Magic And Meaning - Eugene Burger & Robert E. Neale - 1st Edition

MAGIC AND MEANING is a serious attempt to establish a philosophy of conjuring, one that motivates and vitalizes the performer of mysteries and his performances. Burger and Neale have distinct voices, which occasionally disagree, but they approach their topic from similar directions, ultimately arriving at a harmonious world-view of magic as both entertainment and something much more. Their views, opinions and arguments are genuinely revolutionary and insightful. They are also "inciteful"; that is, they are sure to raise heated debate in the conjuring community. Those hot debaters would do well, though, to read carefully, for the thoughts contained in this book are often complex and subtle. Robert E. Neale seasons this philosophical brew with seven tricks. These tricks and their novel presentations are used to illustrate his method of instilling magic with meaning. Of them Dr. Neale writes, "They may be upsetting to some. They should be upsetting to all."

Many magicians, amateur and professional alike, perform blind, with little or no understanding of the powerful emotional and symbolic elements that lie inherent but generally unused in their work. Employing a wide range of disciplines-including literature, anthropology, philosophy, religion, myth and film-Eugene Burger and Robert E. Neale explore these important components that rest at the very soul of magic.

USED, HC w/dj, 189 pages
This is a FIRST edition, c.1995 Hermetic Press
Also has a name tag, signed by Burger, stuck inside.

NOTE: Former owner pasted pictures inside, and a label on the spine.  There may also be some underlining.