Page 17 Fall 1989
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BOOK
REVIEWS
"THREE
BALL DIGEST," by Dick Franco, 989. Published by Brian Dube
Inc. ISBN (for hardcover) 0-917643-05-4 (for paper-back)
0-917643-04-6.
Over
the past 15 years, Dick Franco has achieved international
recognition as few other jugglers have. His juggling and
performing talents have earned him prestigious awards as well as
lucrative bookings.
With
his new book, "Three Ball Digest," Franco brings to the
world of juggling literature what has made him a success in his
performing career: precision, personality, and skill.
"Three
Ball Digest" covers a myriad of three-ball tricks, ranging from
the basic cascade to advanced moves. Each move is explained in great
detail, and Franco adds many hints on how to correct problems.
Perhaps
the most exciting aspect of the book, however, is the section on
"Mastering the Headroll." In 15 pages, Franco explains how
the headroll is done and divides the move into manageable parts.
Since it is such a complex and difficult move, he offers many tips
on how to make it work. Never before has this trick been so
thoroughly explained in an instructional juggling book.
As
a bonus, the book contains a section of photographs taken from
Franco's collection, as well as the personal collection of Bobby
May. The collection includes photos of Paul Bachman, Kris Kremo,
Michael Moschen, and several shots of Bobby May.
"Three
Ball Digest" is the second in a series of juggling books that
Franco plans to write (the first was "Three Club
Juggling"). He hopes to create a multivolume encyclopedia of
juggling which will cover all popular forms of the art with
specialized detail. If he completes this project, the juggling
community will certainly benefit. But even if he does not, with
"Three Ball Digest" Franco has given us a great book, with
excellent description and intelligent commentary. "How
To BE A GOOFY JUGGLER," by Bruce Fife, 1989. Published by
Java Publishing Co. ISBN 0-941-599-04-3.
"How
to be a Goofy Juggler" by Bruce Fife offers a learning
opportunity to jugglers of all skill levels. In the book, Fife teaches
the basic cascade and some simple tricks, making it a good instruction
manual for beginners. What the "Goofy Juggler" also offers,
however, is comedy gags, drop lines, joke lines, and joke telling
tips, all of which can be of value to even the most accomplished
juggler.
The central theme of "How to be a Goofy Juggler" is, obviously, comedy, and Fife's style enhances the goofiness. But underneath the veil of goofiness lies a book which gives valuable advice on being a comedy juggler. |