John Benzais

John Benzais (?-1968) was a close-up magician and one time clerk/demonstrator for Tannen. He left Tannen's employ no more than a year before he died of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Pennsylvania. During his brief career John established a reputation as a magical innovator. and a past president of F.A.M.E. in New York City. He published only a small body of work, the bulk of which are contained in his book, The Best of Benzais (1967), which he wrote and illustrated himself. He was in his early thirties.

Highlights

The Secret of Gorius, a rope routine in which a knot repeatedly appears and vanishes, that Richard Kaufman once referred to as "one of the best kept secrets in magic".

Innovations

• Han Ping Benzais
• Benzais Cop
• Benzais Spinout Subtlety
• Benzais Cut
• Benzais Deal Steal
• Benzais Spin
• Benzais Friction Retention Pass

Books

• The Best of Benzais (1967)