kings Kards and Jacob Daley and Annemann's Acme Thought Card Pass.
• Some Thought on Plot Variations
• Selected Selections: Peter Warlock's Cards Across, Paul Hallas's Glass To Glass, Meir Yedid's Flight Fantastic.
• Adding The Comedy: Discussing the plot as a vehicle for comedy, various references to routines in print and Terry Seabrooke's Cards Across.
• The Red and The Blue: Discussing the use of contrasting colored packets of cards, rough and smooth method and detailing Horowitz's Duo Flight with suggestions.
• Thoughts On Envelopes: Thoughts on envelope use plus Derek Dingle's Cards Across Licked At Last.
• Less Traveled: Discussing some routines using less cards, the possibility of no packets and crossover plots.
• Other Additions and Pure Sleight Versions: Different ways of adding cards and sleight methods detailing Prof. Hellis's Hand To Hand palm Change and Hugard's Radio Cards with ideas.
• More Expert Approaches: References to Alex Elmsley, Paul Harris and Dave Campbell methods plus Peter Duffie's Oversiter routine fully detailed.
• Gaffed and Marketed Versions: References to some good marketed versions and divided cards. Detailing Vic Taylor's Mentalogie and Paul Hallas's Rove No More
• Final Word: Yet another reference or two slipped in.

"Probably the best manuscript I've ever read on Cards Across was "Across The Void" by Paul Hallas. It was brilliantly written and will tell you more than you'll ever need to know regarding the effect. Complete history, almost every method, etc.." - Steven Youell

"I'm a huge fan of the cards across plot. And...I thought I knew a lot about the effect. Man, I knew nothing until I started reading Paul Hallas's "Across The Void" The writing style is wonderful and the research that went into it must have been a daunting task (definitely a labor of love)." - Review King (The Magic Café).

[This digital release has a few extra references than the earlier print version of the book.]

1st edition 2002. 2nd edition 2006. 1st digital edition 2012, 63 pages; 2nd digital edition 2016, 107 pages.
word count: 33007 which is equivalent to 132 standard pages of text