History of Magic Methods

History of Magic Methods

Magic Methods was founded in 1969 by Mr. Alfred "Jerry" Mentzer in Ohio. In the early 1970s, Jerry relocated to Greenville, SC, to continue his career as a mechanical engineer with Union Carbide Corporation while managing Magic Methods. The company was acquired by Eddy Wade in 2014 and moved to its current location in Mount Holly, NC, in 2016.

Jerry Mentzer was more than just a mentor to Eddy Wade during Eddy's formative years in the art of magic; he was also a trusted friend. Jerry taught Eddy many of the routines and effects that he still performs today. To provide Eddy with spending money during his youth, Jerry allowed him to help manufacture and package many of Magic Methods' effects. In the 1970s and 1980s, these products were sold through a printed catalog. Eddy also attended numerous magic conventions each summer, assisting Jerry with setting up dealer displays and demonstrating items for sale.

For over 55 years now, Magic Methods has provided magicians with outstanding products and top-notch customer service. Whether you are an amateur, professional performer, or lifelong magic enthusiast, Magic Methods has something to offer. The product line includes the latest developments in magic apparatus, props, and books, alongside classic effects. Customers are encouraged to browse the online store and sign up for the occasional newsletter.

Magic Methods primarily operates as a mail-order company but also displays at select magic gatherings and conventions. The business focuses on publishing its book titles and manufacturing tricks invented by Jerry Mentzer, along with those he acquired rights to distribute. Additionally, Magic Methods carries a curated inventory of quality magic from other manufacturers and creators.

A List of Books Authored by Jerry Mentzer.

Below is a chronological list of books authored by Jerry Mentzer. Visit www.MagicMethods.com for detailed descriptions and to place an order. Note that some titles may be temporarily out of print (OOP) But check with us as to re-print dates or if we have a used copy.

• 1972: Card Cavalcade 1

• 1973: Multiple Push Through Control, Master Ball and Silk Manipulation, Close-up Cavalcade (OOP)

• 1974: Magician Nightly - The Magic of Eddie Fechter (OOP), Card Cavalcade 2 (OOP)

• 1975: Cards and Cases, Super Cents, Close-up Cues, Club Cues, Another Close-up Cavalcade (OOP), New and Novel Knowledge, Card Cavalcade 3 (OOP)

• 1976: How To Do The Dancing Cane, The Magic of Paul Harris (OOP)

• 1977: Cuts, Counts, Moves and Subtlety, Close-up Cavalcade Finale, Card Cavalcade Four (OOP)

• 1979: Card Cavalcade Finale

• 1980: Second Lecture Notes

• 1981: Basic Skill With Cards

• 1982: Forcing A Card, Packet Tricks (OOP), Silk Potpourri

• 1983: Lecture Three

• 1984: On the Corner Short, Magic With Finger Rings, Effective Cups and Balls

• 1986: Climax Coins

• 1987: Simple Yet Effective Tricks With Cards

• 1988: Magic With A Copper Silver Coin

• 1991: Card to Wallet - The Book (OOP)

• 1992: Magic With Credit Cards

• 1993: Fechter (OOP), Card File (OOP)

• 1994: Close-up File

• 2000: Card File Two

Effects Created by Jerry Mentzer. Magic Methods owns the exclusive manufacturing, copyrights and worldwide distribution rights on all these items;

Magic Methods continues to produce over 150 magical effects many were created by Jerry Mentzer, including:

• 6+9=15 Paddle Trick

• Disc-O

• Divination Mental Die

• Improved Kavorting Kords

• Marked Cards Routine

• Midget Sextet Card

• Mini Maxi Miracle Cards

• Pick A Drink Routine

• Prediction Unlimited Wallet

• Sherlock’s Hold Out

• The Big Bet

• Triple Coverage Magic Insurance Policy

• Twist 2000

• Ultimate English Three Card Monte

• Util-O-Silks Device

• Ultimate Salt Routine

Detailed descriptions and ordering information can be found on the website. For unlisted items, feel free to contact Magic Methods directly.

Books Published by Magic Methods (Written by or For Others)

• 1974: Fechter’s Dice Holdout Methods for Magicians - Jerry Mentzer

• 1975: Bennett’s Best - Horace Bennett

• 1976: The Magic of Paul Harris - Jerry Mentzer (OOP)

• 1981: Bennett’s Fourth Book - Horace Bennett, Downs Palm Technique - Horace Bennett

• 1982: Tricky Stuff - Roger Sherman, Close-up With Cards - Ken Simmons, Intermediate and Advanced Coin Technique - Rubinstein (OOP), Cards With a Different Touch - Ken Simmons

• 1983: Magic Afoot - Horace Bennett, Alternative Handlings - Horace Bennett

• 1984: Card News - Christin Scherer, Familiar Themes - Horace Bennett

• 1985: Close-up of The Damned - Richard Bartram, Jr.

• 1986: The Bennett Touch - Horace Bennett

• 1989: 21 Himber Wallet Routines - Ken Baker

• 1991: The Jiggle Pass - Taylor & Elias

• 1993: Mystification - Richard Bartram, Jr.

• 1995: The Magic Of John Riggs - John Riggs

• 1996: Magic from the Ambient Domain - John Riggs

• 1997: Trephine - Richard Bartram, Jr.

(OOP = Out of Print)

Major Effects Produced by Magic Methods for Other Creators. Magic Methods owns the exclusive manufacturing, copyrights and worldwide distribution rights on all these items;

• Paul Harris: Solid Deception, Super Swindle, Paul Harris Vanishing Deck

• Tom Mullica: The Mullica Card To Wallet Routine (Miracle Card To Wallet), The Mullica Pad

• Larry Becker: Hypnotic Ten Card Poker Deal

• Richard Bartram: Pasteboard Impalement

• Horace Bennett: Showoff Rope Routine

• David Hemingway: Travel Trouble

• Jim Lee: The Karate Kard

• Joe Riding: The Irish Three Card Trick

• Rick Johnson: Strike One, Sew What, Die Penetration

• Duke Stern: $7 Trick

For complete descriptions of these effects or to place an order, visit the website or contact Magic Methods directly.