Fred Kaps, Master Magician

We are offering the last six copies of Fred Kaps, Master Magician at only $65 - with one caveat. Each book has some faults to its exterior due to the rigors of international shipping, such as corner bumps and small scratches.

Even so, these are the only remaining copies of the English language edition of this lovely book. Act now - because if you snooze, you lose!

Loyal fans of Fred Kaps have had to wait four decades, but now his greatest secrets can finally be revealed. Fred Kaps (1926-1980) is considered to be the greatest magician of all time. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of his death, Michel van Zeist has compiled a lavishly illustrated book that reminds all readers just how special Holland’s three-time world champion of magic really was. In Fred Kaps, Master Magician he recalls memories from, among others, Kaps's daughter Barry Schatz-Bongers and Kaps's former colleague, Flip Hallema.

Two prominent faces in today’s world of magic – Dutchmen Hans Kazàn and Hans Klok – share their views on Kaps and on the magic scene in general. Michel’s biography provides an in-depth insight into the life of ‘The Johan Cruijff of Magic’. Kaps’ career, repertoire and private life are explained and discussed from different angles by people who really knew him. Discover the story behind his famous Salt Trick and why his costumes had to be midnight blue.

Both amateur and professional magicians will be able to learn what to do and what not to do from the master himself. Detailed attention is also paid to Henk Vermeyden (1908-1988). This coach and manager of magicians founded the Dutch Magic Union (NMU) and the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM). Vermeyden was ‘The Magic Dandy’ who guided several world champions, including Fred Kaps, from his canal houses on Keizersgracht and Kloveniersburgwal in Amsterdam.

Many famous magicians and illusionists, including Siegfried & Roy, came to him for advice. What tips and tricks were exchanged? Partly thanks to Vermeyden’s merits, the Netherlands was, for many years, the number one conjuring nation in the world. With the permission of Fred Kaps’ family and unlimited access to the archives of this legend, Michel provides an exclusive look into the life and times of this unique artist: Fred Kaps, Master Magician. Written with the cooperation of – in addition to the aforementioned – Jeff McBride, James Swain, Chris Wasshuber, Brenda & Theo Achterberg, Peter Vogel, Ronald Moray, Jan Paymans, James Schatz, Gerrit ten Cate, Véronique Ross, Tonny Eyk, Hanny Morpurgo, George Tokaya, Eric Eswin, Kobe van Herwegen, Sylvia Schuyer, Tel Smit, Hubrecht Duijker, Ton Bal, Andy Doornhein, Jordi IJzerman, Kevin Ike, Aris Smit, Angela de Zeeuw and John Eertink.

More than 250 pages and 250 photos, published in an elegant oversize hardcover volume, in full color. There may be minor imperfections such as slightly bumped corners, small scratches or mild soiling.