
From the Foreword:
This is my first book on Magic, and it will probably be my last, because its contents are the result of my life’s work.
All the sleights and tricks explained in this book have been worked by me; therefore I know they are practical. One often hears of tricks which seem to be very good theoretically, but which turn out to be anything but good when one tests them by a private rehearsal.

A great little trick/bet you can learn in just a few minutes and you are always ready to stump someone. The effect can be done with cards, matches or coins. The twelve objects are laid out in three horizontal rows. The object of the game is that the person left with the last item to pick up loses the game. You only play this game with one person at a time. The rules are simple. The player can only take from one row at a time. Take as many as you wish from either the first, second or third row, but you cannot pick from different rows until your next turn. Either you or the spectator can start...

How to do magic easily and quickly, including illusions, stage magic, parlor magic, sleight-of-hand, and party stunts.
From the Foreword:
The Author of Magic For the Millions is a retired magician of many years experience as a professional showman, entertainer, writer, compiler and creator of humor. He lets us peek into the mysteries of magic; he regales us with a lot of new party stunts; he tells us what to do to amuse guests at the dinner table.

From the Foreword:
The welcome accorded to Design for Magic has given me the necessary encouragement to present this present volume. I hope that among the score of original ideas and effects, there may be something of use for every type of magician. Some of the effects rely in part upon mechanism for their accomplishment. My views on mechanism in Magic agree with those well expressed by John Mulholland, who a few years ago wrote the following in The Sphinx.
"When mechanics are used in Magic, they must be so designed and constructed that they are infallible. When a trick depends on mechanism and the mechanism fails...

The next time you perform at or host a dinner (Thanksgiving?) consider making copies of these three different placemats - setting them out on the tables for people to play with during the dinner or prior to your show. The magic works for them, and they won't even be sure how it worked! They'll take the placemats with them to show their friends. While you're at it, why not put your contact information on the back? Includes a Bermuda Triangle Mystery based on a Jim Steinmeyer idea and a Terri Rogers' concept of using patterned borders for a fun pencil race. Designed by a professional graphic artist, these...

What a wonderful book on sleight of hand magic with small objects this is - profusely illustrated with more than 200 photos, by a recognized inventor, author, and reviewer of magic.
From the introduction by Blackstone:
But, there has always been a dearth of practical routines, probably due to the difficulty encountered by most magicians in linking tricks into a smoothly flowing series of mysteries and, perhaps, because of some innate trait of laziness found in most of us. That is why I am so impressed and pleased with the text of Jim’s book. It truly helps to fill an unfortunate gap in magical...

From the introduction by Milbourne Christopher:
I first heard of Jim Thompson in the pages of Ted Annemann's Jinx. Then his main interest was mental magic. I have never seen him perform but I have seen many magicians use the tricks he has put into print. I always visualize him as a mild mannered man who would make an excellent beacon in a blackout. See his "Moonlight Madness," page 301 in Annemann's Practical Mental Effects, or page 265 in My Best.
This current volume of "Top Secrets" is the second in a planned trilogy. You have most of the objects needed for the feats described. If something special is required, Jim will tell you how to make it, or where to buy it....

From the introduction by Martin Gardner:
With this distinguished background it is little wonder that his latest series of books, Top Secrets of Magic, of which this is the third, is a veritable treasure trove of material, clearly and simply explained, and displaying a remarkable knowledge of what has been done and is being done today in every branch of conjuring. The large clear photographs make the text delightfully easy to follow. Magicians throughout the world will look forward now to volume 4, then 5, and as many more as Jim will find time to write, for he is putting together a series of such scope...

Christopher reveals his favorite tips, ideas, gags, patter and effects from his own shows. Get more from the magic you already own.
Divided into three parts, you get Tips on Tricks; Nite Club Magic (featuring suggestions from the author and Russell Swann); and Up From the Audience - a chapter of practical tips for getting the best audience helpers up on stage to assist you.
A wealth of practical, tested material for any performer, written by the author who brought you Stretching A Rope. One of the finest values in magic.
"[A] non-padded presentation of bits, gags and "business" that any active wizard can...

Clever conjuring with common objects. Illustrated with 134 photographs.
From the introduction:
The following chapters will be found to be practical lessons in conjuring. Many people have the erroneous idea that if they know how a trick is done they are quite capable of presenting it to an audience. I have always found that a very little experience will show such persons that the mere knowledge of the secret of a trick is not of much value to a beginner unless it is accompanied by some simple instructions showing him the best way of using his knowledge. Therefore, I shall not merely give...

All the PDFs and videos from the CD that Devin Knight sold at his final East Coast Lecture tour. This is the bargain of the century as it would cost you $91.00 to buy these separately. Each PDF fully explains how to make up each trick. To buy these tricks ready made from a magic dealer would cost over $300.00.
QUADRUPLE PREDICTION - An amazing mental effect where the magician correctly predicts cards and colors despite odds of over 16,000 to 1 against it. A real stunner you can close a show with.
PSYCHIC MONEY SENSE - Designed for an intimate close up show, this experiment apparently shows...

This famous book is once again available in a new, revision edition.
Professional magicians and reviewers have given this book an amazing reception. The reason is plain to see, for here is a collection of the very smartest magic, devised and used in his own act by Lu Brent, the topnotch Philadelphia professional. Those who know have called the book sensational, others, novel and original, while all highly endorse the practical value and the effectiveness of the magic that is so thoroughly explained and illustrated. There is something of value for every performer, as the table of contents...

From the introduction:
I will introduce this book by a little story told to me by a certain well-known conjurer. It concerns an experience of his while on tour in the north. By some mischance his luggage, including all the elaborate apparatus used by him in his tricks and illusions, went astray on the railway. He telegraphed for it up and down the line, but without result. For the time being it was hopelessly lost. What was to be done? The position was as awkward as it well could be. The bills announcing his performance had been out several days. Most of the reserved seats had already been...

This is a compilation of Hilliard's contributions to Floyd Thayer's magazine The Magical Bulletin.
A few sporadic contributions to magical journals here and abroad followed The Art of Magic. The most important of these stray papers was the first account, in The Sphinx, of a thought-reading card trick of my own invention that has since enjoyed considerable popularity. I refer to the experiment commonly known as "The Telephone Trick." No one was more surprised than myself at the immediate and widespread popularity of this trick. That its success was not ephemeral, I judge from the fact that Mr. Thayer still keeps it in stock, and that many writers,...



From the introduction:
The ideal way of learning magic is, it almost goes without saying, to obtain lessons from a magician who is not only a skilful performer but who has also the gift of teaching. The number of such magicians is small. Skilful performers there are in plenty; but the gift of teaching is a rare one. Many a man knows his subject thoroughly, yet cannot impart his knowledge to others.
This ideal way is therefore a difficult one. The learner has first to find an efficient instructor. He may be able to do so if he lives in or near one of the great cities. But if not he will...

Here's an entertaining, 25- to 60-minute lecture that you, the magician or mentalist, can present on the topic of scams and cons. And it's a money-maker.
Become an Expert on Cons and Swindles...
Or just talk like one. This is a new field for most magicians and mentalists, allowing you to give your lecture to civic groups, security seminars, government agencies, corporations -- anywhere people gather. And these organizations have deep pockets, too, able to pay you well for your time.
Fabled Bunco Games of History...
Now become practical, effective tricks in the magician's hands, each...

From the introduction:
Before the young conjurer sets out to try and entertain his friends he should first devote a little time every day to practice. I always believe in a little practice every day. Every trick that one is going to present should be rehearsed over and over again until one is practically tired of it. When the conjurer knows a trick in that way he finds, when he is presenting it to an audience, that he is by no means tired of it, because the trick goes so well that he is bound to like it and it probably becomes one of his favourite tricks.

It is a bit odd to teach productions of lighted cigarettes in a book for young conjurers, but perhaps those were the days when smoking was considered good for you.
From the introduction:
That brings me to another point. Don't be afraid of a mistake, and don't allow yourself to be discouraged by one. The best men make mistakes sometimes. Still, it is as well to guard against mistakes by rehearsals. Take one trick at a time and go over it many times until you know it thoroughly. Then - and not till then - go on to another trick. In this way you will soon build up quite a little store of...

Magic with a variety of objects including silks, thimbles, rope, candles, match boxes, and others.

From the back cover by Karl Fulves:
The Thompson name having been associated with quality magic for the past fifty years, the reader of this new book will need no recommendation as to the value of the material. It contains all of the Thompson trademarks; new ideas, subtle approaches, smoothly routined magic, impeccably researched articles, inscrutable titles, excellent patter and presentation suggestions. All of this is well known and indeed synonymous with the Thompson name. There is another facet to the material in this book which may not be readily apparent however, and it is this which I'd like...

On a budget? Can't find audience-friendly magic at the magic shop? Then build your own with this great collection of 52 magic tips, ideas, patter and suggestions (or in other words, T.I.P.S.)
Even if you're all thumbs, the author's clear descriptions and illustrations makes it easy to craft amazing effects, props and utility items. He also reveals the source of an incredible building material, as well as finishing tips.
Magic reviewers, dealers and magicians everywhere all agree that TIPS contains the largest collection of new, easy to make practical magic than books five times the price....