Herb Zarrow
Encyclopedia
Herb Zarrow was an American magician
influential in the profession for his inventions of unique sleight of hand
and card tricks. His skills were held in the highest regard in professional magicians' circles.
Zarrow's available biographical information is limited at best; a literature search does not reveal a lengthy biography of the man. However, he does appear in a DVD series about his card magic, in the magic literature, including David Ben's book Zarrow: A Lifetime of Magic.
Zarrow appeared on the cover of April, 2001 issue of The Linking Ring
after being honored at the 2001 annual Fechter's Finger flicking Frolic convention of close up magicians for a lifetime of contributions and achievements. The The Linking Ring article contains some biographical information.
An auction of Zarrow's collection, including his extensive library and associated ephemera, will be conducted by Potter & Potter Auctions on October 23rd, 2010.
Magic (illusion)
Magic is a performing art that entertains audiences by staging tricks or creating illusions of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats using natural means...
influential in the profession for his inventions of unique sleight of hand
Sleight of hand
Sleight of hand, also known as prestidigitation or legerdemain, is the set of techniques used by a magician to manipulate objects such as cards and coins secretly....
and card tricks. His skills were held in the highest regard in professional magicians' circles.
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Herb Zarrow became interested in magic through magic sets and magic books. Invented the Zarrow ShuffleZarrow shuffleZarrow shuffle is a sleight of hand technique that gives the appearance of being a normal riffle shuffle, but in fact leaves the cards in exactly the same order. This is an example of a false shuffle. It was invented by magician Herb Zarrow circa 1940....
(c. 1940), and for many magicians, that's all they know about this creative magician. He also invented: Herb Zarrow's Switch Change, Herb Zarrow's Trapeze, Herb Zarrow Retention Pass, Zarrow Block Addition, Starfish Copper/Silver, Matched Revolvers, Universal Count Grip.
Zarrow's available biographical information is limited at best; a literature search does not reveal a lengthy biography of the man. However, he does appear in a DVD series about his card magic, in the magic literature, including David Ben's book Zarrow: A Lifetime of Magic.
Zarrow appeared on the cover of April, 2001 issue of The Linking Ring
The Linking Ring
The Linking Ring is a monthly print magazine, published by the International Brotherhood of Magicians. It is also available in electronic form to members of the IBM. All members of the IBM are entitled to receive this periodical. It was first published in 1923...
after being honored at the 2001 annual Fechter's Finger flicking Frolic convention of close up magicians for a lifetime of contributions and achievements. The The Linking Ring article contains some biographical information.
An auction of Zarrow's collection, including his extensive library and associated ephemera, will be conducted by Potter & Potter Auctions on October 23rd, 2010.
Honors and awards
"Over the years he has received many honors:"- Member Of The Inner Magic CircleThe Magic CircleThe Magic Circle is a British organisation, founded in London in 1905, dedicated to promoting and advancing the art of magic.- History :The Magic Circle was founded in 1905 after a meeting of 23 amateur and professional magicians at London's Pinoli's Restaurant...
, - 1998 Louie Award
- Honorary Life Member of the Society of American MagiciansSociety of American MagiciansThe Society of American Magicians is the oldest fraternal magic organization in the world. Its purpose is "to advance, elevate, and preserve magic as a performing art, to promote harmonious fellowship throughout the world of magic, and to maintain and improve ethical standards in the field of...
- Cover of M-U-M
- Academy of Magical ArtsAcademy of Magical ArtsThe Academy of Magical Arts is a California non profit mutual benefit corporation organized and devoted to the promotion and development of the art of magic.Although begun in 1952 as a loose association of magicians by William Larsen, Sr...
: Creative Fellowship Award - The Magic CastleThe Magic CastleThe Magic Castle, located at 7001 Franklin Avenue in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, California, is a nightclub for magicians and magic enthusiasts, as well as the clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts. It bills itself as "the most unusual private club in the world."-Nightclub:The Magic...
: Honorary Life Member - 2001 Guest Of Honor at Fechter's Finger flicking Frolic
- Cover of The Linking RingThe Linking RingThe Linking Ring is a monthly print magazine, published by the International Brotherhood of Magicians. It is also available in electronic form to members of the IBM. All members of the IBM are entitled to receive this periodical. It was first published in 1923...