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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

My apologies to all other authors of magic books I have ever read or even seen. Truly, I have to say this…when I opened the box and saw this presentation, it took my breath away! The size! The color! The case wrap cover and binding. Everything as if I had had the life to warrant such a book that I would want MY book to look like. It is stunning. In size as well…..Terrific VALUABLE stuff available nowhere else. A lot of Magic is covered and the magnificent showmanship Bill Neff was capable of. But, it also gets deep into the dark side of his troubled performer..the alcoholism, the terrible treatment of his long suffering wife and the ‘forgotten’ son he never wanted. This a book for the ages folks…it uncovers so much about a time and personality like no other…just get it….this is not fluff..you will not be disappointed.

-Doug Higley, Author/Sculptor, Voice Actor and Prop Maker

I found this book both extremely fascinating and hard to put down. Within two nights, I read the entire book and cannot recommend it highly enough. It is filled with great information and fantastic, vintage photographs.

-Paul Gross, Magician and owner of Hocus Pocus Magic

The Neff book is a masterpiece and will live as long as there is a magician with a top hat, and a rabbit to pull out!

- Ron Pascu, Illusionist

I read the Neff book and think it’s terrific! As a matter of fact, I’m reading it a second time.

-Mark Walker, Magician, Author of ‘Ghostmasters’

The Neff book is ‘Wand-erfull!

-George Robinson of Viking Magic

The book is lavishly illustrated with hundreds of photographs of Neff throughout his career. From the young student working with Jimmy Stewart, through the height of his fame on stage, to his sad, slow decline. …Neff’s unpublished manuscript with his thoughts about producing an effective “blackout is alone worth the price of the book….Overall, this is a story that is both inspiring and heartbreaking. It will serve to remind you that everything in magic is an illusion. Unfortunately for Bill Neff, the illusion became his reality. Highly recommended.

-David Charvet, Magician, Author, Magic Historian

There are many magic writers that could have presented Neff’s history and accomplishments. William Rauscher offers us his soul.

-Charles Windley, Magician and former Neff stage manager

Posted on April 9th, 2008 by Chris Adams
Filed under: Publications