Chicago area magician and author, Chuck Romero, quietly released his latest work without much fanfare. If I hadn’t been scanning through the latest posts on the Genii forum, I may have missed it. Romano previously released books on the life and work of Paul Rosini and the artwork and design of magic illustrations. Both works are available on the secondary market as well as ebooks from Lybrary.
Like Rosini, Allerton was a Chicago based performer. He came to magic later in life than most. It was the death of his wife and parents within a short time that he decided to become a full time magician. He is considered the first full time close up magician performing at the table of guests at the Pump Room in Chicago and other high end restaurants across the country.
Romano spends about forty five pages sharing a serviceable telling of Allerton’s life with the balance of the book reprinting contributions to publications from Hugard, Rufus Steele, Martin Gardner as well as Greater Magic and the Stars of Magic. In most cases, the effect is taken directly from the source in the sparse style of the era. In other cases, Romano is only able to discuss the effect and point the reader to the original source.
Prior to this book, the only major collection of Allerton’s work was the posthumous book, The Close Up Magician. The work was begun by Robert Parish was begun before Allerton’s death however it was not finished until after. Romano references this work but if you want the fuller picture then finding a print or ebook edition is required.
Allerton’s influence on magic has been felt for decades after his passing. Eugene Burger’s professional repertoire included versions of Allerton’s effects. Coincidentally Eugene and Bert both lived in the same apartment building in Chicago’s Gold Coast. Having had the opportunity to stay in the guest apartment while visiting Eugene, I can attest that it is a very nice place in a great location.
I’m glad that Allerton’s life and magic is getting greater attention. However I wish that there was more careful editing, sharper photos, and greater sourcing of the information on his life. Any biography and collection of important magicians of the past should be applauded.
If the life and times of the first professional close up magician interests you, then I recommend heading over to Amazon and picking up either the soft back or hardback version. The difference is only a few dollars.
