Number 7, dated April 17, 1947, marks the first submission by Shaman to the Phoenix. He’d made contributions to the Jinx in the past but this was his first here. While there’s evidence that Annemann, Gibson, and Elliott all contributed magic under the name, there was a performer who went by the name Shaman. Dennis T. Tittus provided a nice biographical sketch in the final Kaufman issue of Genii magazine in January 2025. Shaman’s contribution to the Phoenix was a platform version of the thieves and sheep using colored blocks entitled the Farmer’s Daughter.
J. G. Thompson’s Embers is a method for reading the contents of a sealed envelope that will require much experimentation to find the right office supplies to pull it off.
Phoenix Jr Reports offers a detailed review of Paul Rosini’s performance in Jacksonville, Florida. This feature in the Phoenix was one of my favorites as, like Max Holden’s Programmes of Famous Magicians, we get insight and inspiration from performances of the past.
Topper is a card effect by Walter Gibson which has too much shuffling and dealing for my taste.
The Backroom opens with a response to criticism of the Phoenix riding the coattails of the Jinx, a decision on the publishing schedule, some inevitable corrections, and latest news.
