Barclay Shaw and His Circus of Illusion, Part 1

Eugene BurgerOriginally published in Genii Magazine, November, 1996 This November marks the fourth anniversary of Barclay Shaw’s death. I first saw Barclay in a little bar in Chicago in 1964. A friend had called to invite me. I replied, “Who is Barclay...

Some Random Thoughts and Questions about Jeff McBride

Eugene BurgerOriginally published in L&L Publishing Catalog, October, 2000 I consider Jeff McBride to be one of the very great magicians of our time. There is no doubt that he truly is one of the most influential magicians of the 20th century. And the new century...

Speak of the Devil: A Conversation about Tony Andruzzi

Eugene Burger and David ParrOriginally published in Genii Magazine, October, 2000 Eugene Burger: Do you remember the first time you met Tony and the impression he made upon you?David Parr: I do. I met him in the magic shop — Magic, Inc. We weren’t introduced. I...

A Few Thoughts About Theory

Eugene BurgerOriginally published in Behind the Smoke & Mirrors, September, 2001 For me, watching the birth and growth of David’s, Smoke and Mirrors, has been a fascinating adventure. From the beginning, the very idea of a journal devoted to...