The Olram File (HB) by Ed Marlo

The Olram File: Expanded Edition

Originally published between 1990 and 1993, The Olram File was a remarkable magazine blending Ed Marlos personal notes, unpublished tricks, and groundbreaking new material. Much of this content had been closely guarded by Marlo from the 1940s through the 1990s. Spanning sixteen issues, the publication also featured commentary and essays by Jon Racherbaumer. Long out of print and notoriously difficult to obtain, The Olram File became one of the most sought-after collections in the world of card magic. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Steve Reynolds, this legendary material is now available once again.

This expanded edition goes far beyond a simple reprint. It includes Marlos original photographs many of which inspired the original illustrations as well as the complete, corrected text.

Youll also find correspondence between Marlo and Racherbaumer, original mailers sent to subscribers, and other rare materials. Painstakingly restored and thoughtfully reassembled, this edition remains true to the spirit of the original while presenting it in a form suited for modern readers.

A meticulously researched index has also been added, making it easier than ever to explore this extraordinary body of work.

The rejuvenated edition of The Olram File features:

• 129 effects
• 20 essays
• 151 posed photographs of Marlo
• 42 original drawings
• Detailed bibliographies
• Additional colour photographs by Steve Reynolds for enhanced reference
• Marlo memorabilia, histories, and satirical pieces

As a special bonus, this edition includes a brand-new 17th issue created by Steve Reynolds an inspired tribute that will delight any admirer of Ed Marlos genius. Filled with tricks, sleights, insights, and the kind of thoughtful commentary that defined Marlos work, this volume stands as both a historical document and a practical treasure trove.

With a foreword by the late Jon Racherbaumer, The Olram File: Expanded Edition is an essential addition to the library of every serious student of card magic.

“Some of my fondest magical memories were digging through piles of books hoping to find treasure…The Olram File was one of those treasures! What a surprise and delight. Thank you to Steve Reynolds for digging this out for all of us and for all the extra effort to make this the extraordinary edition it has become! A real treasure to have this all together and with all the bonus research and ephemera. A delight for lovers of card magic!” – Ricky Smith

“Steve Reynolds labor of love brings us a fresh look at The Olram File. The student/mentor relationship shines through in this newly corrected original layout. Along with added memorabilia, hand-written notes, forgotten correspondence, and pre-illustration shots (as well as new photos) makes this a part of history you’ll want in your library too.” – Paul Vigil

“Steve has release his corrected and expanded version of Jon Racherbaumers The Olram File. If you have tried to find copies of the original magazines, you will know how difficult they are to find. Steve has done you a big favor by making this available again (with EXTRA memorabilia). Dont miss out again, buy it!” – Gary Plants

“Steve Reynolds is a living combination of Long John Silver and Sir Isaac Newton; a second-generation Marlo acolyte with a genuine gift for combing the masters archives in search of buried treasure, alchemy, and lost secrets. This enormous (and ongoing) task brings us The Olram File with a fresh perspective and revised context for a new generation of cardicians seeking methods ranging from the esoteric to the miraculous. A weighty addition to any magic library filled with rewarding and fascinating ideas certain to baffle even the most knowledgeable fellow enthusiasts. This collection is full of surprises – I literally laughed out loud when I learned how to make an everyday object appear on the back of any named card and ran to my local post office in search of the required props. Students of card magic will rediscover many examples of classic effects fully explored from Marlos unique mindset and thanks to Steve Reynolds tireless efforts, will be richly rewarded with a remarkable source of clever ideas.” – R. Paul Wilson

“Wow! What an amazing accomplishment. I felt like I was sitting at the table with Marlo, Racherbaumer…and Steve. Steve Reynolds expertly elevates the legacies of Marlo and Racherbaumer in a beautiful way and breathes new life into this historical and indispensable collection of Marlos work.” – John Guastaferro