Mr. Fingers – The Magic of Irv Weiner (book) – Scott Martell

The secrets of the incredibly influential Irv Weiner are finally shared in this definitive work. Master magician and pioneer of college shows, this beautiful collection is packed with polished tricks.

“I saw Irv Weiner when I was a kid, and he made an immense impression on me. The tricks were amazing, but even more than that, he was incredibly engaging. This book captures that perfectly. The magic is stupendous and clearly explained, but it also tells Irv’s story. I love books like this—where you get to know the performer as well as the tricks—and Mr. Fingers does that beautifully.” – Mac King

“Irv Weiner probably had more influence on my magic than anyone. In the seventies, he was the first person I ever saw walk onto a stage of over a thousand people and perform close-up magic out of a briefcase. That single idea shaped my entire career. He could open for fifteen hundred people with a torn cigarette paper and get a standing ovation—just by being himself. He didn’t need big illusions; he just talked to people, shared who he was, and amazed them with his hands. For decades, I never saw anyone else do what Irv did. I’m grateful that his magic is finally being preserved. This is a book of solid gold, celebrating a true legend: Mr. Fingers.” – Michael Ammar

“Mr. Fingers is a richly detailed tribute to Irv Weiner’s work and character. The routines are smart, practical and clearly taught, the biographical sections vivid and full of insight. It’s rare to see a book that balances technical depth with such a strong sense of personality. The result is something that feels valuable on every level: a source of strong material, a record of a life in magic, and a guide to what it means to perform with purpose. As a long-time fan of Irv’s material, I will read, study and treasure this book for many years to come.” – Mark Elsdon (The Fig)

“I was fortunate to spend ten days with Irv Weiner in 1979. I saw him perform impromptu magic daily for laymen, routines for other magicians at the local shop and a convention, and perform for a college audience of about 1200. I saw him perform nearly every item in this volume and I became a lifetime fan. This is his life story and his life’s work — over 300 pages that ooze practical material from the magician Newsweek called one of the ten most sought-after Novelty-Variety College Entertainments in America. Isn’t it about time you get your hands on the magic of Mr. Fingers?” – Steve Beam

“Irv Weiner changed my life. I first encountered him in New York in the late seventies, after hearing about the standing ovations he was receiving all over the country. He was remarkable—creative, honest, and deeply human. My own piece, The Phoenix, was born directly from his work. Irv gave so much of himself through his talent, his performances, and his caring. This book is a beautiful and true tribute to a wonderful, complicated man and the magic he brought into the world.” – Peter Samelson

“Irv Weiner’s name has been spoken with respect for as long as I’ve been a professional magician. He was the kind of performer who could walk onto a stage with just a deck of cards and a few coins and create magic for hundreds of people that was as entertaining and as meaningful as anything they’d ever seen. For years, magicians have searched for his manuscripts. Now everything is here—his life, his thinking, his marketing, and his magic. This isn’t material for impressing other magicians at a convention. This is real-world magic for people who want to make a living doing real magic for real people.” – Brad Henderson

“When I started working the college market over thirty years ago, one name kept coming up again and again: Mr. Fingers, Irv Weiner. He may have been small in stature, but as a magician, he was a giant. For years his material was almost impossible to find—and when I finally did, I discovered pure gold. His magic is subtle, direct, and simple in the very best way. Irv Weiner’s material transformed everything I do on stage. Now it’s all in one place. This book offers a rare look into a brilliant mind—and if you study it, it will transform your work too. This is a no-brainer. You must get this book.” – Christopher Carter

“I first encountered Irv Weiner through his manuscripts, then through old footage of this ebullient man performing immaculate close-up magic on a stage. Time and again I’d see a wonderful effect—like the Red Tape Thumb Tie—and realize it was by the same magician. Irv Weiner did something remarkable: in his fifties, he created a two-hour show that became a sensation with college audiences. What kind of person can do that? This book gives you the answer. Mr. Fingers is filled with Irv’s brilliant magical thinking and offers a fascinating look at Irv Weiner, the man.” – David Regal

“Irv Weiner was a genius when it came to magic. He was a pioneer of the college circuit and a wonderful all-round performer—equally brilliant with magic, mentalism, and people. His work has been scattered and hard to find for years, and now it’s finally been gathered in one place. What you’ll find here is professional material: clever thinking, beautiful structure, and routines that are tried, tested, and honed through thousands of performances. Irv was truly ahead of his time, and this book is packed with miracles.” – Marc Paul

“I am genuinely delighted that this book exists. Irv Weiner was one of the most successful working professionals of his era on the college circuit—an older man playing to younger audiences in often impossible conditions, walking in with a small case and delivering a two-hour show that routinely earned multiple standing ovations. He was far ahead of his time. The material in this book is practical, commercial, and deeply intelligent—card magic, close-up and platform mentalism, and book tests that you can open to any page and start using. Along with a wonderful biography, this book preserves the work and the legacy of a truly great working professional—one of the most unique and significant performers our art has known. This is a fantastic resource, and I’m thrilled that we have it.” – Jamy Ian Swiss

Irv Weiner was a force to be reckoned with in the North American Magic scene. He’s influenced some of the most influential magicians of the twentieth century. Magicians like Michael Ammar, Christopher Carter, and David Regal. Irv Weiner’s show was a powerhouse on college campuses. Not only will you learn incredible tricks, but this book is filled with essays, private scrapbooks, Irv’s lecture notes, and a complete walk-through of his legendary stage set. With over 80 tricks and sleights, this book covers everything from magic with cards, coins, napkins, rope, cigarettes, eggs, sponges, mentalism, cups & balls, and includes tricks for close-up and stage. Even some of Irv’s legendary effects, like his Red Tape Thumb Tie is covered in loving detail.

Foil-Stamped Cloth Hardcover w/ Dust Jacket
8.5 x 11 Trim Size
338 Pages
B&W and Color Photos

This is the definitive work of a legend who performed thousands of shows all over the country. The book isn’t just a reprint of his private journals. It includes contributions from his friends and contemporaries so that you can gain a deep understanding of this incredible performer. It’s packed with performance theory and historical context so that you can get a real sense for the magic in the age it was developed and performed in. It also includes a detailed account of his life. You are about to learn so much about one of the most underrated master magicians. One of the most sought-after acts in the 70’s and 80’s now has all his secrets shared with you.

Also included with this beautiful book is exclusive video of Irv Weiner Performing. There is an introduction from the man himself, a recording of the full Mr. Fingers Show, clips from different venues, and a video of his live lecture. This is more than two hours of content, so you can see the incredible work as presented by the master who created it.