Magic magazine

From the September 1996 issue of Magic

Editor’s Choice

One wall of our office is dedicated to a display of all 60 covers of this magazine. While there are a couple of nice posters and a few other items of interest hanging about, it’s this wall that holds visitors’ attention; there’s just something about seeing the covers en masse. I must admit that every now and then I take a few minutes and just stare. It seems hard to believe that five “short” years have passed and that that many “babies” have been born.
Brian McCullagh mentions in his letter this month [see “Letters”] that he is having a little trouble picking out his favorite cover from our fifth volume. That started me thinking about what my favorites would be. So I stared at the wall for a bit and selected one from each volume – in some cases, not an easy task.

My choice for the cover of the volume, however, is December 1991. What makes this particular cover stand out for me is a combination of things. First, the subject, Uri Geller, was not exactly known for appearing in magic magazines, let alone being interviewed for a cover story. Second, that Geller had just filed a $15 million libel action against James Randi made it all very topical.
Third, both the design and execution of the cover seemed to work well. The pastel drawing by then Art Director Lori Pullman, the concept of Randi’s face in a bent spoon, and the cover text – “Is he just trying to bend Randi, or completely break him! Exclusive interview with Uri Geller” – all added up to my first choice for the first volume.

From the December 1991 issue of Magic.

By Stan Allen
One of the best parts of this job is the opportunity I get to meet interesting people. This month’s cover subject would have to fall in the very interesting category.
I had never met Uri Geller before our interview, even though he has been sub’ scribing for a little over a year (Inside Magic and now M A G I C). While in England, I called and asked if he would agree to an interview about his legal proceedings with James Randi. I explained that I would be interviewing Randi, as well. He asked if I was coming with a hidden agenda, and once assured that I wasn’t, an invitation was extended.
The interview was conducted at his stately home on the river Thames, a short train ride from London. He works out three hours each day on a stationary bike in a small exercise room at his house. It was during his workout that we talked.
He is extremely intent, yet without losing his charm. And he is very charming, lulling you into a certain acceptance or, at least, a suspension of hostile disbelief. He did not “perform” for me, nor did I ask. We spoke for about an hour, then a quick tour of the grounds, and I was on my way back to London.
It had been quite a morning. Either I had just met an amazing psychic with inexplicable cable powers, or possibly I had just met the greatest magician of our lifetime. Funny, I wonder if he had a hidden agenda?