1st edition 1913, 2nd edition 1920, 36 pages; PDF 23 pages.
Excerpt from the introduction by Herbert Holmes:
When I read the MSS. of this volume I did not imagine there could be so many good things left to divulge, and I am sure readers will agree with me that the title of the book is well chosen.
I have personally seen Merbak perform many of the tricks described in this book, and so completely mystifying were they, that the simple explanations are indeed a revelation. In commending the volume to the magical fraternity, I do so in the hope that it will be the forerunner of many others from his pen. For, Merbak's knowledge of Magic is so extensive,...
After writing Later Magic, Professor Hoffmann intended to follow it with a fourth book. However, advancing age and other engagements compelled him to abandon it. Nevertheless he wrote this volume, which is not really a part of his trilogy, but functioned as a place to put the material he already collected. A few Hartz items in this book have been already dealt with in Later Magic. Otherwise the contents is new.
It is interesting to note that although Hoffmann writes in the preface to Magical Titbits that he abandoned the book which should have followed Later Magic, he authored in 1918 a book called Latest Magic which according to the...
Practical effects with cards, flowers and silks. Here is Verrall Wass in his own words about the motivation of this book:
Modern magicians are not magi, yet some wizards wish to divide conjuring into innumerable religions and subdivide each religion into as many sects. The doing of tricks for them becomes a ritual. To one, he who does not use Professor Shuffle's (the "Professor" is still with us) double-trouble riffle is a heretic. To another, disciple of The Great Marmagic (the "Greats" are still with us too), he who does not employ Marmagic's boil-and-bubble pass, aptly named because the...
This was the first Magician Annual Will Goldston compiled and edited. It covers quite some ground. From juggling and optical illusions, to ventriloquism and palmistry. Of course you will find also magic illusions, tricks and patter. And if you want to read a little bit about hoop rolling, you can, too. These Magician Annuals are real fun to read. They are a great window into the past.
1st edition 1908, Gamage Ltd., London; 98 pages.
This is the second volume in Goldston's Magician Annual series. It has a nice little section on Chapeaugraphy and a large section on patents. You will find there all kind of improvements to various apparatuses. And there is biographical information and recollections of famous magicians as well as a lot of photos of celebrities.
1st edition, 1909, London; 96 pages.
This book describes quite a number of card tricks and has a wonderful account of some of Buatier de Kolta's illusions, for example his famous "de Kolta Chair". An interesting story evolves around the cartoon on page 62, which depicts a famous magician's wife in a not very favorable light. Goldston released later a new edition which had this cartoon removed. Goldston also tried to buy back all the first editions but was not quite successful.
1st edition, 1910, London; 100 pages.
This book is filled with a variety of interesting articles, from trick descriptions to patter suggestions, from biographical information to theory. Among others there is a trick contribution by Houdini. This book is layed out beautifully, almost like a magazine. Overall a very nice and interesting book to read.
1st edition, 1910, The Magician Limited, London; 106 pages.
This book has a broad range of contents, from stage juggling, to the history of playing cards (a really nice article), pocket tricks, illusions, biographical information, ... It is in the very same style as the other Magician Annuals. If you enjoyed those you will surely love this one, too.
1st edition, 1912, London; 99 pages.
"Magician's Magic is an appropriate title for this ebook because the author, Paul Curry, is surely one of the world's best-known 'magician's magicians.'" The words are those of Martin Gardner, Scientific American's mathematical divertisements editor, himself a distinguished amateur magician and author.
"For some thirty years, Paul Curry has been inventing tricks and sleights of such beautiful simplicity that they have become standard items in the repertoire of close-up performers of magic throughout the world."
The performing of magic draws practitioners from every field - doctors, lawyers, actors,...
This book was rated one of the ten basic books for a working library of conjuring by H. Adrian Smith, historian, collector and owner of the largest private magic library in his time. It is a magnificent book featuring tricks from Germain, Conradi, Goldston, Okito, Elliott, and others. It is very difficult to get a hardcopy these days. Other books in this top 10 list are
Paul Fleming wrote:
In 1910, Henry Hatton, a well-known writer on magic, and Adrian Plate,...
Mainly Close Up was Paul Hallas's first book published in 1979 and has been unavailable for around 30 years. Rather than just copy the book for an e-version it was re-typed and some corrections made and additional comments made from a 2013 perspective. Some of the original sketches have been left, others removed as not necessary and occasionally some photos added. Twenty seven ideas are described (though a couple will need patter updates) and it is perhaps Paul's most varied collection. As the title suggests, the book is mainly close up, and mostly cards, but also a couple of coin items, a stretching...
Enrico Varella, corporate trainer and world-class distance runner from Singapore, is an experienced magician, and VP of the IBM ring 115, 'The Great Wong Ring' in Singapore.
Enrico has performed in over 22 countries in live performances as well as on television. He is also the creator of "Tiepit", a jacket-less topit - check it out!
The three routines described herein are favorites of Enrico, having been refined after countless performances over 25 years.
XXX-Traordinary - 3 coins materialize, one at a time, each then becomes "invisible", and then, materialize once again!
Nocturnal...
This is a gorgeous and careful digitization of a classic originally published by Harry Stanley in 1962. All drawings have not simply been scanned and included as images but have been converted to vectorized graphics. This means they are crisp and clear even under the largest magnification as well as when printed out.
This PDF ebook has very detailed bookmarks making it easy to browse to your section of choice.
Max Malini was one of the most extraordinary personalities in the history of the performance of magic.
In this ebook, Dai Vernon shows how successfully Malini acted the role of magician and...
"I pause my magic show to bring you a special public service announcement. It has come to my attention that someone has regretfully become his own grandpa. Needless to say he has become the laughing stock of all far and wide. This should never happen to anyone. Consequently, through the help of this diagram, I am going to explain how it happened so you may not ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation."
For forty years this interlude has proven itself an enjoyable diversion for the middle of my magic show - demonstrating the versatility of the performer. No singing ability is required...
In this, the first part of Simon's accoladed three volume video package, we begin with "The Wobbly Wombat Set." This is full blown, non-stop unrehearsed action, where the audience and the magic are both the real deal.
Included are sterling performances of Simon's latest and greatest handlings of "Fingered Number Three," "Card To Wallet," "The Lemming Ace Exchange," and Simon's stunning multiple selection routine: "The Wobbly Wombat."
The performance is spiced with gags and bits of business too numerous to mention. The audience reaction will make you a true believer in Simon's high-impact,...
Simon Lovell at his very best, performing (and teaching) Heartless, Another Departed Point, Sleight-of-Tongue, Paper Roses, and much, much more.
Volume two begins with "The Heartless Set." Again, full blown non-stop unrehearsed action with an incredible audience and incredible magic. Included are excellent performances of Simon's finest handlings of "Heartless," "Another Departed Point," "Sleight-of-Tongue," and Simon's wonderful, poignant and memorable "Paper Roses." The performance is laced with jokes and gags the entire way. The audience reaction for this performance leaves nothing to...
In this final volume, we begin with the "Packed Wallet Set." As before, Simon begins with the spontaneous magic and audience interaction as only he can do. Included are striking performances of "Lovey Dovey Sandwich","Elmsley Cut Elmsley," "The Packed Wallet," and Simon's show-stopping story deck routine, "Who Killed Lilly Longlegs?"
On all three volumes, after the performances we sneak away to the sanctuary of Bat Cave Studios where Simon breaks down all the performing details and tips the real work. Then, in a new analysis session, Simon gives you the why, the reasoning behind everything...
Stunts of the stage and big top from starting to starring.
An ideal lesson and source book for obtaining information on acquiring show skills. Learn them and perform at fairs, traveling circuses, rodeos, "in one" before the curtain at magic shows, on cruise ships, or on TV. Let's face it. Audiences love show stunts, such as juggling, balance feats, acrobatic demonstrations, and the like. They appreciate the level of skill and dedication that these artists possess.
Because these acts are somewhat of a novelty, they fit in well with other entertainments, making an extravaganza that is a...
"Ralph Felder has created a meaningful read for those interested in all aspects of magic ..." - Randall EllerAuthor Ralph Felder, a Certified Quality Engineer, utilizes a scientific approach to magic which facilitates:"Ralph has created a great system for beginners and semi-professional magicians to evaluate their performances and improve on their craft. This book truly shines for those looking to make the transition into magic with the goal of becoming a professional ..." - Maxwell Blade
1st edition 1970, 1st digital edition 2016,...