If you haven't already read it, don't.
Although he does have a rant at Jerry Sadowitz (always welcome) regarding the "name a card triumph" that he allegedly pilfered. I haven't seen it so I can't give an informed opinion but, even from his own words, it does sound suspiciously like another micro-variation for the sake of publishing.
Anybody care to comment, what exactly did he contribute to the handling/effect?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Revelation
It's a shame that this new version does not include the original Erdnase text* in its entirety. The idea seems to have been to only include passages that Vernon specifically refers to, but even some of these are missing.
OK, it's not a huge problem since anybody buying it will already have the original Erdnase. But still.
The comments from Persi Diaconis are also missing and there are some anomalies with the table of contents when compared with the actual contents.
The new photographs of Vernon's hands are nice. I'm trying to like it, I really am but I just can't bring myself to embrace this trend of oversized, pretentious, coffee table style books. I suppose it's because I'm really not a collector at heart, and this book will probably be adored by those with such inclinations.
I much prefer my original "lop-sided, wont fit nicely in the bookshelf, not afraid to touch it for fear of marking it" version. It has a certain charm to it.
*This was brought to my attention a while ago via e-mail. I thought I'd let the dust settle before commenting but it seems it has been universally overlooked. Maybe it's not as big a deal to anyone else.
OK, it's not a huge problem since anybody buying it will already have the original Erdnase. But still.
The comments from Persi Diaconis are also missing and there are some anomalies with the table of contents when compared with the actual contents.
The new photographs of Vernon's hands are nice. I'm trying to like it, I really am but I just can't bring myself to embrace this trend of oversized, pretentious, coffee table style books. I suppose it's because I'm really not a collector at heart, and this book will probably be adored by those with such inclinations.
I much prefer my original "lop-sided, wont fit nicely in the bookshelf, not afraid to touch it for fear of marking it" version. It has a certain charm to it.
*This was brought to my attention a while ago via e-mail. I thought I'd let the dust settle before commenting but it seems it has been universally overlooked. Maybe it's not as big a deal to anyone else.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Where in the World is Wesley James?
Has anybody heard anything from him? I would be (genuinely) interested to hear if nearly three years of reflection has altered his opinion on how "proud" he is of his Erdnase project.
