Ed Marlo created so much magic that at the peak of his career, he struggled to have it all published. So, on the advice of David Solomon, he printed and produced small amounts of his own manuscripts, which quietly circulated among serious card magicians. Decades later, these "private manuscripts" have become some of the most sought-after and influential works in modern card magic.
The first, and most notable of these is The Unexpected Card Book. It presents a dense, wide-ranging collection of 80+ tricks and sleights across multiple plots and skill levels. These aren't just something to toy with during practice, but many of these are direct, practical ideas that feel modern more than half a century later.
Inside you'll find eleven chapters covering a range of topics, ranging from overhand shuffle work, prepared effects, controls, and updated classics, to more esoteric ideas like Clock routines, faro systems, and more.
Highlights include Marlo's handling of the Balducci Cut Deeper Force-arguably the clearest and most effective version in print-and a Wild Card routine that ranks among his finest creations. You'll also find gems like his "Simplex Blindfold Deals," "Success Story," "Miracle Faro Reverse," "Royal Monte," and "The Darkest Hour," alongside a collection of moves like the Simple Push Switch and the Marlo Center Deal. His center deal work isn't just incredibly deceptive, but is accessible and immediately usable.
This book marks a pivotal moment in Marlo's history and bridges the gap between his underground manuscripts and his more widely published material. Often referred to as "Volume Zero" of the Marlo Magazines, The Unexpected Card Book is an essential purchase for card magicians and magic historians alike.
Vanishing Inc. took incredible care when republishing Marlo's work. Every word has been retyped, every illustration redrawn, and every page redesigned to modern standards while preserving the original spirit. But that isn't where they stopped. With the help of Mike Vance, Vanishing Inc. has incorporated Marlo's notes from his personal manuscript directly into the book. This isn't just the most complete version of The Unexpected Card Book; it's a piece of magic history. Get your copy today!
Contents of Unexpected Card Book
Foreword
Chapter I - Collection of Collectors
Chapter II - Overhand Shuffle Applications
Simplex Blindfold Deals
Combination Overhand Shuffle Stacks
Streamlined Lessinout Stack
Mario's Broken Up Milk Build Stack
Chapter III - Prepared Card Effects
Success Story
Solving a Problem
Posing and Solving a Problem
Double Surprise
Simple Premonition
Splitting a Thought
One Eyed Jacks Open Other Eye
Signo-Transpo
Wild Card Routine
Repeat Ace Transpo
Think Universal??
Chapter IV - Mathematical and Faro Effects
The 9999 Miracle
The Schmaltzy Showman's Prediction
Mathematical Marlo
Sober Slop Shuffle Deal
The Deep Face-Up Switch
The Invisible Toss
Miracle Faro Reverse
Masterful Match Up
Masterful Mix Up
Automatic Placement Double Control, Plus One??
Chapter V - Problems Solved
Lose or Win Proposition
From Scratch
More on Coincidence
Pointed Up Wager
Royal Monte??
Chapter VI - Clock Effects
The Pre-Determined Hour
Time For Laymen
Prediction Surprise and Clock Combination
The Darkest Hour
Another Clock Effect??
Chapter VII - System Controls
System Controls
More On The KO Control
Miracle Location
Red and Black Thoughts
Camouflage Control
In Case of a Miss
Ace Appearance
Chapter VIII - Updated Classics
Surprise-Surprise-Surprise
The Repeater
Let's Recapitulate or Criss Cross
Another Triple Transpo
Repeat Card Through Bar or Table
Under the Top
Call it the -
Is this the Elevator Going Up or Down?
Elevator Aces
Needed a Title
Chapter IX - Potpourri of Effects
A Quickie
Exhibitionism
Stranger in a Harem
Cover-Up Block Slip Cut Aces
No Future Plus
Olram's Coincidence
Coefficient of Friction
Another Spectator Cuts the Aces
Chapter X - Four for Four Transpos
A Beautiful Illusion
Impromptu Chamele Aces
Notes on Chamele Aces
Color Transposition
Without a Gaff
The Gaff Makes It
Chapter XI - Bonus Inserts
Marlo's Simple Push Switch
On the Spread Switch
A Three Packet Estimation
Special to the Expert
Marlo's Center Block Control
The Marlo Center Deal
An Added Observation
The Quick Cull Miracle??
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Provided the conditions in our refund policy have been met, refunds will be processed using the original form of payment. You can return an item purchased online by posting it to us. Please contact customer service for return address. Please note that delivery costs will be excluded from the refund unless goods are returned in accordance with your statutory rights (e.g. they are faulty or not as ordered).
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