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Ultimate Reflections
by Tony Griffith
109 A4 pages, plastic
comb bound with full colour covers
Foreword by Stuart Bowie
Overview by Al Smith
As
this is the fourth book in the Reflections series, all four
volumes can be taken together for £70-00. Post extra in each case.
In the introduction to the first book, Reflections, Tony wrote
that it was the first in a proposed series of three. Shortly afterwards came
volumes [2] and [3]. And that should have been it, but, owing to demand and
because he still had some stuff in the bank, he decided to expand the trio into
a quartet. And here we are.
To say that this book is more of the same would be reasonably accurate, but
hardly the truth and certainly not the whole picture. However, this factor does
colour the remainder of this review, because it’s difficult to say anything
different about a book that continues the excellence already presented in the
earlier volumes.
Tony’s strength on his own admission, is not his ability at invention. But he
does claim—far too modestly—that he has a knack for routining. And he does. His
ability to transform base metal (tricks) into gold (routines) is considerable.
Which means that although the book contains umpteen tricks, a better definition
is that of being thoroughly-tested performance pieces. Stuart Bowie in his
Foreword describes the material as being accessible which is an equally precise
description.
As with most of Tony’s material, it is largely stand-up close up, but is big
enough to be seen by fairly large audiences. The routines cover the range of
general magic, with ropes, silks, cards, handkerchieves, and an extended look at
Troublewit. There’s even a segment on hand shadows.
Away from the tricks/routines there are discussions on audience management,
seating arrangements and more on The Magic Of Science. This is a show/lecture
created specially for schools and even if you don’t fancy the science lecture or
the stunts described, the accompanying performance tips, comments and
observations are premium quality.
As with my overviews of volumes [2] and [3] this is a relatively short sketch
because everything I remarked about all three previous books applies equally to
this fourth adventure. But that said, I will unashamedly repeat the following:
all the books are better than good and for anyone who hasn’t dipped their toe in
the Griffith pool, here and now is a good time (and place) to start.
Price £20.00 plus £3.00 post in UK mainland. From the author: 13 Church Road,
Norton Malreward, Bristol BS39 4EX, England.
UK cheque payable to Tony Griffith
Overseas contact Tony at
tony@tonygriffith.co.uk for
details.
© A E Smith, August 2010