Reviews and comments from our newly published “Pleasant Nightmares” have been pouring in. Here are a few of them:
It is an incredible book!…Very balanced account of both Neff as performer, husband, and father. Production values are very high – worth every penny!
Keith Jozsef-Illusionist/Magician
Bill Rauscher has brilliantly documented a small but significant era in mid-twentieth century American stage magic – the “spook show.” His focus is Bill Neff, a talented but tragic figure who was undoubtedly the greatest of the “ghost masters.” This meticulously detailed book covers all aspects of the “Dr. Neff” show from the illusions presented, the working details of the obligatory “blackout” (a particularly fascinating chapter written by Neff himself), to the booking of the show in theatres large and small throughout the USA. It is required reading for anyone interested in the arcana of American stage magic. I learned a lot from it and cherish my copy of this large and beautifully produced book.
-Charles Reynolds-Author, Theatrical Consultant and Magic Historian
Read more…
Posted on April 9th, 2008 by Chris Adams
Filed under: Publications | No Comments »
S.S. Adams has just published “Pleasant Nightmares: Dr. Neff and his Madhouse of Mysteries” by William V. Rauscher.
This book is about an eerie entertainer who specialized in the supernatural. Bill Neff, called “The Master of Many Haunts” brought to his midnight audiences an assortment of zombies, goofy spooks, glamourous ghosts, and other varied and weird spirits. Newspapers proclaimed “Neff’s show makes eyes pop, pulses hop, and hearts skip a beat.”
Author William V. Rauscher presents an incisive and penetrating look at a complex man who succumbed to his own creation. With a foreword by McCarl Roberts, Pleasant Nightmares is the story of one of the best spook magicians of his time, whose theatrical attraction was entitled “Madhouse of Mystery”, a show that guaranteed suspense, shudder, shakes and shivers.
This extra large book hardbound book is 315 pages and has over 325 photos and illustrations. You can order a copy by phoning us at 732 774 0570 or by e-mail pleasantnightmares@ssadams.com
Cost: $60 plus shipping and handlng ($3.95 US, $9.95 International) - Visa / Mastercard accepted.
FREE PREVIEW!
Read William V. Rauscher’s article
“Dr. Neff: The Midnight Magician”
from M-U-M Magazine, published by
the Society of American Magicians
Posted on March 9th, 2008 by Chris Adams
Filed under: New, Publications | No Comments »
AMAZING SCOTTIE DOGS
The classic Magnetic Scotties. Watch them play, twirl and kiss. Nostalgic Fun!
A1005 Stretch Pak
CHATTER TEETH
The classic novelty item with motor and key. Wind them up to start the chatter! Yak…Yak…Yak…
A1249 Stretch Pak Card
FLYING BUTTERFLY
An S.S. Adams Invention! Wind it up, flies up to 20 feet in the air. Use again and again. US Pat# 1,858,535.
A1727 Full Color Hanging Envelope
SQUIRTING QUARTER
Ask your friend if they can read the date on this quarter -then deliver a shot of water! A real US Quarter that squirts water!
A2735 Stetch Pak Card
LIGHT UP MAGIC WAND
Push the button to activate a red light at the tip of this full-size magic wand. Battery operated.
A5492 Bag with Header
Posted on February 4th, 2008 by Chris Adams
Filed under: New, Products | No Comments »
