The (lengthy) sub-title for this blog is best heard in the HBO special called “Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants.”
Ricky Jay is a master card handler who relishes the underworld of the card mechanic, as well as the complete history of “artifice, ruse and subterfuge” in all of its manifold forms.
Jay’s “52 Assistants” show has been revived a few times since it aired on HBO – only a lucky few have seen it live. His gambling expose is nothing short of mesmerizing.
At one point in the show, Ricky Jay recites the Villon poem with wicked relish and provides a bit of historical context.
For lovers of language, it is a genuine pleasure to watch and hear Ricky Jay perform.
If you know about Ricky Jay, nothing more needs to be said. If not, watch some of his videos on YouTube.
He also acts. He was in David Mamet’s first cut as a film director (“House of Games”) – but I will be posting about that film later...Meanwhile, I am working on a detailed explanation about the poem quoted in my blog header.
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