Description

Del Ray – America’s Foremost (First Edition)
by John Moehring

Rumor was that the first edition of this book sold out within a month of publication, and it was! We couldn’t find it, and managed to get a copy from one of the magic dealers.

We later obtain a few copies to sell in our website – which is remarkable, as they are almost all gone. We are so thrilled to carry such a remarkable biography of such an outstanding performer.

This book is beautifully produced and very, very well researched. Part One, which spans 367 pages, is the complete biography of Del Ray. Part Two, contains eight effects from his repertoire. Most of the material is carefully described by Gary Plants. (And yes, I am already checking out one of the tricks. 🙂 ) In addition to the above, a DVD with Del Ray’s stage and close-up performances is included.

I saw Del Ray perform at the 1995 World Magic Summit. His close-up performance was one of the most memorable magical events I had seen in my life. I felt privileged to have had the opportunity to see Mr. Ray’s close-up show. In my opinion he was one of the top close up magicians of the 20th century.

This is the description from the dust jacket:By the middle of the 20th century, Del Ray’s career was on an ascent that was meteoric. In 1951 he was featured on Ed Sullivan’s Toast of the Town. He debuted his unique electronics act at New York’s legendary Palace Theater in 1953. From 1954 through 1957, with representation by the powerful Music Corporation of America, Del Ray worked the top nightclubs and hotels of the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. When he performed at the International Brotherhood of Magicians convention in 1958, he was awarded the trophy for the Most Outstanding Act

In the June 1958 issue of the I.B.M.’s Linking Ring magazine, Bill Dodson and Nevin Hoefert contributed a cover story titled “America’s Foremost”, which explained: “In recent years, Del Ray’s publicity describes him simply as ‘AMERICA’S FOREMOST.’ This billing strikes the fancy of Bill Beutel, the vice president of MCA who has guided Del since signing him to the agency. The billing certainly leaves no room for argument. It could mean almost anything – foremost lawyer, physician, inventor, machinist, etc. Yet the implication is there that Del is very special in some way. Certainly he has one of the most original acts in show business today, definitely the most modern act in magic. In addition, he is truly one of our great cardmen and close-up artists.”

448 pages – hardbound with dust jacket and DVD.

Please note: This is a book and shipping and handling charges for INTERNATIONAL orders will vary according to current US Postal Service rates. Please check www.usps.com for postal rates.

(Note: Due to increased postal rates and the weight of this book, international shipping and handling will be charged according to US Post Office rates. See: www.usps.com for details on international rates.)