What Up with Max Maven?Inside MagicMagic News Updated Daily for the Professional Magician

Phil Goldstein – Max Maven

Okay, so what up with Max Maven?

I’m not saying “what up?” like I think he’s a freak or a person with some strange attribute or someone who has done something wrong. I’m saying, “what up?” about his chosen profession. What makes someone as literate as Max Maven, continue in magic? Why doesn’t he move on to something that would be worth his while? Something that would require his knowledge, ability and desire?

Not that I’m complaining, mind you. I’m glad that he writes for Genii, has invented three of the seven tricks I do in my act, cares enough about the common magician to write instructions that can be followed by even the most philistine of magic lovers.

I know that it is popular to bash him. I think this is jealousy. People hate or ridicule that which they cannot conquer. We have people on bulletin boards – truly – attacking magicians that do kids’ magic for a profession.

We have people making aspersions against the greats of our time. People calling David Copperfield names; accusing Seigfried and Roy of selling out; David Blaine of being a fake.

Why now? Why do we tear down about that which we care? What has Max Maven done that has so offended the presumed elite of our craft that would give them license to attack?

I ask these questions because with 24 hours I heard the most viscous attacks against Max Maven – horrible attacks – and read then read his article in this month’s Genii on “Silentalisim.”

In his column, he provides us, the common magician, with the means to accomplish a miracle. If you are a Genii subscriber, please turn to page 63 of the February 2003 edition. If you don’t subscribe to Genii, you should.

Read his description of a remarkablepsychic act. His version of the presentation gave me chills. It is perfect in explanation and tone. I know I couldn’t assume his stage presence and he knows that (even though he doesn’t know me) so he provides a patter that even I could pull off.

What he has provided is an act that could make a reputation for anyone bothering to read.

So we, the semi-pros, and lovers of magic, benefit from his love for our art. So here is my plea, can’t we all just get along?

I had the chance to meet Max Maven for a fleeting second or two at the Magic Castle. He was kind, gracious and helpful. I was so impressed that I was meeting the Great Max Maven, the man who invented practically my entire act. I had almost nothing to say but he accepted my compliments with grace.

So, why does he do it? Why does Max give so much to us? I’ve decided that I don’t care why, I am just glad that he does. We are so fortunate to have him within our circle.