Peter Eldin
(Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England: 7th April 1939 - )
Stage name of Peter John Failes since 1958. Learned in 1948 from library books. Pro freelance writer (over 70 non-fiction books, mainly for children) since 1973. Semi-pro close-up and mental magician since age 15. Pet effects: C&R Rope, Salt Transpo, and impromptu close-up effects. Editor of Magic Circular 1990-1998. Edited the magic column in World’s Fair 2002-2004-present.
Wrote Amaze and Amuse Your Friends (1973, 121pp), The Trickster's Handbook (1976, 126pp), Ali Cat's Make Magic (1977), Isn't that Amazing! (1979, 128pp), Kingfisher Pocket Book of Magic (1985, 189pp; in USA 1985 as The Magic Handbook), Card and Conjuring Tricks (1989, as "Gordon Hill"), and Crazy Magic (1989, 128pp). Has also ghost-written for other magicians. Articles in Abra, Budget, and Magic Circular.