$19.50
Condition Very Good
Ex Libris Kreskin - SIGNED
With Deck in Hand: Selected Card Effects of Roger Sherman is a focused, 39-page booklet compiling clever, practical close-up card routines by Roger Sherman. The material was compiled and written by Amado "Sonny" Narvaez and published in 1978 by Micky Hades International.
The book is highly regarded by card workers for its streamlined handlings, smart psychological subtleties, and creative twists on classic plots.
Key Information
Author: Amado Narvaez (featuring the magic of Roger Sherman)
Publisher: Micky Hades International (1978)
Format: 39–40 pages, softcover, saddle-stitched (5.5" x 8.5")
Style: Practical, performance-ready card magic with an emphasis on clever handlings over knuckle-busting sleights.
Contents & Featured Routines
The book includes a variety of card plots ranging from transpositions and reversals to gambling-themed effects and utility handlings:
The Great Word Mystery & Truth or Coinsequences: Routines that blend classic card structures with mentalism-style presentations and spelling/word-play dynamics.
Ringmaster Reversal, Reversal, & Topsy Turvy: Variations on the classic card reversal plots, exploring clean ways to have selected cards flip over or manifest face-up inside a face-down deck.
The About Face Ace & You Bet Your Ace: Visual Ace routines and proposition-style effects that focus on spectator engagement.
Yes, Another Cutting the Aces: Roger Sherman's personal take on the classic "Magician Cuts to the Aces" plot, focusing on an efficient and deceptively simple handling.
Double Take & The Elusive Burglar Strikes Again: Multi-phase routines; The Elusive Burglar uses a narrative presentation of the classic "Burglar/Four Jacks" plot with updated handling.
Rubbed the Wrong Way: A visual effect involving the friction or "rubbing" of a card to alter its state or identity.
Pentro Transpo: A punchy transposition effect where two cards cleanly and unexpectedly swap places.
Handling the Double & Case-era, Sera: Section covering utility work, including subtleties for executing clean double lifts, handlings with the card case, and managing card orientation.
Display Steal: A useful utility sleight or technique for secretly acquiring or controlling a card while ostensibly displaying it to the audience.
History, Background and Credits: A concluding section providing proper historical lineage, inspirations, and technical credits for the routines in the book.
This collection is an excellent snapshot of late-70s close-up card craftsmanship, prioritizing smart construction and deceptive utility moves over excessive technical difficulty.