Encyclopedia of Dove Magic
By Marian Chavez
Book

Everything you need to know about caring for and training doves. Lots of geat ideas and routines for a great dove act!

Illustrated 150 pages. Paperback.
8 1/2" x 11" book.

Foreword

IT is an esteemed honor to write the Foreword to the second edition of Marian Chavez' Encyclopedia of dove magic. Through its pages, readers will meet many of today's leading magicians from around the world and will enjoy a wealth of magical offerings, all described in detail and accompanied by drawings (& pictures). The history of this specialized art goes back to Cantu, the first performer to reach heights by featuring the production of doves in his act. Then it was Channing Pollock who, after completing his Chavez training, achieved international stardom with dove magic. Since then, doves--like rabbits--have grown in appeal and have become associated with the stage magician.

But above and beyond its contents, I am delighted that the book is being reissued because it pays tribute to a great lady who loved magic. Until her passing in 1978, Marian Chavez excelled as both a performer and teacher. She was master of sleight-of-hand, a warm, gracious, and dignified lady who reigned supreme for her great artistic skill and showmanship. Her contributions to the Art of Magic are what truly made her great.

Together with her husband. Ben, the Chavez College of Manual Dexterity and Prestidigitaion was founde in 1941. Later when it became evident that many magicians throughtout the world would be unable to come to Southern California to take the course, they performed the extremely difficult task of putting their lessons into correspondence form. This project was completed in 1962. It was then that I came to know Mrs. Chavez.

Marian gave inspiration to so many during her lifetime. Whatever measure of success I have attained, mauch of it I owe to her. I'm not alone; there are hundreds of her students around the world comprising a who's who in the world of magic.

In November of 1962, Ben Chavez passed away--sixteen years prior to the same month of Marian's death. However, Ben's name is just as alive today, and I have no doubts that Marian's name, already legend, will be alive forever, too. This valume will be one way of preserving that name.

Moreover, as aliving tribute to Ben and Marian, the Chavez College will continue. Neil Foster, graduate and former instructor at the College, has opened a branch studio in Colon, Michigan, where he will give personal instruction. Also as a graduate, I will continue teaching at the West Coast school and will handle the training that Ben and Marian started thirty-eight years ago--to perpare magicians in the Chavez traditon.

DALE SALWAK

Pasadena, California

February, 1979