John Benzais

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John Benzais (19??-1968) was a close-up magician and one time clerk for Tannan, who during his brief career established a reputation as a magical innovator before he died of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Pennsylvania. He was in his early thirties.¹

He was a one time clerk for Tannen 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.

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

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

Books

• Best of Benzais (1967)

References

¹ Linking Ring, April 1968, Vol 48, No 4, page 51