Summer time brings a little slower pace to the influx of new items, so my picks this month are tad shorter than usual. But it’s never been about quantity - quality is what we’re searching for below. With that as a goal, you'll find nothing but the best below. Enjoy...

Solid Three Shell Game - Leo Smetsers of the Netherlands has developed a lovely version of the classic "three shell game". The props are made of polished stainless steel and crafted to perfection. The weight and look are both perfect. Leo’s routines are well thought out and the solid cap ending is a killer finale. Of course, if you have a favorite routine that you like to use virtually any routine can be applied to these gorgeous props. This is not an inexpensive item but it will no doubt be a collector’s piece in no time. We have ONLY a couple of these left and once these are gone they are gone for good.

The Magical Arts Journal – When the MAJ first appeared in 1986 it was quickly hailed as ground breaking. This journal, created by Michal Ammar and Adam Fleischer, contained fresh ideas and bold thinking in magic. Each issue was packed with great magic and insight from some of magic’s brightest minds. It includes material from Dai Vernon, Larry Jennings, Tommy Wonder, Paul Harris, John Kennedy, Jay Sankey, John Cornelius, David Roth, Martin Gardner, Jamy Ian Swiss, Chris Kenner, Roberto Giobbi, Doc Eason, Eric Mead, Richard Sanders, Gary Kurtz and more. When the last issue hit people’s homes in 1990, copies quickly became collector’s items. Each were highly sought after for their incredibly diverse and powerful content. Now, 20 years later they’ve been assembled together as one hardcover edition. What else can I say? I can not recommend this enough...buy it now.

Solid Gold Easy Action (Download) – Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s I used to LOVE performing this effect behind the counter of the magic shop. It was, and is, an ingenious idea for a Signed Card to Envelope. Long unavailable, this new download edition from Ben Harris shows exactly how to construct the gimmick and perform this mind boggling routine. This is an amazing bargain and frankly far better than most similar effects. It’s easy to do, diabolically clever, and very strong. It’s hard to imagine someone being disappointed with this purchase.

The Last Word on Three Card Monte (Set of 3 DVDs) – Has there EVER been a card con that has so enamored magicians and laymen like the Three Card Monte? I think not. While the title may seem a bit far fetched…I think this project successfully delivers the goods. It’s hard to go wrong as Darwin Ortiz, Doc Eason, Pat Page, Jon Armstrong, Bill Malone, Harry Lorayne, Steve Draun, Martin Lewis, and a host of other preeminent magic stars join together for nearly six hours of ideas, routines, and insight. If you love the Three Card Monte, you’ll fall in love with this phenomenal L&L set!

The John Carney DVDs – Typically when I make a recommendation it is for a very specific item. However, a few weeks ago we received a superb selection of great DVDs from John Carney. I’m a huge fan of John’s work and I’m pleased as punch to finally be able to offer these titles to our customers. There are all excellent and filled with strong, practical material that could easily make there way into any performers arsenal. It’s hard to say one title is better than the other because frankly they are ALL very good...you can’t go wrong with any of them. But if you put my feet to the fire I would probably suggest starting with Classic Carney, for me his Fruit Cup routine is worth the price of admission. In truth, add any title to your cart and I think you’ll be a happy customer.