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

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

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