Sentinel

Sentinel (in later years Sentinal) was a twice-yearly Magic "Magzine" published by Russell Hall at his Magick Word magic shop on Broad Street, Sheffield, England started in 1985.

Al Smith was the editor, using his portmanteau word magzine to describe what Sentinal was; a cross between a magazine and a fanzine.

Although published twice a year to coincide with the two major British conventions, British Ring in September and Blackpool in January, four extra issues appeared during its lifetime. The editor was the major writer and contributor. Regular contributors included Paul Hallas and Russell Hall.

Sentinel, as with Al Smith’s later magzine, Abacus, was a mix of tricks, reviews, essays, grumbles, criticism, interviews, and never-very-humble opinion. The publisher notwithstanding, there were no adverts, and none of those were particularly overt. There were plugs aplenty for friends and for stuff the editor and publisher liked.

The magazine ceased publication when the editor decided that although the publishing schedule was only twice a year, it was getting in the way of Abacus.

Issues

• First issue, September 1985
• Second issue
• Third issue
• Final issue, September 1995.