Richard Speaks

I just received a wonderful email from a gentleman named Kyle concerning my book, Principles of Magic.

Here is part of that letter.

My debt of gratitude to you for writing this fine work is beyond my capabilities for words. It confirms a lot of my own notions and thus, strengthened my own convictions hearing it from you. I can only hope that the ideas will soon expand to others in the magic and other art communities. I plan to still find a hard copy and definitely add it to my collection. I am feeling refreshed, like I am starting over. I will read this work for years to come, thank you for putting something beautiful out there!
Kyle

It dawned on me, after reading his words, that all I really do is try to express in simple and plain English what I believe any magician who really loves this art thinks. It is gratifying to receive so many letters about this book and my Trilogy. It reinforces my belief that most magicians truly believe in the dignity and high standards of magic.

Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to write.

Richard

The Unlecture was an exhilarating and exhausting experience for me. All of the attendees were top notch magicians, mentalists and hypnotists who really understand what the art is about. We talked about everything from presentation and business to present trends in the art. When I saw the sign that said “15 minutes left”, I couldn’t believe that 4 hours had gone by so quickly! I can only hope that those who came felt as though what they got was worth it.

I got an incredible surprise! At break time I was escorted to the back room for refreshments and there, sitting on the table, was a huge Birthday Cake for me with the Linking Ring picture of my face on the top! What great people Leland Pennington, Bobby Warren and all the rest are! (Including their wives!) Thank you guys for your great friendship and hospitality!

It was also wonderful seeing Betty again at Haines House of Cards. If you are ever in Cincinnati, you have to stop in and visit her. It reminds me of my dream idea of a magic shop when I was a kid!

If I were to do it again I would have to make sure that the time was extended. 4 hours simply isn’t enough. I think an entire 8 hour day would be about right. Of course, I would probably require hospitalization afterwards, but it would be worth it!

Thanks again to all those from Cincinnati (and the surrounding areas) for attending.

Richard

For a long time I have wanted to do a lecture that wasn’t a traditional lecture. I am finally about to make that move and do the first one at Haines House of Cards on March 1st from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. In order to best explain what it will be about, let me just quote the blurb here. Hopefully, I will be taking this to a number of other cites around the country!

Richard Osterlind’s “UNLECTURE”

Contact
Leland Pennington
937/364-6055
penningtonthewizard@yahoo.com
Pre-registration by February 28th

I recently released my book The Trilogy to the magic fraternity. So far it has been reviewed in 2 magazines. Barrie Richardson did the honors for MUM magazine and Jamy Ian Swiss for Genii.

Barrie is a wonderful person who not a single person in magic could say a bad word about.

Jamy is, well ……

I want to publicly thank Barrie for his wonderful words. Having worked so long and hard on the 3 separate volumes composing the Trilogy, it is extremely gratifying to see it appreciated. Barrie was nice enough to tell me personally that he meant every word of his review. I take that as the ultimate compliment.

Jamy Ian Swiss’s review had, of course, nothing to do with my book. His personal issues and bigotries always guide his writings, which is why no one ever takes him seriously. I did laugh when I first read it, but in all honesty, it is always a bit hurtful to read anything so negative about oneself.

Then my dear wife, Lisa, who has personally met both of these gentlemen, put it all in perspective. She told me, “You should be happy Swiss said what he did. If he had said anything nice about you, people might have thought he was your friend!” She has such a nice way with words!

I also want to thank the hundreds of magicians who have written to me to say such nice things about the book and I’m so glad you have found the material so helpful.

God Bless,
Richard

We are so pleased to announce the release of Dark Vision!

Please go to http://osterlindstore.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/79?osCsid=8bbbfc50e13cda85082769cdd0aa09b1

This has been in the works for over 3 years and has been requested repeatedly by mentalists!

Richard

Over the years I have put out 3 books that have become my trademark, Making Magic Real, Making Real Magic and Essays. They have come to be known as the Osterlind Trilogy and, along with my book, Principles of Magic, represent my thinking about the Art of Magic.

With the expertise and artistry of my partner, Jim Sisti, we are now releasing a new softcover edition of The Osterlind Trilogy in one volume. The book looks magnificent! This 148 page tome features a beautiful full glossy cover by Jim and full color plates inside duplicating the orignal covers of the ebooks. Richard Hatch wrote a wonderful Foreword and the book is repaginated so as to be a continuous flow while still maintaining the seperate contents of each. It’s size matches the Principles of Magic and my Mind Mysteries Guidebooks.

If this is to be my legacy to magic, I can ask of no better edition for it. It is in stock and available right here on our website for immediate shipment.

Richard Osterlind

Now that my new videos have been out for awhile, and people have had the opportunity to see them, I thought I would offer a few thoughts on what the project was all about and meant to be.

There is always hype and assumption with a new product. In order that no one ever be mislead, we insisted that all the effects be listed in ads so that the buyer would know just what they were getting. Still, I have heard some people compare these DVD’s to television productions of a different nature. Although I disdain any use of camera trickery, blue screen editing and the like, there was more to this production than just that.

I am a mentalist and this set of videos was meant to show how mentalism (and some related magic) could have high impact on the screen without the use of camera tricks, stooges or pre-show work. In addition, they were meant to demonstrate that “rewind capabilities” did not necessitate using the above artifices. They were intended to showcase some new material, some forgotten classics and variations of current ideas. Finally, the entire production was done in the spirit of a “live” TV with no retakes or clever editing. This, to my way of thinking, is the most honest type of television performance.

You might also be surprised to “count up” the total number of effects in each show and compare that to what is currently on television specials. There are actually more on No Camera Tricks than the typical show. In addition, there is nothing presented that cannot be done live in your own personal performances.

I want to thank so many people for their support and appreciation of our efforts. I have received countless emails, snail mail and personal messages from satisfied buyers. I always look forward to your feedback and, once again, it has been overwhelming.

Sincerely,
Richard

As many of you know, in addition to the new DVD series No Camera Tricks, there is a 4th Bonus DVD featuring 4 new mentalism routines (fully explained) and a Hypnotism show. (performance only)

This disc was supplied free of charge to anyone who ordered the series from us. It has come to our attention that some of you bought No Camera Tricks elsewhere and did not receive the Bonus Disc. We fully understand and endorse those magicians who wish to support their local ma and pa magic shop as we do the same ourselves! But we also want all our customers to be happy.

In an effort to make this material available to everyone, we will supply the Bonus Disc free of charge with any order from Osterlindmysteries of $50 or more. (Electronic downloads excluded) Simply state your desire to recieve the Bonus Disc in the comments section of your order and it will be included with your other merchandise.

This offer begins now and is limited to one disc per customer. The special will continue as long as supplies last.

Thanks for all you support.

Richard

I take full responsibility for an error in our book Zodiac Revolution which we are offering free with our new videos No Camera Tricks. Hopefully the following explanation will enable you to correct your book and make it work out right.

On page 7 of the book, in order for the illustration to match the written instructions, please note that person 5 has R in their sign and person 1 has an I. (You can just pencil that right in the book as there are open spaces where they belong.) Now everything is right and works out perfectly.

Thank you for your patience.

Richard

I am pleased to announce that my new videos Richard Osterlind - No Camera Tricks is on the way to our offices! We are taking orders and will ship as soon as they arrive. Please see our store for all the details.

Notice that in addition to the 3 DVD set, you will also receive a bonus DVD with a performance-only of my hypnotism show and 4 other fully explained mentalism effects. In addition you will receive (but only if you order from us!) my new book Zodiac Revolution. This book covers the opening effect as performed on No Camera Tricks as well as further performance details and a great new idea not seen on the video.

Let me know how you like them!

Richard