October Mailbox

Davino’s Birthday

Our Almanac cited the event recently (September 2025), and mysteriously, we received a copy of the following letter from Genii reader Davino (David Kotkin, “Boy Magician”) that was sent 55 years ago and went unanswered.

Gentlemen: I have been an avid reader of Genii for a long time and enjoyed reading it very much. I have found but one thing lacking, a column for and about the younger magicians. As a 14-year-old-boy, I have been in the business for a total of five years. It would be gratifying if I could express myself in a monthly column, at no expense to you. My column would deal with tips and talk for the young beginning persons trying to make a profitable advancement in the art of entertaining youngsters.

Please read my material and let me know what you think of it.

—Davino, David Kotkin, Boy Magician

David: We apologize that our previous editors neglected to respond to your kind offer. Unfortunately, they should have explained that Genii is proud to have an esteemed reputation for professional advice, and that you probably wouldn’t be able to contribute any useful ideas or insights to our readers. But keep up the good work!

Reconsidering Gresham

In the September issue, the Almanac noted William Lindsay Gresham’s death by suicide, but was mistaken to attribute it to his past problems. His last years were in a happy, caring marriage, and he had attained sobriety in [Alcoholics Anonymous]. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, he apparently sought to avoid the ordeal of a debilitating death. The business cards in his pocket that said “No address… business… money” were not a statement; they were sold as novelties at the time. He left his wife a letter affirming his love and discussing the disposition of his belongings. As for Nightmare Alley, it was amazing that the novel was produced as a film and retained so much of its spirit. The censors in the Breen office attempted to cut any references to sexual activity, as historical memos have now shown.

—Diego Domingo

Thank you, Diego. The author of this letter is a good friend and a historian on magic, mind reading, and Gresham, and has lectured on these subjects.

The Appeal of the Die Box

I was interested to read “The Madness of the Die Box” (September 2025), as I have been working on a new Die Box routine, to the surprise of my fellow magicians who ask, “Why?” I love the challenge of taking on a classic piece of magic and reworking it. In my opinion, the Die Box neither defines magic, nor a puzzle, and its label as a sucker trick says more about the performer/audience relationship than it does about the actual effect. The classic Die Box is a beautiful and enticing prop. I, like many magicians, was smitten.

—Thomas Solomon

The Die Box article was fun to read as it points out the fact that many magicians have a Die Box on their shelf, but almost no one uses it. I had one that I used at events for adults. I recall the reaction the first time I did it. It was a huge hit, and it fooled them. Even I was not prepared by the response. I kept that to myself; the last thing I wanted was for everyone to start doing this trick again! Oops, maybe I shouldn’t have written that.

—Dean Carnegie

Productive Reviews

Please make the product reviews more in-depth. Also, reviewing products (especially books) that aren’t available on magic websites would bring attention to products I might not otherwise see.

—Franklin Lum

We agree. Take a look at this month’s Genii Speak, or even better, just turn to the trick reviews. We’re starting to make changes.

📬 Have something to tell us?

We encourage your comments, suggestions, and prohibitions. Reach us with the speed of email at editors@geniimagazine.com. We are, as the original genie insisted, here to serve.