BEFORE WE BEGIN (DELUXE EDITION)

Asi Wind is a shining light in our industry, and his first book, Repertoire, was a true sensation when it was first published. We're delighted that Asi Wind has teamed up with us again for his brilliant new book, Before We Begin. This is one of the most comprehensive books to be released on a topic that very few performers understand: the art of the pre-show

Pre-show allows you to add miracles—showstopping, inexplicable moments—to your show. But, only when it's handled correctly. Asi realized that, shockingly, there are weren't many other books on how to properly conduct pre-show techniques. Before We Begin fills this void.

In this gorgeous new book, Asi Wind explores every angle of pre-show work: how to select volunteers, what to say, how to avoid problems, what to say onstage so that nobody realizes that you spoke with anyone before the show, and more. You’ll learn ways to enhance your current material, as well as explore opportunities to add completely new elements to your show.

Asi Wind is not only an expert on this topic, but also interviewed three other magic luminaries to provide more well-rounded insights: Luke Jermay, Max Maven, and Penn Jillette. While Asi performs mostly mentalism onstage, the information in this book is equally applicable to magicians and mentalists.

This book is the best in class and the only book of its kind. Wefirmly believe that, for years to come, Before We Begin will be regarded as an essential text for parlor magic and stage magic performers. This book is the key to unlocking the next level of your magic performance.

For magic collectors, we have also produced 300 deluxe editions of Before We Begin. These limited edition books come with a bookplate signed by Asi and are housed in a uniquely-designed kinetic slipcase that opens so beautifully, it’s like a magic trick in itself.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Since shooting the trailer, we’ve been made aware that in fact this is not the first book devoted to pre-show. Mark Strivings’ Before The Curtain Rises was published in 2000 and is out of print. Thanks to our friends that pointed this out.

147 pages | Hardback.

The deluxe edition of Before We Begin was limited to 300 copies, signed and numbered by the author. In addition, the book comes in a spectacular slipcase. Now, only three copies remain. After they sell, they will never be available again.

 A new book by Asi Wind dedicated entirely to Pre-show. This volume is filled with ploys and ruses that will teach you how to pull off successful and undetectable Pre-show work. You will also find enlightening in-depth interviews with Luke Jermay, Max Maven, and Penn Jillette. This book will show you how to turn your tricks into miracles. 

Contents: 

Prologue  

First Impressions 

Selecting Targets

Approaching Targets

Justification

Walk-Around

Tools

Obtaining Information

Forcing

Scripting

Pre-show Script—Drawing Duplication

Show Script—Drawing Duplication

Camouflage

Pre-Show Script (Excerpt)

Show Script (Excerpt)

Randomness

Shifting Focus

The Challenge

Changing Your Mind

Have We Ever Met Before?

Assisted Pre-Show

Assistant’s Pre-Show Script

Mentalist’s Show Script

Unusual Pre-Show

Incomplete Pre-Show

Open Pre-Show

Half-Open Pre-Show

Candid Pre-Show

Expandable Pre-Show

Eavesdropping

Across Time and Space

Pre-Order

An Ounce of Prevention

Preventing Exposure

Overuse

Missing Targets

Unchangeables

Video & TV

Virtual Pre-Show

Scripts

Book Test—Pre-Show Script

Book Test—Show Script

Think of a Name—Pre-Show Script

Think of a Name—Show Script

A Brief History

Interviews:

Max Maven

Penn Jillette

Luke Jermay

Final Words

Epilogue