Joe Karson-Beyond Zombie-Michael Rose-Limited 1st Ed-Autographed-Illusions-OOP

Description

Joe
Karson
– Beyond Zombie by Michael E. Rose
Title: Joe
Karson
– Beyond Zombie
Author:
Michael E. Rose
ISBN: 0-9678925-0-3
Publisher
: Mike Rose magic
Publication Date: 1999
Hardcover
Book Size: 6 ¼ X 9 ¼
Pages: 210
Edition: First Edition-Autographed-Limited to 500 Copies!
Book Condition: Excellent-Like New!
Dust Jacket Condition: None-As Issued
Notes: Inscribed & Autographed by Author
Here is a biography on Joe
Karson
, inventor of the famous Zombie Floating Ball. What many may not know is that
Karson
also invented many other effects that were praised in his time. Mike Rose has done extensive research on the history of this man and none of the facts are sugar coated.
Karson
was definitely no boy scout. This fascinating, educational, and many times hilarious biography complete with
Karson's
effects is a must have for any serious magician. Here are the facts about a man of magic whose name is known to all, but, until now, whose life story no-one knew. Mention the name Joe
Karson
. The next word you hear will be Zombie. But, as this book reveals, there is much, much more to learn about the man.
Although sold out, the original book was a 6 x 9 hard bound, gold stamped book, printed on high quality, heavy glossy stock and limited to 500 copies. At 210 pages, the book is divided into two main sections;
Karson’s
biography and
Karson’s
creations (books, tricks and commentary).
It has 26 photos, most not seen in many years.
Besides extensive research in
New England
public records, several people who knew
Karson
were also interviewed both magicians and laymen.
Some of the well-known magic personalities interviewed were; John Calvert, Jim
Cellini
, Ray & Ann
Goulet
, Jay Marshall, Sidney
Radner
, Nick Ruggiero, Les Smith, Tony
Spina
, Ben Stone, Parker Swan, and many others.
The book also features a Foreword by Lance Burton, one of the most famous “Zombie” workers alive.
The marriages, the divorces, the business ventures, the business failures, the bouts with sickness and alcoholism and the estrangement from family and friends. The one constant is magic: performing, inventing, creating, producing and merchandising. What tricks? Zombie, of course. But also:
VooDoo
, The
Delben
Two Hole Wrist Chopper, Charlie The Wonder Snake, Cig-O-Bill, Chinese Pagoda Mystery, Color Changing Foulard and many more. All in all, this is a fascinating and well-researched book. This book belongs on the bookshelf of every magical historian and enthusiast. Illustrated with many never-before-published photographs, featuring a Foreword by Lance Burton.
Joe
Karson
– Beyond Zombie
by Michael E. Rose  (a sampling)
Welcome to a random sampling from the book, Joe
Karson
– Beyond Zombie, by Michael E. Rose.
Joe
Karson
, of course, invented the famous “Zombie” floating ball, but there was quite a bit more to
Karson
than just that.
Here are several photos (some candid) and assorted remarks about Joe
Karson
, his creations, and his life.
NOTE-Photos have been deleted-available on the internet!
Karson's
World's Fastest Card Trick
This is a photo of Joe
Karson
performing his second most famous trick,
The World’s Fastest Card Trick
.  This trick, honed to perfection by
Karson
, was published as a booklet and sold to the magic community.  The performance of this trick was the epitome of
Karson’s
comedic talent.  Other than “Zombie,” this booklet, or a performance of the trick, is often the only other thing remembered about Joe
Karson
.  When this book was published in 1948,
Karson
was riding the crest of his wave of popularity.
The World’s Fastest Card Trick
was often a show stopper when
Karson
performed it at various magic conventions and shows.
Karson
released the entire work on this trick.  He gave the reader the presentation, the method (what little there was), the patter, and most importantly, the timing.  This was truly designed as a personality piece.  Not much magic happened at all, just a simple card change.  However, in
Karson’s
hands, this trick literally got screams of laughter when he performed it in his act.
The book was only ten pages, and with the exception of the cover art, had no illustrations.
Karson
printed and sold a lot of these little books, primarily because so many magicians had seen him perform the trick so effectively.  Although over fifty years old, copies of the book are not that difficult to find (often autographed).  This book should be studied by every magician with comedic aspirations.
Karson's
First Retail Magic Shop Location
In addition to having his mail order magic business, “
Karson
Xclusives
,” Joe
Karson
also had a retail magic shop in
Springfield
,
Massachusetts
.  Over the years,
Karson
had two locations for his magic shop.  Here is a photo of his first location, which he occupied from 1940 to 1943.  The shop is located on the extreme left end of the photo, under the “Coca-Cola” sign.  This is the location where
Massachusetts
native (and magic legend), Jay Marshall, worked for
Karson
.  This photo was taken circa 1940, and, unfortunately, the building is no longer standing (it is now just a landscaped hill).  What appears to be a tower sticking up out of the left end of the building is actually part of the railroad bridge that the building was butting up against.  The railroad bridge still stands and is in use today.
Karson's
Second Retail Magic Shop Location
Here’s a modern day photo of the building where
Karson
had his second retail magic shop.  His shop took up the fifth (top) floor of the building.  This was a much more spacious location, and
Karson
had several rooms.  In the rooms,
Karson
had his wood shop, storage, office, sales counter, and even a spraying booth.
Karson
was at this location from 1944 to 1955.  This was also the last location that
Karson
had a magic shop.  After 1955,
Karson
closed his retail location, and only sold magic through mail order and wholesale to other magic dealers.
In 1949, master magic craftsman, Nick Ruggiero worked for
Karson
at this location.  One of Ruggiero’s duties was to complete the final assembly work on the “Zombies.”  This included, polishing the “Zombie” balls and assembling the gimmicks.  Ruggiero only worked for
Karson
for about a year, leaving to go to work as an assistant for Blackstone Sr. (Ruggiero got his job with Blackstone the magician through a referral from
Karson
).
Karson
Performing His Chinese Magic Act
Joe
Karson
started out his performing career often doing a Chinese theme act.  Although by the early 1940′s he was primarily performing a modern comedy magic act, sans the Chinese costume and make-up, he would occasionally resurrect his old Chinese magic act. This photo is an action shot (snapped by an audience member) of Joe and his second wife, Anne, presenting the Chinese magic act at the Abbott’s Magic Get-Together in 1948 (In their Chinese magic act, Joe used the stage name “Chan Lin” and Anne went by “
Ahn
Nee” [Annie]).
Mr. & Mrs.
Karson
A professional studio publicity photograph of Mr. & Mrs.
Karson
shot by Bruno of Hollywood.  Quite a difference from the Chinese costumed act!
Karson's
Voodoo Cabinet
One of
Karson’s
more unique and rare magic inventions was his “Voodoo.”  It was a self-contained (that’s right, no assistants of any kind!) Dancing Handkerchief routine.  The effect sold in 1949 for 0 (which would be the equivalent of about 00 by today’s inflationary standards) and was a masterpiece of ingenuity.  The cabinet was beautifully made of mahogany and this modern day photo shows one of the cabinets, still in perfect condition.  The other photo shows magician, Frank Clinton (a full time professional magician and a personal friend of
Karson
), performing “Voodoo.”  The cabinet shown here was the one owned by
Clinton
.
Frank Clinton Performing
Karson's
Voodoo
In effect, a handkerchief would be borrowed and a knot tied in one corner (see photo).  The handkerchief would be stood on the stage, and when the magician let go, it would remain standing.  Then, at the magician’s command, the handkerchief would dance around, jump into the cabinet, dance about inside the cabinet, and jump back out.  The magician could even leave the stage while the handkerchief continued to dance on its own.  A classic effect, but never before had it been one that could be performed by the magician alone.
Candid Photo of
Karson
and Friends
Here is a great candid photo.  This photo was taken circa 1945 possibly at a magic convention.  The man on the far right is magician Bill Neff.  Next to Neff is Anne
Karson
.  Next to Anne is famed lady magician, Dell O’Dell and next to her is Joe.  I don’t know who the four people on the left side of the photo are, but if anyone out there in cyberspace knows, please e-mail me and solve this mystery.   This is a great photo!  Notice how everyone is smiling at the camera except for
Karson
and Neff.
Karson
is probably making a witty comment to Neff catching him off guard as the photo was snapped.
Karson
seems apparently unconcerned about the photographer trying to get his picture.
Copyright Michael E. Rose
Please examine the photos of this book. I have included photos of the index, when needed. I have also included photos of especially colorful, interesting or autographed pages. I will be happy to answer any specific question, just send me an Email! Listing info courtesy of:
Magicref
NOTE:
I do NOT use “Stock” photos-ALL photos & Scans are mine unless otherwise noted!
ATTENTION
: A large part of the value of magic tricks is the SECRET!!
As such, there are NO REFUNDS on magic tricks (unless I make a mistake, something is not as advertised, etc.)!
I will try to be very detailed & accurate in my descriptions & also try to include the approximate skill level to assist in your decision, but I will not tell you how the trick is done! If you have any questions, please send me an Email BEFORE bidding!