Can you talk about Doug’s moral issues with performing in Vegas? Sure! By 1982 – Doug was frustrated with Vegas. He didn’t like the smoking, drinking, and gambling of the town. He felt like he had to work extra hard to overcome the energy of the city to stay spiritually pure. And he basically said,…
Category: Book
Lance Rich “Neon Dreams” Interview: Part 2
What were the things you found out that you didn’t know before you started? During the course of my research, there were several new and exciting discoveries. But there was one big one! And it’s that discovery that has drawn the most attention… Very early in my research people started asking me, ‘Who was the…
Lanch Rich “Neon Dreams” Interview: Part One
For all those looking for the perfect holiday gift, look no further than Lance Rich’s recent book “Neon Dreams: The Story of Las Vegas Magic.” I was delighted that Lance was more than happy to answer some questions regarding it, as well as Doug’s time in Las Vegas. Enjoy…I know I did. What inspired you…
“The Greatest Adventure” by Geoffrey Williams: Part Two
Magician Geoffrey Williams was kind enough to send me an excerpt of his autobiography, with a section devoted to Doug. It’s a fascinating story of how, as a young teen, he snuck onto the set of the first “World of Magic” special, and witnessed magic history. Today is the second and final part. I really enjoyed…
“The Greatest Adventure” by Geoffrey Williams: Part One
Magician Geoffrey Williams was kind enough to send me an excerpt of his autobiography, with a section devoted to Doug. It’s a fascinating story of how, as a young teen, he snuck onto the set of the first “World of Magic” special, and witnessed magic history. I’ll be breaking it up into two parts, today…
Maskelyne on the Performance of Magic-Doug Cover
The above cover comes from a 1976 abridged reprint of the Nevil Maskelyne/David Devant 1911 book “Our Magic.” As this was 1976, Doug was at his Magic Show/World of Magic peak. So, what better reason to put him on the cover of the classic book? The fact that he doesn’t feature in it at all…
David Copperfield’s History of Magic
For those wanting a chance to visit David Copperfield’s famed magic museum this is it! Released this week, “David Copperfield’s History of Magic” is a must read for those wanting a deep dive into magic’s illustrious history, and where much of it resides today. From Houdini, to Malini, to Thurston, and all points in between,…
Doug’s Memorial Book: Final Part
Special thanks to David Charvet
Ali Bongo’s Book of Magic: Doug Section
The item below comes from the 1981 book “Ali Bongo’s Book of Magic.” In it, Ali Bongo gives us a brief history of Doug’s life up to that point through some eye catching cartoon art. It’s a neat little piece released at the peak of Doug’s fame! While the character of Ali Bongo wouldn’t be…
“Magicians in the White House” Book Announcement
A bit of very brief Doug news went out this past President’s Day via Broadway World.com. Author and Magician Wayne Alan has announced a July 19th, 2021 publication date for his book “Magicians in the White House.” Naturally, Doug features in this book, and is name checked in the article itself. To read the press…
“World’s Greatest Magic” Book
While cleaning out my storage space recently, I came across this book in a long forgotten box of miscellaneous magicana. Written by Hyla M. Clark and with photos by Paul Levin, “The World’s Greatest Magic” is a who’s who of magic stars from the late 1970s. Houdini, Doug, Copperfield, Randi, Tomsoni, Shimada…everyone gets their just…