Rediscover the Legacy of a Magic Icon

Michel van Zeist's 'Fred Kaps, Master Magician' commemorates the 40th anniversary of the passing of a legend, widely revered as the greatest magician of all time. This compelling digital biography offers an unprecedented look into the life, career, and private world of Holland's three-time world champion. Through a collection of vivid memories and perspectives from those closest to him – including his daughter, Barry Schatz-Bongers, and former colleague, Flip Hallema – you'll gain a profound understanding of Kaps' genius. Leading Dutch magic figures, Hans Kazàn and Hans Klok, also share their unique insights on Kaps' enduring impact and the broader magic landscape.

Unlocking the Master's Secrets and Insights

For four decades, fans have awaited this moment: the revelation of Fred Kaps' greatest professional secrets. This ebook provides an in-depth exploration of 'The Johan Cruijff of Magic,' detailing his innovative repertoire and the meticulous thought behind his performances. Learn the captivating story behind his iconic 'Salt Trick' and the fascinating reason his costumes were always midnight blue. Whether you're an aspiring amateur or a seasoned professional, this book offers invaluable lessons, highlighting both the triumphs and challenges in a master magician's journey. It's a rare opportunity to learn 'what to do and what not to do' directly from Kaps' extraordinary experiences.

The Heart of Dutch Conjuring: Henk Vermeyden

Beyond Kaps himself, the narrative pays significant attention to Henk Vermeyden (1908-1988), 'The Magic Dandy.' As Kaps' coach and manager, Vermeyden played a pivotal role in establishing the Dutch Magic Union (NMU) and the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM). Discover how Vermeyden, from his historic Amsterdam canal houses, mentored multiple world champions, including Kaps. Unearth the wisdom and 'tips and tricks' exchanged with legendary illusionists like Siegfried & Roy, who sought his advice. Vermeyden's immense contributions cemented the Netherlands' status as a global leader in conjuring for many years, a legacy inextricably linked to Kaps' rise.

An Exclusive, Authorized Portrait

With the full cooperation of Fred Kaps' family and unparalleled access to his personal archives, Michel van Zeist delivers an exclusive and authorized biography. This comprehensive work is enriched by contributions from a wide array of esteemed magicians, historians, and colleagues, ensuring a deeply authentic and multi-faceted portrayal. While this is a digital download, it mirrors the rich content of a physical volume, packed with over 250 pages of insightful text and original photos, all presented in vibrant full color. This ebook is an essential addition to any magic library, offering an intimate glimpse into the mind and life of a true magic pioneer.

Original Specs

Fred Kaps (1926-1980) is considered to be the greatest magician of all time. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of his death, Michel van Zeist reminds us just how special Holland’s three-time world champion of magic really was. In Fred Kaps, Master Magician he recalls memories from, among others, his daughter Barry Schatz-Bongers and his former colleague, Flip Hallema. Two prominent faces in today’s world of magic – Dutchmen Hans Kazàn and Hans Klok – share their views on Kaps and on the magic scene in general.

Loyal fans of Fred Kaps have had to wait four decades, but now his greatest secrets can finally be revealed. Michel’s biography provides an in-depth insight into the life of ‘The Johan Cruijff of Magic’. Kaps’ career, repertoire and private life are explained and discussed from different angles by people who really knew him. Discover the story behind his famous Salt Trick and why his costumes had to be midnight blue. Both amateur and professional magicians will be able to learn what to do and what not to do from the master himself.

Detailed attention is also paid to Henk Vermeyden (1908-1988). This coach and manager of magicians founded the Dutch Magic Union (NMU) and the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM). Vermeyden was ‘The Magic Dandy’ who guided several world champions, including Fred Kaps, from his canal houses on Keizersgracht and Kloveniersburgwal in Amsterdam. Many famous magicians and illusionists, including Siegfried & Roy, came to him for advice. What tips and tricks were exchanged? Partly thanks to Vermeyden’s merits, the Netherlands was, for many years, the number one conjuring nation in the world.

With the permission of Fred Kaps’ family and unlimited access to the archives of this legend, Michel provides an exclusive look into the life and times of this unique artist: Fred Kaps, Master Magician.

Written with the cooperation of – in addition to the aforementioned – Jeff McBride, James Swain, Chris Wasshuber, Brenda & Theo Achterberg, Peter Vogel, Ronald Moray, Jan Paymans, James Schatz, Gerrit ten Cate, Véronique Ross, Tonny Eyk, Hanny Morpurgo, George Tokaya, Eric Eswin, Kobe van Herwegen, Sylvia Schuyer, Tel Smit, Hubrecht Duijker, Ton Bal, Andy Doornhein, Jordi IJzerman, Kevin Ike, Aris Smit, Angela de Zeeuw and John Eertink.

More than 250 pages and 250 photos, hardcover and in full color!

About the author

Michel van Zeist is a magician, event host and voice-over artist. He studied Communication Science at Radboud University in Nijmegen. Michel was a producer for NPO Radio 1 and had a regular slot on Radio Gelderland.

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