Name: David Alexander.

Occupation / Title: Writer, Magician, Pickpocket, Biographer, Linguist, Silhouette Artist, Entertainer, Private Investigator, Bon Vivant.

Brief Summary: David is an exceptionally accomplished high-achiever, who has been very kind and helpful to me during my visits to the West Coast. He is the sort of man I know I can trust to take care of just about anything on my behalf, and has always given generously of his time, judgement, advice and connections. He and his wife Penny, who is beautiful, talented and modest, also invited me to stay with them at their very cosy home in Orange County, where I had a truly wonderful time. He is well-known to many as, among other things, the biographer of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. He is also well-known throughout the magic world not just as a fine and ultra-professional performer in his own right, but for diverse contributions such as his detective work tracking down 'the real Erdnase' and his preservation of the legacy of his mentor, Frakson. He is also a silhouette artist of consumate skill. If you haven't seen this astonishing page of my website yet, then check it out and prepare to be amazed.

World Records Held:
Best Fund Of Stories About Magical Legends (best shared over dinner and wine)
Best Silhouette Artist
Best Raconteur (US) (for the UK I have to split the award with Martin Breese)
Most Experienced Performer I Know (almost certainly)

Other Notable Achievements & Honours: I could fill this page with David's achievements. Here's just a taste. Hotel Claremont's first resident magician. First Curator of the Carter collection of magic memorabilia. First Cruise Ship magician hired by Princess cruises where he logged over half a million miles, entertaining literally tens of thousands of people. Has toured Mexico and Central America. Has performed in Spanish, French and Japanese. Wrote the definitive book on the stage pickpocket act. Conducted the definitive investigation into the mysterious 'Erdnase', author of one of magic's classic texts, which got David on to the front of the Wall Street Journal! Has amassed probably the largest and most comprehensive collection of books on the art of silhouette cutting (quite possibly every English language book ever published on the subject). Has collected over 3,500 silhouettes, documenting the 160 or so artists who cut in the 20th Century. Is preparing a definitive book on 20th Century silhouette art and history.

Best Party Trick: Marrying his delightful wife Penny:

Penny is a professional portrait painter, and her work is the best I've ever seen in my life. She is excessively modest about her talents, and truly delightful company in all respects.

Special Powers: Can transform paper into art in 90 seconds with a pair of scissors. Can find out just about anything about just about anyone. Has already forgotten more about magic and stage craft than I'll ever know.

Known Weaknesses: Unabe to refuse a request for help (well, at least from people he likes).

Catchphrase: "That reminds me of the story about...".

Official Information: David does have an official website but prefers for the URL not to be given out too widely or too freely. I respect his wishes.