Ed Marlo created so much magic that, at the height of his career, he struggled to get everything published. On the advice of David Solomon, he therefore printed and produced small editions of his own manuscripts, which circulated quietly among serious card magicians. Decades later, these “private manuscripts” have grown into some of the most sought-after and influential works in modern card magic. The first, and most striking, work in this series is The Unexpected Card BookIt contains a compact, versatile collection of over 80 tricks and sleights, divided across multiple plots and difficulty levels. These are not just ideas to play with while practicing; many of them are direct, practical concepts that still feel modern more than half a century later. Inside, you will find eleven chapters covering diverse topics, from overhand shuffle work, prepared effects, controls, and revamped classics to more esoteric ideas such as clock routines, faro systems, and more. Highlights include Marlo's handling of the Balducci Cut Deeper Force — probably the clearest and most effective version ever printed — and a Wild Card routine that belongs among his best creations. You will also find gems there such as his “Simplex Blindfold Deals,” “Success Story,” “Miracle Faro Reverse,” “Royal Monte,” en “The Darkest Hour,” alongside a collection of moves such as the Simple Push Switch and the Marlo Center DealHis work on the center deal is not only incredibly misleading, but also accessible and directly usable. This book marks an important turning point in Marlo's history and forms the bridge between his underground manuscripts and his more widely published material. The Unexpected Card Book, often referred to as “Volume Zero” Marlo Magazines, is an essential purchase for card magicians and magic historians. Vanishing Inc. has devoted exceptional care to this reissue of Marlo's work. Every word has been retyped, every illustration redrawn, and every page redesigned according to modern standards, while preserving the original atmosphere. But they didn't stop there. With the help of Mike Vance, Vanishing Inc. incorporated Marlo's notes from his personal manuscript directly into the book. This is not only the most complete version of The Unexpected Card BookIt is a piece of magic history. Order your copy today! Contents of Unexpected Card Book Foreword Chapter I – Collection of Collectors Chapter II – Overhand Shuffle ApplicationsSimplex Blindfold DealsCombination Overhand Shuffle StacksStreamlined Lessinout StackMario's Broken Up Milk Build Stack Chapter III – Prepared Card EffectsSuccess StorySolving a ProblemPosing and Solving a ProblemDouble SurpriseSimple PremonitionSplitting a ThoughtOne Eyed Jacks Open Other EyeSigno-TranspoWild Card RoutineRepeat Ace TranspoThink Universal?? Chapter IV – Mathematical and Faro EffectsThe 9999 MiracleThe Schmaltzy Showman's PredictionMathematical MarloSober Slop Shuffle DealThe Deep Face-Up SwitchThe Invisible TossMiracle Faro ReverseMasterful Match UpMasterful Mix UpAutomatic Placement Double Control, Plus One?? Chapter V – Problems SolvedLose or Win PropositionFromScratchMore on CoincidencePointed Up WagerRoyal Monte?? Chapter VI – Clock EffectsThe Pre-Determined HourTime For LaymenPrediction Surprise and Clock CombinationThe Darkest HourAnother Clock Effect?? Chapter VII – System ControlsSystem ControlsMore On The KO ControlMiracle LocationRed and Black ThoughtsCamouflage ControlIn Case of a MissAce Appearance Chapter VIII – Updated ClassicsSurprise-Surprise-SurpriseThe RepeaterLet's Recapitulate or Criss CrossAnother Triple TranspoRepeat Card Through Bar or TableUnder the TopCall it the –Is this the Elevator Going Up or Down?Elevator AcesNeed a Title Chapter IX – Potpourri of EffectsA QuickieExhibitionismStranger in a HaremCover-Up Block Slip Cut AcesNo Future PlusOlram's CoincidenceCoefficient of FrictionAnother Spectator Cuts the Aces Chapter X – Four for Four TransposA Beautiful IllusionImpromptu Chamele AcesNotes on Chale AcesColor TranspositionWithout a GaffThe Gaff Makes It Chapter XI – Bonus InsertsMarlo's Simple Push SwitchOn the Spread SwitchA Three Packet EstimateSpecial to the ExpertMarlo's Center Block ControlThe Marlo Center DealAn Added ObservationThe Quick Cull Miracle??
