(London, UK: May 8th, 1873 - January 7th, 1937)
Blyth joined the Magic Circle (London) in 1917, and was elected Hon. Librarian in 1919. He is the author of Paper Magic, More Paper Magic, Match-stick Magic, Handkerchief Magic, Money Magic, Impromptu Conjuring, and How to Become a Conjurer.
Mr. Blyth was also Superintendent of the London Salvage Corps and Hon. Secretary of the Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund of the Professional Fire Brigades’ Association.
This work is primarily intended for those who are seeking to master the art of entertaining by magic, but who are quite ignorant of the rudiments of conjuring.
The first section, although dealing with conjuring books in general, is intended to indicate to the reader how to read this volume so that he may profit from the matter contained in the various sections.
Sections Two, Three, and Four give full instructions on the use of the appliances, appurtenances, and sleights of conjuring. Therein are described the elementary principles and appliances of the art of conjuring which must be...
A collection of entertaining and amusing models, toys, conjuring tricks, etc., in which paper is the only or principal material required.
Excerpt from the Preface:
The art of simple paper folding gives pleasure not only to the young, but even to old stagers, who become interested and sometimes enthusiastic in the making-up of paper items, learnt at school, but long forgotten. Mr. Oswald Williams, the famous illusionist, was kind enough to express to the author his appreciation of Paper Magic, and testified to the pleasure he had received in making up the various paper folds described therein, some...
Hardcover without dustjacket in decent condition. Some stains and foxing on the cover. For details on the contents see the digital edition.
How to entertain and amuse children or adult audiences with a pocket handkerchief.
From the introduction by Clive Maskelyne:
A feature of the book is, that the descriptions, aided by well-drawn diagrams, are so simple and lucid that no one should find any difficulty in entertaining and amusing at festive gatherings. Handkerchief tricks are always popular, and the selection given in Handkerchief Magic is not only ingenious and amusing, but, where an old principle or an old piece of apparatus has been employed as the foundation of an effect, the author has given it such new surroundings...
Entertaining tricks and amusements with coins.
From the introduction:
This volume has been subdivided into three parts. The first part, comprising tricks necessitating special coins or apparatus, will involve a little outlay. This outlay, however, is not a big item, and a few shillings spent at one of the conjuring depots, whose addresses are to be found among the advertising matter in this book, will place the reader in possession of some really effective tricks. That is, provided the performer carefully follows the detailed workings given in the book; he should then be able to amuse...
From the introduction:
Every item has been presented by the author, not only before the general public, who may generally be relied on to give audible expressions of their likes and dislikes, but also before meetings of conjurers, where candid criticism has resulted in filling up several possible pitfalls and leaving everything fairly even and workable.
Most of my previous works on conjuring have dealt with specific subjects, such as paper, match-sticks, handkerchiefs, coins, etc. The present volume, however, contains a variety of useful effects which, if presented with due regard to the...
Tricks and amusements with a sheet of paper.
From the foreword:
Paper is one of the easiest materials to obtain, and to those who are interested in finding a useful means of utilizing some of the household accumulations, the present volume will undoubtedly appeal. It will be noticed that the book has been divided into two parts, and the first portion, dealing with Toys, Models, Puzzles, etc. made entirely from paper, will be found to provide a fascinating and at the same time, inexpensive form of amusement for the younger members of the home circle. The second section deals with some effective...
Puzzles, games and conjuring tricks - all done with simple matches. Get a matchbox or book of matches and entertain an entire table of guests or just a single person on the bar.
With an introduction by David Devant.