(3rd December 1899 - 1st June 1974)
Born in Calcutta, India and of English parentage. Aka "Eddie Jason". Inspired at age 12 seeing Nicola show. Businessman in Calcutta and Bombay and semi-pro magician since age 18 (c1917) to 1945 when turned full-time pro. 1947 Sphinx Award. Edited the 8 issues of The Magical Digest (Bombay) 1947-48. Later moved to England, working for Max Andrews. Died in London.
See The Art of Eddie Joseph by Hugh Miller.
Coauthors: Paul Gordon
What was a $5 bargain in 1952 is a bigger bargain today. This valuable product should cost $59 when adjusted for inflation and we are selling it for only $12.
Excerpt from the foreword:
Just because one has acquired extreme dexterity in the manipulation department it does not stand to reason that MAGIC OF THE MIND can be easily presented as a bunch of tricks. The Magician appears in the role of a MENTALIST when doing MAGIC OF THE MIND. He is supposed to be working with his MIND and not his HANDS. Any attempt at speed or undue display of manual dexterity will ruin the whole thing. One should...
This was originally distributed with a couple of gaming shells from India. This ebook does not include any such shells, just the instructions.
Gaming shells are used as a kind of die substitute. Due to their shape, they can land one of two ways. Typically several such shells are cast and then all the ones landing in the same orientation are counted. Several tricks using these shells are explained.
Please note that the chemicals used for this effect are toxic. We provide this ebook for historic and informational purposes only.
This effect has also been marketed under the title "Fascination". A crumpled piece of foil taken from a chocolate wrapper or from a cigarette packet is given to a spectator to hold. The magician strikes a match; he makes hypnotic passes toward the flame of the match and the ball of crumpled paper that the spectator is holding. As he does so, the spectator feels the silver paper getting hotter and hotter until eventually it is so hot that he has to drop it. It's...
Excerpt from the Introduction:
In my opinion, anything Eddie Joseph produces needs no introduction for he has proved to the world at large his ability as an originator and as a writer on magical subjects. His thought and ideas have high rating among Magicians. In fact, I know many Magicians who will buy any trick, book, or manuscript with Joseph's name to it. So this does not leave much more to say as an introduction to this manuscript.
However, the contents herewith are so good that we felt justified in saying so in writing, especially in respect to the "Telephone Repeat". It is our hope...
Stapled booklet in like-new condition. For details on the contents see the digital edition.
Softcover stapled and tape binding. Cover has stain from removed sticker in upper right corner. For details on content see the digital edition.
From the introduction:
The tricks described here are for "extempore" showing. They have been specially developed for entertaining fellow diners, within watching distance, around a banquet or dinner table.
To perform "extempore" is not the same as giving a show on the stage. In one's regular program everything is premeditated. Performing to a group around the table is different. To begin with, the tricks must be of the type that could be worked without much ado. They must be short and spontaneous. They must be worked in an "off-hand" manner. Finally, not only in character but in appearance...
1st edition 1983, 12 pages; PDF 15 pages.
A complete Gambler Expose act.
PDF 25 pages.
From the introduction:
No matter how deep you delve into Magical history, you will not encounter another card effect similar to my "PREMONITION". When first introduced to fellow magicians, "PREMONITION" was greeted enthusiastically. Many knowledgeable members in the profession proclaimed its merits unstintedly. Others soon learnt of its singular entertainment potentiality and included it as a feature number in their acts. My files are full of laudable comments gathered from various sources. Two of these in particular I wish to record here. The first from that veritable human encylopedia of...
Key codes, card systems, and mnemotechnic marvels.
1st edition 1952, 23 pages.
This ebook is a compilation of the following titles:
Over sixty...
From the introduction:
Every piece of information - idea - suggestion and routine has been independently created, developed, exploited and tested by the author some time or other. The reader is therefore assured, he is not getting any "second-hand" material in consequence.
The colossal amount of material crammed between these covers, will provide the progressive manipulator with a wealth of valuable assets.
The book has been divided into three parts. The first supplies detailed explanation for nearly forty new moves and passes. The second is kept apart for the creation of novel effects...
From the introduction:
The routine comprises five different effects, each able to stand out on its own merit. When combined, you will confuse the sharpest mind, the logical reason being that you appear to be doing the same thing over and over again, but you vary your secret procedure with each repetition.
All sleights have been eliminated and even if one had not done a single card trick before, he will still be able to bewilder and earn the reputation of a highly skilled card worker. The tricks are so designed that at no stage do you appear to be taking any active part — your spectators...
No skill - no sleights - no moves
From the introduction:
Now comes the question — Why bring all this in here? Merely to stress a point. ANY TRICK WILL BE CONSIDERED AN APPARENT MIRACLE WHEN THE CAUSE EVADES US. Pages and pages have been written in an attempt to define Magic. I will give it to you in FIVE words, "THE ART OF CONCEALING THE CAUSE". The better you are able to conceal the...
Eddie Joseph writes:
The generous reception meted out to my previous effort Premonition has tempted me to release yet another of my EXCLUSIVE secrets. In presenting this apparent card miracle, I have one regret and that, I am not able to demonstrate it in person before revealing the secret. If I were standing behind a magic counter and you came in as a customer and saw this effect, the chances are that you would not pass it by. This is one effect which will NOT ONLY DUMBFOUND the layman but will INTRIGUE you as well, dear brother ... at least the first few times you try it; EVEN AFTER LEARNING THE SECRET. ...
1st edition 1949 (Calcutta, India), PDF 4 pages
This must be the most "overlooked" coin magic book ever published. The material, by Eddie Joseph, is unusual and original. There are items for both close-up and stage work; sleights, flourishes and routines. In this illustrated volume you will discover thirty coin vanishes; twelve coin changes; forty-five new moves, tips and gimmicks; ten combination moves utilizing coins and matches and thirty-seven close-up tricks and routines. This material, available nowhere else, is a potential "goldmine" for the coin worker!
From the introduction:
This is an effect in the Mental Sphere. You can carry it in your pocket for CLOSE-UP work at a party, around the bar, or for publicity purposes for newspaper men. It's something that I have used for years to good advantage. If desired, the idea can be used for CLUB or STAGE presentations as well. It also is suitable as a demonstration of Thought Transference between performer and his assistant, the medium being sent out of the room or she may be at the receiving end of a telephone many miles away. Many methods are explained here.
8 pages
Mail Mentalism is a card trick that can be done via mail, email, phone, radio, across rooms or other communication channels. It is an automatic effect where you only provide instructions but do not require any feedback or response. The spectator will need a deck of cards. The instructions are customized for each occasion.
This is a great trick to amaze somebody long distance, be it to solicit a possible engagement, introduce yourself to a journalist, or even fooling a magic friend.
1st edition 1949, 8 pages; PDF 9 pages.
Fourteen mind magic routines with a deck of cards.
From the introduction:
Just because one has acquired extreme dexterity in the manipulation department it does not stand to reason that CARD MAGIC OF THE MIND can be easily presented as a bunch of tricks. The Magician appears in the role of a Mentalist when doing CARD MAGIC OF THE MIND. He is supposed to be working with his MIND and not his HANDS. Any attempt at speed or undue display of manual dexterity will ruin the whole thing. One should remember to keep it that way.
This ebook contains an incredible 6 phase card routine where you do not touch the cards. If you are looking to show something that has not been seen in years, take a look at this incredible routine. Eddie works everything out for you and the instructions are very detailed.
1st edition 1951, PDF 17 pages
These are Eddie Joseph's thoughts on jumbo cards from a time when jumbo cards were a real novelty. Note that several of the tricks described require special jumbo cards such as double facers, duplicates, etc., and some require tearing cards and writing on cards.
From Chapter 1:
The much controversial subject of spiritual interaction has been engaging the attention of the majority of thinking people since time immemorial. We have many supporters of Spiritualism in our midst today, and a far greater number of those who accept the cult with some degree of incredulity. Whether one is for or against the subject, he is certainly not occupying a "terra firma" position for preaching his doctrine. People in either group will merely be groping in the dark, trying to reach an unknown region-a region which no living mother's son (or daughter) can know anything...
Bombay is not just one card trick. It is an entire magic principle. Seven complete routines are given but you will be able to develop many more once you understand the versatile secret of Bombay. This miracle effect has stood the test of actual performance for both laymen and magicians. In case you wonder, the name derives from the place it was conceived.
1st edition 1953; PDF 11 pages
From the introduction:
After all is said and done, of one thing we can be certain. When a Magician begins to pull out certain incongruous articles from under his volunteer's clothings he will be creating a natural form of comedy.
I know these things because I have been practicing them for the past 25 years or so. You, too, will share my views after your first public trial.
I know many Magicians who would like to incorporate this type of work into their program. They have refrained so far not because they "turn their noses" at such things but because they lack the requisite knowledge....
1st edition 1952; PDF 14 pages
This was Eddie Joseph's first card publication. As such, coming out in 1942, it represented already at that time 20 years of performing. It's unbalanced contents shows very much that it is not simply a book of card magic, but a summary of Joseph himself as a card man and his particular biases and interests. A chapter on his particular way of doing the fundamental sleights he depended upon and an entire chapter on the intelligent use of daub.
PART ONE
You will involve five spectators with various tasks. Two persons are first called up. We shall refer to them as 'A' and 'B'. A pack of cards is dropped between them. 'A' is asked to cut the pack and 'B' is told to take half for himself by actual count. 'A' retains the other half.
From this point the mentalist turns his back on the spectators and does NOT face them again until AFTER everything is over.
The two persons are told to deal together from their respective portions of the pack. A THIRD person is asked to act as umpire and to stop the dealing at any point. As an added precaution...
This is a reproduction of Dumbfounders with Cards and More Dumbfounders with Cards two often overlooked booklets by Eddie Joseph on math based card effects. Some principles predate ideas rediscovered by Edward Marlo and Stewart James. (The ebook has been prepared by Paul Gordon.)
The writing of Joseph is somewhat terse and hard to read, but the effects and principles are great. This ebook includes some comments by Peter Duffie and Roger Crosthwaite.
This is one of the best explanations of the Three Shell Game or Thimble Rig including 24 moves and 3 full routines. Jack Lamonte has drawn 86 clear illustrations to make studying the moves and routines a lot easier.
Excerpt from the introduction:
The Shell Game is essentially a close-up effect. It has no appeal, we admit, beyond the intimate range, but when demonstrated within its rightful sphere it commands a peculiar fascination.
[Note: You will also be able to download a facsimile version of this manuscript.]
1st edition 1959, 30 pages; 1st digital edition 2013, 49 pages....
This is probably Eddie Joseph's most proud creation.
THE EFFECT: Anyone in the audience is asked to call out the name of any card. Person naming the card is asked to advance, pick up the pack which lies on the table within its case, and deal cards face up, one at a time until he comes to his card. Assistant deals every card in the pack but fails to find the one he named. He is now told to count the cards in pack and he finds only 51. ONE CARD IS MISSING AND THE MISSING CARD IS THE ONE JUST NAMED ALOUD. The Magician reaches into his pocket and without the slightest DELAY brings out the very...
From the introduction:
The method of blindfolding here in revealed for the first time is in advance of any thing of a similar nature attempted before and what is more important it is far more convincing. It has "scores of times" thrown my audience into a state of complete "DUMBFOUNDEDNESS" and confused several witnessing magicians who are already familiar with blindfold work.
1st edition 1938; 16 pages.
Table of Contents
Eddie Joseph who was born in India and lived there for most of his life. He wanted to write a detailed, true and unbiased description of the Indian magician and his methods. He penetrated deeply into the subject rather than give it superficial treatment. This ebook will give you a clear perspective of India's Mystery Mongers and their mysterious creations.
1st edition 1940; PDF 73 pages.
A treatise on the fundamental principle, theory, and practice of picking pockets – for entertainment purposes only.
Eddie Joseph attended in 1923 the Indian National Exposition in Calcutta. There he wittnessed the reactions of visitors to a pickpocket incidence. This gave him the idea to build an act around pickpocketing. Subsequently he studied the methods of pickpockets, developed an act, and finally wrote this guide.
1st edition 1940; 30 pages.