Amateur Magician
by J. Dazley Theobald

The object of this work is to thoroughly explain to the Amateur Magician the various subterfuges which are made use of by Professional Conjurors to mystify their audiences, and to afford such instructions as shall enable any person to give a private performance. That there is plenty of room for a work on the subject of magical secrets and contrivances is evident by the few books that are in circulation, and even some of these are of but slight value, as they give graphic descriptions of what tricks are performed, while but scant and imperfect explanations of how they are executed.

In these pages every trick and apparatus will be found clearly defined and explicit instructions given, such as to ensure their successful performance, so that the only required requisites are a good memory, self-possession, and the necessary apparatus, and with these three any person may in a short time become capable of giving a very creditable entertainment in legerdemain to a circle of friends or young folks, which will prove most acceptable and agreeable.