{"title":"Magic History Books","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"new-modern-coin-magic","title":"The New Modern Coin Magic","description":"","brand":"MURPHY'S MAGIC SUPPLIES","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37170637176992,"sku":"IN-179","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/9Jys6oRg.jpg?v=1617654161"},{"product_id":"stars-of-magic-book","title":"Stars of Magic (Soft Cover)","description":"If you have not read and learned the magic contained in this book, you are not yet a full-fledged, close-up magician. The magic by John Scarne, Dai Vernon, Bert Allerton, S. Leo Horowitz, Emil Jarrow, Francis Carlyle, Dr. Jacob Daley, Tony Slydini, Ross Bertram, Nate Leipzig, and Max Malini helped shape the art of close-up magic as we know it. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt has often been said that mastering the magic in this book will make you an accomplished close-up and sleight-of-hand artist. In many ways, it contains all the magic you need to build a professional caliber repertoire. Many have earned a living performing these routines and now you can, too. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIncludes: 41 incredible routines by 11 amazing artists, a historical introduction and a bonus section with private correspondence related to the \u003cb\u003eStars of Magic\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSecond Edition. First Paperback Edition. Published by Meir Yedid Magic in 2017. 176 pages written by George Starke, Dr. Jacob Daley, Bruce Elliott and Meir Yedid. 378 photographs by George Karger. 8.5 x 11 inch, softcover, perfect-bound. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAll of the routines were originally sold as separate manuscripts. Purchased separately, they would have cost you US $98.00. Below are their original descriptions: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeries 1, No. 1: John Scarne's Classic Ball Routine: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe effect is a bewildering series of magical appearances and disappearances of small balls. Starting out by taking a pinch of ashes from an ash tray, you cause ball after ball to mysteriously materialize, multiply and vanish. At the end of the routine, the balls become ashes once again. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 1, No. 2: John Scarne's Triple Coincidence: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsing two ordinary decks with backs of different designs, the spectator shuffles one deck while the performer shuffles the other. At no time does the performer touch the spectator's deck. The spectator cuts his deck three times, each time exchanging a card with the performer. When both ribbon-spread their decks, a miracle is accomplished -- each time, the spectator and performer turn up one of the three stranger cards in their decks, the cards turn out to be alike -- a knock-out triple coincidence. Both decks are left on the table for examination. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 1, No. 3: John Scarne's Silver and Copper Trick: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA silver coin in the spectator's hand changes place magically with a copper coin in the hand of the performer. This is followed by a beautiful penetration effect of the coin passing through the trousers pocket. For many years, magicians were under the impression that Scarne used gimmicked coins. Now, Scarne shows that he does it with ordinary coins and gives you his exact method. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 2, No. 1: Dai Vernon's Triumph: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDai Vernon divulges one of his most astonishing discoveries, an exquisite card miracle entitled \"Triumph.\" A revolutionary sleight is involved which will be coveted by every magician. It is an easy-to-do false shuffle equivalent to a pull-through shuffle, considered one of the most difficult of all gambling sleights. Very few magicians are able to execute a neat and deceptive pull-through because it requires years of constant practice and most of them have abandoned the effort in disgust. Now, by means of Dai Vernon's false shuffle, you can achieve the same result with very little practice. You will find it the perfect false shuffle for maintaining the order of the reds and blacks. Furthermore, lovers of gambling tricks will rejoice in this sleight because the order of the entire pack can be kept intact. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 2, No. 2: Dai Vernon's Cutting the Aces: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe four aces, fairly distributed throughout the deck, are cut to with uncanny accuracy in a new and impressive manner. Few magicians have as yet been privileged to view this extraordinary routine that produces one of the most entertaining impromptu effects in card magic. Dai Vernon also discloses here, for the first time, his own method of controlling cards during the process of cutting. This secret alone is an extremely valuable sleight for which you can find numerous uses in card conjuring. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 2, No. 3: Dai Vernon's Spellbound: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDai Vernon reveals a cherished routine that has been one of his pet mysteries for many years. The effect involves a series of remarkable and inexplicable changes of two coins of the same size but minted from different metals, such as a half dollar and an English penny. It utilizes a very old sleight originally employed by English swindlers at county fairs and carnivals. Until now this routine has been guarded, and consequently it is practically unknown to the magic fraternity. Although the effect appears extremely difficult to perform, its simplicity will intrigue you. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 2, No. 4: Dai Vernon's Kangaroo Coins: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is Dai Vernon's original method of passing coins, one at a time, through a table into a glass. The sleights utilized in this effect appear very natural and are easy to do. By adding superb misdirection and subtleties to natural movements, Dai Vernon has created a magnificent routine. After practicing and mastering this routine, you will have an effect that will establish you as a superlative sleight-of-hand performer. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 3, No. 1: Bert Allerton's Pump Room Phantasy: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe two red aces are exhibited, one on the top and the other on the bottom of the deck. They are unmistakably inserted into the center of the pack, when \"Presto!\" they appear on the top and bottom respectively. This action is repeated, and on the third change they become black aces. The black aces, too, are inserted in the center, only to return to the top and bottom. Then one red ace changes to a black ace and one black ace changes to a red ace, and finally all four aces are produced for a startling climax. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 3, No. 2: Bert Allerton's Bamboozle: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe magician relates an incident where he has apparently been shortchanged but in the end, came out ahead of the game. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 3, No. 3: S. Leo Horowitz's Malini-Bey Chink a Chink: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFour sugar cubes, dice or dominos are laid out on a table in a 15\" square. The magician places each hand on a cube. The fingers are wiggled and the hands are removed. After repeating this action several times, it is found that the four cubes, one at a time, have traveled mysteriously to one spot. This routine leads into an amusing finish wherein the performer shows that cubes placed in his pocket somehow find their way back into his hand. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 3, No. 4: S. Leo Horowitz's The Egyptian Ball Mystery: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe performer exhibits a red ball and a white ball. The red ball is unmistakably wrapped in a silk handkerchief and placed in a glass. The white ball is picked up and held at the fingertips. It suddenly changes into a red ball. The performer then removes the handkerchief from the glass and discloses that the red ball has mysteriously changed into a white ball. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 3, No. 5: Jarrow's Hanky-Panky: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA handkerchief is held at the corners by two spectators in a horizontal position. A newspaper sheet is placed over the handkerchief, and a lighted cigarette is held underneath the center of the handkerchief. Suddenly the cigarette burns its way through the newspaper, but upon removing the paper, it is found that the handkerchief has not been damaged. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 4, No. 1: Francis Carlyle's Decapitation: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe performer borrows a package of paper matches and removes one match. He scrapes off the head on both sides and shows clearly that the match head is missing. Suddenly the head mysteriously reappears. The performer lights the match. The strong feature of this effect is in the repetition. The performer tears out a second match. He again scrapes off the head on both sides. Once again, the head mysteriously appears, and the performer lights the match. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 4, No. 2: Francis Carlyle's Homing Card: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe spectator selects and marks a card on its face with any identifying mark. The performer shows that his right trouser pocket is empty, and then has the spectator return the marked card to the pack. Showing that he has no card in his hand, the performer reaches into his trouser pocket and reveals that a card has arrived there. The spectator is asked to name his card, and the performer shows the card in the pocket to be the selected one bearing the spectator's identifying mark. The performer openly returns the selected card to the center of the deck, and places the deck on the table or in the spectator's hand. After showing both hands to be unmistakably empty, he slowly reaches into his pocket and dramatically produces the marked card again. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 4, No. 3: Francis Carlyle's Wrist Watch Steal: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe spectator puts an identifying mark on a copper and silver coin. One coin is placed in a handkerchief which is held by the spectator. The performer holds the other coin. At his command, the coin held by him vanishes and a resounding clink is heard. Mysteriously, the performer's coin has joined the one in the handkerchief held by the spectator. Upon examination, the coins are found to be the ones originally marked by the spectator. This effect is an excellent one in and of itself. It impresses the spectator with your ability to do miracles with coins. Psychologically, this makes him easy prey for the main effect. Mr. Carlyle causes the spectator to believe he is going to see another coin trick which is even more impossible than the previous one. He is thus able to gain possession of the spectator's wrist watch without his knowledge. This is made easy because the spectator's mind is concerned solely upon seeing a coin miracle and he never suspects that his watch is to be stolen. The mechanics of the steal itself are simple, and are timed exactly to coincide with the distractions. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 5, No. 1: Dai Vernon's Impromptu Cups and Balls: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe \"Cups and Balls\" is, and will remain, one of the great classics of sleight-of-hand. In olden days, a magician's ability was judged by his performance of this effect. The appeal to the layman lies in the fact that the trick embodies nearly every possible effect--appearance, disappearance, penetration, transposition, and change of form. Dai Vernon's method of performing the \"Cups and Balls,\" here explained for the first time, has been developed over a period of years to a point where all superfluous moves are eliminated, and the strongest features of the trick properly emphasized. The climax is reached in a logical manner, and the whole routine never fails to astound the keenest onlookers. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 5, No. 2: Dai Vernon's Ambitious Card: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA card is repeatedly placed into the center of the pack and caused to jump invisibly to the top or bottom. Whenever the spectator thinks he is following the magician's actions, he nevertheless finds that he has been completely bewildered. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 5, No. 3: Dai Vernon's Mental Card Miracle: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe spectator is given a free mental choice of one of five cards. Without asking a single question, the performer puts one card in his pocket, which never fails to be the thought-of card. To prove that chance plays no part in this, performer repeats the feat twice. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 6, No. 1: Dai Vernon's The Ring on The Wand: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a treatise on \"The Ring on The Wand.\" Dai Vernon discloses the finest sleight-of-hand artists, Malini and Leipzig. Herein are revealed, for the first time, the secrets of one of the most fascinating magical effects. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 6, No. 2: Dai Vernon's Slow-Motion Four Aces: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTwo bewildering slow-motion versions of the Classic Four Ace Trick, wherein the Aces are caused to leave their packets and join the Ace in the fourth packet, one at a time. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 6, No. 3: Dai Vernon's The Travelers: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA lesson in misdirection. Four selected marked cards are placed in different parts of the deck. The deck is shuffled. The four cards vanish from the deck and mysteriously appear in four different pockets of performer. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 7, No. 1: Dr. Jacob Daley's Cards Up the Sleeve: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe classic \"Cards Up the Sleeve,\" a favorite of great sleight-of-hand artists, has always been considered the acid test of the skilled performer. In this ultra-modern version, Dr. Daley greatly enhances the effect by adding the distinguishing feature of having the cards travel in numerical sequence. Many new intriguing sleights are introduced here for the first time, which should serve as a veritable storehouse of powerful magical weapons for use in many other magical effects. Much thought has been put into the construction of this effect in order to perfect it. The end-result is an artistic conception of off-beat timing and precise misdirection, which will prove a delight to the connoisseur as well as the layman. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 7, No. 2: Dr. Jacob Daley's The Itinerant Pasteboards: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis routine embodies two different methods of accomplishing a novel transposition of two cards. The effectiveness of the routine depends, in a large measure, upon the proper execution of a new conception of the Double Lift. This sleight is undoubtedly one of the most valuable sleights in the entire field of card magic. Despite its great value, it has one serious drawback which prevents it being used as often as one would like. This weakness is the necessity of getting set. The \"get-ready\" requires misdirection which many times is impractical when the presentation requires that the sleight be repeated in rapid succession. In order to eliminate this effect, Dr. Daley has evolved the Instantaneous Double Lift, which makes it possible to use the sleight repeatedly without the \"get-ready.\" Once you master this new method, you will have at your command the only undetectable sleight in card magic that can be done under fire. This routine demonstrates the practical application of this valuable modification of the Double Lift. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 7, No. 3: Dr. Jacob Daley's The Cavorting Aces: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTwo black Aces, one placed on top of the deck and the other on the bottom, are magically transported to the center of the deck and then back again to the top and bottom. The two red Aces are now placed in the center of the deck and are caused to change places with the black Aces. The two black Aces are left in the center of the deck and the two red Aces are placed on the top and bottom, whereupon all four Aces are caused to assemble in the center of the deck. Finally, the Aces vanish mysteriously from the deck and are produced from the pocket one at a time as called for. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 8, No. 1: Slydini's Cigarette Miracle: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe performer borrows a cigarette and lights it. He unmistakably tears it in two and shows both halves. Then, without any artificial moves, the two pieces are seen to fuse. Finally, none the worse for its harrowing experience, the cigarette becomes magically restored. The performer is able to amaze the onlookers further by repeating the effect immediately. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 8, No. 2: Slydini's Flight of The Paper Balls: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA delightful comedy routine. An audience enjoys participating in a magical effect particularly when the performer takes the spectators into his confidence. This routine provides hilarious entertainment because the entire audience is aware of the modus operandi except for the assistant, who is profoundly mystified by the entire proceeding. In this routine, the performer repeatedly challenges the spectator to guess what happens to paper balls which mysteriously vanish. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 8, No. 3: Slydini's Flyaway Coin Routine: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe performer shows a coin to a spectator and causes it to vanish. The spectator finds that the coin has traveled to his breast pocket. He thinks that he was caught by surprise and always requests the performer to repeat the effect. Although the spectator is on his guard, the performer successfully causes the coin to reappear four times in the spectator's pocket. This effect differs from other coin routines in that its dramatic strength lies in the repetition. By continually challenging the keenness of the spectator, the effect is greatly enhanced and built up into a bewildering and highly entertaining routine. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 9, No. 1: Ross Bertram On Coins: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eRubdown:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e The performer places his right hand on a half-dollar and rubs it on the table with a circular motion. After a few moments, the rubbing motion is stopped, the right hand is lifted, and the coin is gone. The left hand, which has been resting on the table, is then lifted, revealing the coin under it. Again, the performer starts rubbing the half-dollar on the table with his right hand. Amazingly, a dime makes its appearance from under the fingers in place of the half-dollar. Upon raising his left hand, he finds the missing forty cents under it--a quarter, a dime, and a nickel. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eDouble-Cross:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e Two contrasting coins are shown at the fingertips--one in each hand. The hands are then closed and held far apart. When they are opened again, the coins are seen to have changed places. The performer offers to repeat the effect. This time, just before opening the hands, the left hand drops the coin it held originally to show nothing has happened as yet. Instead of the coins being transposed, which is what the spectators expect to see, the coin in the right hand has traveled over to join the coin in the left. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003ePassing the Half-Bucks:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e Four coins are counted slowly into the left hand. One coin is commanded to pass into the right hand. When the hands are opened, three coins are in the left hand and one in the right. This is repeated with the second and third coins. The performer then states that he will cause the fourth coin to join the three in the right hand; but something goes wrong and the coin fails to pass. When the right hand is opened, it is unexpectedly found to be empty and all four coins have surprisingly arrived in the left hand. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Porous Paw:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e A coin is caused to penetrate the hand. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eCoin Assembly:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e Four quarters and two playing cards are used. The coins are laid out in a square on a cloth covered table, about one foot apart. The two outer coins are covered with the cards. The two uncovered coins are vanished in succession, and join the quarter under the right-hand card. Finally, the coin under the left-hand card vanishes, leaving all four coins magically assembled under the right hand card. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 10: Vernon On Leipzig: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eLeipzig's Opener:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e A deck of cards is placed face down on a spectator's palm, and a selected card appears mysteriously on the bottom when the deck is turned face up. Then the effect is repeated up to just before the point where the pack is placed on the spectator's palm, but this time the performer extends his own right palm down above the spectator's hand and the pack is placed above the performer's hand. The deck is riffled, and simultaneously with the riffling sound, the card apparently penetrates the performer's hand and appears face up on the spectator's palm! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eLeipzig's Acrobats:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e Simple in plot, this effect of Leipzig's is baffling in the extreme. A pack of cards is divided into halves and the face up bottom cards of each half mysteriously change places! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eLeipzig's Pride:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e The stack of coins was undoubtedly Nate Leipzig's favorite magical problem. He guarded it jealously, and would never perform it when other magicians were present. There was a good reason, for in his hands it was a masterpiece. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eLeipzig's Tear-Up with A Twist:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e The restoration of a torn cigarette paper as performed by Nate Leipzig, was a minor miracle. He handled the whole procedure so neatly and cleanly that the result was a real delight to watch. With it he created a truly magical effect that never failed to completely bewilder all onlookers. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries 11: Vernon On Malini: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eMalini's Card Stabbing:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e After having six or seven cards selected, the pack was spread face down all over a table top. While blindfolded, Malini would successfully stab each selected card in turn on the point of a penknife. The last time he thrust the knife in amongst the scattered cards, he would push the knife into the table top through one last card which allowed him dramatically to tip the table over towards the audience. All the other cards would cascade onto the floor, the chosen card pinned to the table as to a target. When the card was plucked free, it proved to be the last selected card. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eMalini's Own Color Change:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e While standing completely surrounded by spectators, Malini caused the face card on the deck of cards to change in a most uncanny manner. Despite the fact that the deck was held horizontally and that he was under close scrutiny from all sides, he then repeated the effect, causing the face card mysteriously and absolutely to transform itself into another without detection! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eMalini's Favorite!:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e Malini would ask a spectator to watch a coin as closely as possible as he tossed it from hand to hand. The coin landed heads up in one hand, tails up in the other. This was done a few times, Malini asking the spectator to guess whether the coin was going to land heads or tails. Finally, he seemed to toss it into the left hand as the left hand closed on it. The spectator was asked which way the coin had landed, heads up or tails up. No matter what the answer was, Malini would open his left hand and reveal that the coin had completely vanished. The right hand was empty too. The effect in Malini's hands was that the coin melted away! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLesson 1--Dai Vernon: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eRoyal Monte:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e A lesson in artistic card handling. The performer comments on how amusing it is, to onlookers at a poker game, to watch the average player inspect his hand. He demonstrates this by slowly fanning five cards he holds. He shows the ten, jack, queen, and king of the same suit. With the \"hope that springs eternal,\" he carefully squeezes out the last card. Lo and behold, it is actually the ace of the same suit. As so often happens in such cases, nobody opens the pot. Of course, when it comes to his turn, he opens but nobody stays. He shows his wonderful hand and receives the usual sympathy. Not wishing to part with this beautiful hand, he decides to perform a Monte trick. Turning the ace and the ten face down in the fan, he places one of them on the table and asks the other players to guess which it is, ace or ten. They all guess correctly. It is the ace. As he again turns up the ten spot he remarks, \"Well, that time you did not bet any money. I'll wager that if I turn down these four cards -- the ten, jack, queen and king and give them a cut or two, you cannot pick out one of the picture cards. And you have three chances to one in your favor. A picture you win; a ten you lose.\" Holding the four cards, backs towards the players, several make small bets. However, they all lose because all four cards prove to be tens and the picture cards have completely disappeared. The cards, of course, are inspected and found unprepared in any way. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLesson 1--Tony Slydini: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Art of Using the Lap as a Servante:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e Tony Slydini has mystified hundreds of magicians by utilizing this stratagem and has literally \"floored\" them with apparently impossible effects. Of course, he has developed his own style, perfected the misdirection and timing to such a degree that one can say that he has brought this system of deception up to a high artistic level. It took considerable persuasion to have him permit the publication of the fine details of lapping as interpreted by him in a new and modernized form. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eStars of Magic\u003c\/b\u003e book is considered by many to be the best book ever written about close-up magic and features some of the best creations from the leading magicians of the first half of the 20th century. Originally released by Stars of Magic, Inc. as separate manuscripts that sold in the 1940s and 1950s for around $5 each, they were later bound in a hardcover edition by Louis Tannen, Inc. The rights to the monumental work were later purchased by D. Robbins \u0026amp; Co. and in September 2003, Meir Yedid Magic acquired the rights to the original and current editions. In 2008, MyMagic released a deluxe edition that many considered to be the ultimate and most beautiful version of the book. This 2017 edition is a no-frills paperback you can feel comfortable taking notes in and carrying with you instead of admiring, worshiping and collecting. It is geared toward the workers and students of magic.","brand":"MEIR YEDID","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37170638061728,"sku":"R-135B","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/1CpYHYtA.jpg?v=1696022889"},{"product_id":"dai-vernon-a-biography","title":"Dai Vernon: A Biography","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e...fascinating and fast-moving biography...Ben takes care to present the story here to appeal to insiders and laymen alike.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e- The Washington Post\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"A detailed and humanizing portrait of a genius and the age that hailed him as its conquering hero.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e- MAGIC Magazine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"This book is a compelling read and an example of scholarship that will likely survive as the Vernon biography. It surely ranks among the very best of magic biographies and autobiographies given us to enjoy.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e- M.U.M. Magazine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"David Ben brings this new character back from history and very much to life in his marvelous tale. Combining meticulous research, a deep understanding of the workings of magic, and broad insight into magic's artistic history, Mr. Ben turns out to have been an ideal candidate to assume the undeniably daunting task of telling magicians a story of immense importance.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e- Genii Magazine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDai Vernon: the last great undiscovered artist of the 20th century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHis medium was magic and with it, Vernon turned the clandestine world of conjuring on its ear with virtuoso sleight-of-hand and a dogged pursuit for perfection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBorn in 1894 in Ottawa, the son of a Canadian civil servant, Vernon moved to New York - Manhattan - in 1915, and never looked back. Miracles flowed from his fingertips - effortlessly. The source of his secrets? The underworld and the gamblers, husters and con-men that roamed back-room dens of iniquity, bunked in jail cells and walked the streets of America. Vernon sought them out, befriended them, and made their work, their covert methods, his. This book, the first in-depth examination of Vernon's life, traces the first half of his remarkable journey - through Ottawa, Coney Island, Chicago, Manhattan, Kansas City and Colorado Springs - and the celebrities - Houdini, Billy Rose, and Roosevelt, that Vernon encountered along the way.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDai Vernon: A Biography also details the evolution of magic in the 20th century. From the stages of London and Paris to the back rooms of magic emporiums where secrets were bought and sold, Vernon's life and work escort the reader through vaudeville, Broadway theaters, grand magic spectaculars, New York nightspots and the dawn of television. Here, cornerstones of the craft have finally been laid bare for all to see.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePages\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e: 370 - Hardbound with full-color dust jacket - 6\" x 9\" - over 40 black and white rare photographs\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"SQUASH PUBLISHING","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37171042222240,"sku":"FI-167","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/CrXPjOzA_900x_5f9867c3-9adc-4e8e-8d6b-b494a5d2f2eb.jpg?v=1631123937"},{"product_id":"revelation-book","title":"Revelation","description":"\u003ci\u003eThis is not a reprint of our 1984 edition of Revelations, Dai Vernon's legendary annotations for The Expert at the Card Table by S.W. Erdnase. \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis new, over-size book was triggered by the discovery of more than 160 long-lost photographs of Dai Vernon's hands that were taken in 1961 specifically to illustrate this manuscript. It is as close as you will ever get to a personal session with the Professor. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTHE BOOK INCLUDES\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA facsimile reproduction of the entire, original typed Revelation manuscript. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe entire text of The Expert at the Card Table with Vernon's annotations inserted at the appropriate places illustrated with the newly discovered photos of Dai Vernon's hands. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlus more than 100 pages of added material including Vernon's explanation (with photos) of Topping the Deck, Walter Scott's Second Deal and Double Belly Cut, the Ping Pong Shift, The Hop, Allen Kennedy's legendary Center Deal and more. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003ePages\u003c\/i\u003e: 392 - 9\" x 11.5\" - Hardcover - The book bound in green cloth and stamped with copper foil, and the beautiful dustjacket were designed by Michael Albright.","brand":"MIKE CAVENEY'S MAGIC WORDS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37171353354400,"sku":"MV-206","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/DISPalYA.jpg?v=1617655201"},{"product_id":"dai-vernons-tribute-to-nate-le","title":"Nate Leipzig book","description":"\u003cp\u003eDai Vernon`sTribute to Nate LeipzigOver 200 pages on the finest paper, beautifully bound in cloth with a four-color dust jacket. A real classic for the discerning magical enthusiast. PLUS--a newly added biographical chapter by David Goodsell. A skillful combination of fascinating biographical detail and carefully described magical secrets produce a volume that has a unique place in magical literature.Leipzig was one of the gentlemen of magic, with an endearing, quiet style that captured every audience for which he performed. He performed small tricks, like the Penny Out of a Glass of Beer and large tricks like his Cabaret Card-Stab. These and a multitude of others are described by Lewis Ganson in precise detail as passed on by the one and only Dai Vernon.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MURPHY'S MAGIC SUPPLIES","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37171670253728,"sku":"LL-084","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/nateleipz-full.jpg?v=1605891991"},{"product_id":"hiding-the-elephant","title":"HIDING THE ELEPHANT","description":"\u003cp\u003eHiding the Elephant \u003cbr\u003e by Jim Steinmeyer \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Jim Steinmeyer's astonishing chronicle of half a century of illusionary innovation, backstage chicanery, and keen competition within the world of magicians. Lauded by today's finest magicians and critics, Hiding the Elephant is a cultural history of the efforts among legendary conjurers to make things materialize, levitate, and disappear. Steinmeyer unveils the secrets and life stories of the fascinating personalities behind optical marvels such as floating ghosts interacting with live actors, disembodied heads, and vanishing ladies. He demystifies Pepper's Ghost, Harry Kellar's Levitation of Princess Karnak, Charles Morritt's Disappearing Donkey, and Houdini's landmark vanishing of Jennie the elephant in 1918. The dramatic mix of science and history, with revealing diagrams, photographs and magicians' portraits by William Stout, provides a glimpse behind the curtain at the backstage story of magic. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Pages 362 - Soft Bound\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SHOW BIZ SERVICES","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37171679461536,"sku":"42726","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/files\/TBooks300022.jpg?v=1696257779"},{"product_id":"the-secret-life-of-houdini-di","title":"THE SECRET LIFE OF HOUDINI (Paperback)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHandcuff King. Escape Artist. International Superstar.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSince his death eighty-eight years ago, Harry Houdini’s life has been chronicled in books, in film, and on television. Now, in this groundbreaking biography, renowned magic expert William Kalush and bestselling writer Larry Sloman team up to find the man behind the myth. Drawing from millions of pages of research, they describe in vivid detail the passions that drove Houdini to perform ever-more-dangerous feats, his secret life as a spy, and a pernicious plot to subvert his legacy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Secret Life of Houdini\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e traces the arc of the master magician’s life from desperate poverty to worldwide fame—his legacy later threatened by a group of fanatical Spiritualists led by esteemed British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Initiating the reader along the way into the arcane world of professional magic, Kalush and Sloman decode a life based on deception, providing an intimate and riveting portrayal of Houdini, the man and the legend.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"CONJURING ARTS RESEARCH CENTER","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37171870367904,"sku":"R-507","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/DSC01015.jpg?v=1629401028"},{"product_id":"thayer-quality-magic-vol-3","title":"THAYER QUALITY MAGIC VOL. 3","description":null,"brand":"MURPHY'S MAGIC SUPPLIES","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37172052066464,"sku":"38077","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/Tk0v4lug.jpg?v=1618508947"},{"product_id":"art-artifice","title":"Art and Artifice","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; \"\u003eFrom the author of Hiding the Elephant and The Glorious Deception comes a collection of five essays that shows how the great stage illusions were integrally products of their time, based on the traditions and fashions of the people, and the offspring of the incredible, inventive personalities who brought them to the stage. Like no other author, Jim Steinmeyer gives us insight into the timeless appeal of magic. His human subjects include such characters as Steele MacKaye, Maskelyne, David Devant, P.T. Selbit, Horace Goldin, and Charles Morritt. Illusions he discusses include: The Mascot Moth, Sawing a Lady in Halves, and Morritt's Disappearing Donkey. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003ci\u003ePages\u003c\/i\u003e 198 - Soft Bound\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SHOW BIZ SERVICES","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37172087849120,"sku":"HI-138","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/DNlrYvrg_900x_4a30e3f2-18fe-49ee-83be-c7c0c7e44f6a.jpg?v=1631124116"},{"product_id":"glorious-deception","title":"GLORIOUS DECEPTION","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn a biography woven from equal parts enchantment and mystery, Jim Steinmeyer unveils the secrets behind the most enigmatic performer in the history of stage magic, Chung Ling Soo, the \"Marvelous Chinese Conjurer\" -- a magician whose daring made his contemporary Houdini seem like the boy next door. Soo's infamous and suspicious onstage death in 1918 mystified his fellow magicians: he was shot during a performance of \"Defying the Bullets,\" in which he attempted to catch marked bullets on a porcelain plate. When Soo died, his deceptions began to unravel. It was discovered that he was not Chinese but a fifty-eight-year-old American named William Ellsworth Robinson, a former magicians' assistant and the husband of Olive Robinson. But even William Robinson was not who he appeared to be, for he had kept a second family with a mistress in a fashionable home near London. Here is a look at the rough-and-tumble world of turn-of-the-century entertainments, the West's discovery of Oriental culture, and Soo's strange descent into secrecy as he rose to stardom -- written by the foremost chronicler of magic's history and culture. Due to the scandals surrounding Robinson's death, this is the first time his full story has ever been told.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"SHOW BIZ SERVICES","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37172092797088,"sku":"HI-139","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/dT-wocTw_1080x_71f84c1d-a1c0-4f6f-923f-297de4595515.jpg?v=1631123899"},{"product_id":"open-prediction-project","title":"Open Prediction Project","description":"In 1949 magician Paul Curry proposed an effect with playing cards that seemed impossible. Despite the best efforts of the top minds of his day, the effect became known as The Curry Unsolved Card Problem. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor almost 60 years mentalists and magicians have wracked their brains trying to find the perfect solution for Curry's challenge, now known as The Open Prediction. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Open Prediction Project is the largest collection of its kind in existence. It is a compilation of 51 unique and creative solutions to the Open Prediction problem. Performers such as Marc Paul, Michael Weber, Barrie Richardson, Patrick Redford, Mick Ayres and Hector Chadwick have offered their solutions for this 296 page hard-cover book; and these are just a few in a long list of creative and innovative contributors from around the globe. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition, The Open Prediction Project contains a detailed history of the evolution of the Open Prediction effect; commentary on the individuals who made this effect the legend that it has become; and a comprehensive appendix, listing variations of the Open Prediction that been published in the past. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWritten and Edited by Thomas Baxter, author of The Nail Writer Anthology and A Card Merely Thought Of...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003ePages\u003c\/i\u003e: 296 - Hardcover","brand":"MURPHY'S MAGIC SUPPLIES","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37172208042144,"sku":"47223","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/X39avJRw.jpg?v=1617654362"},{"product_id":"magical-mathematics","title":"MAGICAL MATHEMATICS","description":"\u003cp\u003ePersi Diaconis is a legend in the worlds of magic and mathematics. As a magician, he was a young prodigy and keeper of Dai Vernon's most treasured secrets. As a mathematician, he is a tenured professor at Stanford University and was awarded the MacArthur Fellowship in 1982. \u003cem\u003eMagical Mathematics\u003c\/em\u003e is his collaboration with fellow mathematician Ron Graham to explore the intersection of these two fields.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMagical Mathematics\u003c\/em\u003e assumes no prior knowledge of magic and very little knowledge about math. Persi Diaconis and Ron Graham provide easy, step-by-step instructions for each trick, explaining how to set up the effect and offering tips on what to say and do while performing it. Each card trick introduces a new mathematical idea, and varying the tricks in turn takes readers to the very threshold of today’s mathematical knowledge.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDiaconis and Graham tell the stories—and reveal the best tricks—of the eccentric and brilliant inventors of mathematical magic. The book exposes old gambling secrets through the mathematics of shuffling cards, explains the classic street-gambling scam of three-card Monte, traces the history of mathematical magic back to the oldest mathematical trick—and much more.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MAGICO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37172407861408,"sku":"PU-101","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/DSC00986-2.jpg?v=1629323397"},{"product_id":"the-great-lyle","title":"The Great Lyle","description":"If any one man can be credited with extending the Golden Age of Magic in Britain, that man is Cecil Lyle. After achieving fame as a music hall performer, he set his sights on the creation of a full-evening show in the tradition of the great magicians of his youth. Even the outbreak of World War II did not deter him from persuing this goal. Through relentless hard work, Lyle eventually realized this dream with the creation of the \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eCavalcade of Mysteries\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e and later his \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eMystery Box Revue\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e. Audiences in Britain, Australia, Europe and South Africa were treated to some of the greatest illusions ever created by Horace Goldin, David Devant, Arnold deBiere, Lafayette, Amac and others. Here, for the first time, is the inspiring story of the struggles, triumphs and failures endured by Cecil Lyle during his reign as the last of the great touring illusionists.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr:\u003e\u003ci\u003ePages\u003c\/i\u003e: 300 - 8\" x 10\" - Hardcover with dust jacket - Lavishly illustrated with 100 photographs, programs, advertisements including 12 pages of full color. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eA peek inside The Great Lyle \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChapter 11 - Enter Bobbie Dixon, Stage Manager and Director The Lyles habitually arrived early at the theatre for the evening performances and at the close of every evening's second house each member of the company had to go first to Lyle's dressing room, and then to Lucille's, to say \"Goodnight.\" This gave them the opportunity to have a word with individuals about any aspects of the evening's shows that needed attention, although for serious matters that concerned the company as a whole they would be asked to remain on stage at the conclusion of the performance. Lyle was always very happy to listen to any suggestions his staff might have for improving the presentation of the show. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLyle applied his own make-up and he was not strict about the make-up used by his assistants. Bobbie as Stage Manager had always to wear full stage make-up and be ready to step on stage should any problem arise during the performance. Additionally, she went on stage for the finale of every show.Lyle never gave interviews to the Press but local newspapers in the cities where they were appearing received excellent advance publicity and printing blocks to be used for the show. A brochure which gave details of all the different posters and billing, press releases and photographic blocks that were available to theatre managers and newpaper editors was widely distributed. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring her early days with the company the Lyles invited Bobbie to join them for dinner at a very smart West End hotel. The young lady was very nervous in such grand surroundings although she was fully acquainted with table settings as her mother had been in service and had brought up her own family in the best traditions. Lyle asked if she would pour him a glass of water. The jug had no lip and as she poured a large chunk of ice dropped out, knocked the glass over and flooded the table. Although the Lyles told her it was not her fault and the jug should have had a lip, the incident spoiled her evening and her nervousness was increased by it. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs she got to know Lyle, Bobbie realised that although he was undoubtedly eccentric, he had a dry sense of humour that was only revealed outside the theatre, but he could and did see the funny side of some of the contretemps that inevitably occurred on stage from time to time. An incident off stage which probably did not amuse him, though Lucille thought it hilarious, arose through a physical characteristic that amazed all those privileged to observe it. Lyle possessed an enormous quantity of body hair. Indeed, one witness likened him to a gorilla. One day Lucille came into the theatre and delighted in telling everyone about a mishap that had befallen her husband. After his bath or shower Lyle was in the habit of spraying himself with a body lotion. On this occasion, in error, he had picked up Lucille's new hair spray and liberally doused himself with it, suddenly to discover that he was now as bristly as a hedgehog! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYet life was not always rosy for Bobbie. During their June engagement at the Palace Theatre, Chelsea, she had the unusual experience of being sacked by Lucille and then reinstated later on the same day! It came about as the result of a flood. After the second house each night the girls in the company would take off their make-up (Leichner's No. 5 and No. 9) and then wash their towels, leaving them to soak in the sink overnight. On this particular evening one of the girls left a tap running, with disastrous consequences. The next morning the stage was in a terrible state and the orchestra pit flooded to the depth of some twelve inches of water. When Lyle was told about the mess he instructed that Bobbie be dismissed instantly as it was deemed to be her responsibility. However, when the rest of the company learned of Lyle's action they rallied to Bobbie's cause and threatened to strike if she were not re-instated. Further, the logistics of the show were such that it could not possibly have run that evening without Bobbie's presence. As this realisation dawned upon Lyle later in the afternoon, he countermanded his order and Lucille conveyed the decision to Bobbie, adding \"Let that be a warning to you!\" Subsequently it transpired that the theatre's night watchman, who should have detected the running tap on his rounds, had fallen asleep and not fulfilled his duties. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBesides being superstitious, Lyle was also a hypochondriac and if anyone sneezed near him he would immediately hasten away to his dressing room. On one occasion in 1948 Bobbie put this habit to good use. She had been working in the theatre all the morning and had a luncheon engagement with Frank Davis, her future husband, at 12 noon. Lyle usually came in to the theatre about 11 o' clock to see to any matters that needed attention but this morning, as luck would have it, he arrived late at 10 minutes to 12 and reeled off a list of things he wanted Bobbie to do. She realised that if she had to start on these immediately she would be very late for her appointment so, with great presence of mind, she feigned a sneeze and said \"I think I'm going down with a cold.\" Lyle immediately told her to take herself off out of the theatre, which she very happily did! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLyle's reaction to colds and illness is perhaps understandable for the whole show and the company depended for its income upon him being able to perform twice nightly. No doubt the laryngitis that had struck him down in 1940 very soon after he first took the Cavalcade of Mystery out on the road, necessitating a lay-off, still weighed heavily in his thoughts. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBefore this 1948 tour was completed Amac sustained an accident and was hospitalised, leaving Bobbie in charge until he was able to return. She was thus thrust immediately into the important role of Stage Director with all its responsibilities. One of these was to meet with Lyle every Friday to discuss the following week's show. The facilities available at the particular theatre they would be playing determined the precise composition of the programme and some effects might have to be omitted and others included. The show carried three sets of tabs which were used according to the theatre being played. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs Stage Director it became Bobbie's responsibility to ensure that the \"pull down\" of the show and the \"get out\" of the theatre every Saturday night was achieved according to plan and that nothing was left behind. As the second house show on Saturday night progressed, the male assistants not required on stage for the illusion currently being presented would start to dismantle and pack the item which had just been completed, working as quietly as they could. In this way valuable time was saved but, even so, it would frequently be 3 a.m. on Sunday before a weary Bobbie crawled back to her digs.There were amusing incidents too. The show normally opened with a front cloth act and the assistants were behind the front runner with a rolled carpet ready to be unrolled as the curtain opened for the Cavalcade. The girls wore a red tunic top and black briefs, the latter in a pile from which they would grab a pair to put on. On one occasion when Bobbie was standing in on stage, the briefs she grabbed turned out to be extremely tight but there was no time to rectify matters. With backs to the audience they rolled the carpet upstage only to be greeted by hilarious laughter, which included Jack Phillips in the orchestra pit. Bobbie had been conscious of a ripping sound as her briefs split from top to crotch revealing her knickers beneath. She was horrified by what had happened but Lyle and everyone else in the company treated it as a great joke and the reprimand that she feared was not forthcoming.\u003c\/br:\u003e","brand":"MIKE CAVENEY'S MAGIC WORDS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37172516225184,"sku":"48722","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/ofTsNQ2Q.jpg?v=1618509129"},{"product_id":"classic-correspondence-book","title":"Classic Correspondence 1","description":"Each month in MAGIC magazine, Mike Caveney selects from the files of the legendary Egyptian Hall Museum a letter of historical importance. Sometimes the writer or recipient (or both) are well-known names while other times the players are totally unknown, but every letter sheds new light on a shadowy corner of magic's fascinating history. After placing each letter in context Mike provides additional information about the people, places, tricks, theaters and everything else that might be mentioned, illustrating it with rare memorabilia from his collection. It's like being taken on a guided tour through the historical files of Egyptian Hall Museum by the curator.The first 24 articles that appeared in MAGIC magazine (2006-07) have been collected into a beautiful new book. The entire book is printed in full-color with additional annotations, previously-unseen photographs, posters and other rare memorabilia. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you enjoy reading Mike's monthly column (back in MAGIC for 2010 - 2011) you will love this expanded and enhanced volume containing the first series of 24 letters. It's the perfect gift for anyone who loves the art of magic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003ePages\u003c\/i\u003e: 288 - 6\" x 9\" - Hardcover - fully indexed, with beautiful full-color endsheets","brand":"MIKE CAVENEY'S MAGIC WORDS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37172525465760,"sku":"48721","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/classiccores-full.png?v=1605892854"},{"product_id":"willard-a-life-under-canvas_","title":"Willard - A Life Under Canvas","description":"The story of the four men who performed under the name Willard the Wizard reads like a roller coaster ride made up of triumphant highs and tragic lows. Working closely with author David Charvet were Harry Willard's grown children, Eugene, Madeline and Frances, who spent many years during their youth traveling with and performing in their father's show. David had access to not only what the audience saw on stage at the Harry Willard show, but also what was happening backstage. This is the ultimate behind the scenes story of a traveling tent show as told by those who lived it. Combining these firsthand accounts with David relentless research has produced a unique slice of magic history. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWillard - A Life Under Canvas is number 14 in our series of Magical Pro-Files. It contains 370 pages with 276 photographs and because the entire book has been printed in two colors, we were able to print many of the photos in duotone, giving them the feel of a hot, dusty tent show. Eight pages of full color show Willard in action along with some beautiful portraits of his well-worn apparatus. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe tent-show feel continues with the printed endsheets and onto the binding with a canvas cloth on the front and back covers and Skivertex simulated leather on the spine. This edition is limited to 1,000 hand-numbered copies.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003ePages\u003c\/i\u003e: 300 - 11\" x 8.5\" - Hardcover - Lavishly illustrated with 276 photographs, and 8 pages in full color.","brand":"MIKE CAVENEY'S MAGIC WORDS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37172526710944,"sku":"48728","price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/AiOEa8tA.jpg?v=1705963592"},{"product_id":"the-science-behind-the-ghost","title":"The Science Behind the Ghost","description":"\u003cp\u003ePepper's Ghost was the remarkable Victorian invention which allowed three-dimensional ghosts to walk onstage with actors. A beautiful new edition of \"Two Lectures on Theatrical Illusion,\" Jim's book combines his lectures, \"The Science Behind The Ghost\" and \"Discovering Invisibility.\" The book is the only complete history of Pepper's Ghost, containing the full evolution of this incredible Victorian invention, diagrams, variations, calculation of sightlines, patent drawings, and photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt details the developments from the 1860s to the latest uses of Pepper's Ghost in Disney theme parks and modern concerts and stage shows. Today Pepper's Ghost is used to create \"holograms\" onstage and create special projection effects, like the appearance of Tupac at the Coachella Music Festival. This book (highly sought-after in the now out-of-print editions) explains the important principles as used by a wide variety of inventors and performers. Included is \"Discovering Invisibility,\" the evolution of silvered mirror illusions, as used by the great magicians.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e189 pages, 8 1\/2 by 8 1\/2 inches, fully illustrated with diagrams of the principles, and color hardcover.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FUN INC.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37184591986848,"sku":"FI-255","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/h6bDqHwQ.jpg?v=1618509428"},{"product_id":"magic-magazine-january-2016","title":"Magic Magazine \"Martin Lewis\" January 2016","description":"CONTENTS\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJANUARY 2016\u003cbr\u003eVOLUME 25\u003cbr\u003eNUMBER 5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMartin Lewis, Maker of Magic\u003cbr\u003eBy Rory Johnston\u003cbr\u003eEven though his father was a well-known magician, Martin Lewis had no interest in conjuring until he turned 21. Since then, he has had a varied career in magic, from close-up to stage, from Las Vegas to the oceans of the world, and from computer and video programming back to creating magic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Wonderful World of Wizardry\u003cbr\u003eBy Leo Behnke and Greg Wilson\u003cbr\u003eFor a two-week period in December 1967, visitors to Disneyland were treated to a special show of magic and illusions presented by Mickey Mouse and friends. Leo Behnke looks back at his involvement, and Greg Wilson provides details from some of the other creators of that show.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChris Ramsay - Forever\u003cbr\u003eBy Jamie D. Grant\u003cbr\u003eWith his mix of magic and cardistry, Chris Ramsay not only takes to the streets but onto social media, regularly providing his followers with moments of art and wonder via Instagram, YouTube, and other digital stages. Ramsay also teaches a trick, I Inked Myself.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaster of the Art of Kindness\u003cbr\u003eBy Stephen Minch\u003cbr\u003eStephen Minch provides a remembrance of his friend Barry Richardson, who died in November. Mentalist, professor, magic creator, author, family man, and an unusual performer, Richardson was memorable and influential. Included here is his routine for a haunted key effect, Spoo-Key.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlus Updates on...\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe House of Magic by Franz Harary in Macau. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Moment With... Derek Hughes. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRicky Jay's exhibition of Matthias Buchinger in New York. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemembrances of Dan Waldron and Barrie Richardson. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA glance at some upcoming conventions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cb\u003eBonus Content for the January Issue...\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLinks to videos by Chris Ramsay. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVideo of Barrie Richardson's talk at \u003ci\u003eMAGIC Live!\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll sixteen of the products reviewed in the January issue, plus 530 reviews from previous issues, are all now available at the fully searchable \"Marketplace\" section of M360.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarketplace\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSixteen products are reviewed this month by Peter Duffie, Gabe Fajuri, Jared Kopf, Francis Menotti, Peter Pitchford, John Wilson:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eCube FX\u003c\/i\u003e by Karl Hein and John George\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eAn Essay On Magic\u003c\/i\u003e by Robert E. Neale\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003ePen or Pencil\u003c\/i\u003e by Mickael Chatelain\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eSelenium Shift\u003c\/i\u003e by Chris Severson\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eRock, Paper, Lies\u003c\/i\u003e by Jay Di Biase\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eOh Snap!\u003c\/i\u003e by Jibrizy Taylor\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eLabyrinth: A Journal of Close-up Magic\u003c\/i\u003e by Stephen Hobbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eShadows in the Moonlight\u003c\/i\u003e by T. Page Wright\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eBlaze\u003c\/i\u003e by Tony \u0026amp; Jordan (Les French Twins)\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eFlight\u003c\/i\u003e by Michael Afshin\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eParagon 3-D\u003c\/i\u003e by Jon Allen\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eBig Four Poker\u003c\/i\u003e by Tom Dobrowolski\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eSubterranean Deceptions\u003c\/i\u003e by Mike Pisciotta\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eCupid\u003c\/i\u003e by SansMinds\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eQuick Change Secrets\u003c\/i\u003e by The World Record Holders\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eAnother World\u003c\/i\u003e by Rob Zabrecky\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFirst Look: Kids Show Masterplan\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDanny Orleans\u003cbr\u003eFormer elementary school teacher Danny Orleans is a performer, author, and lecturer on the art of performing magic for children. \u003ci\u003eIn Kids Show Masterplan\u003c\/i\u003e, he discusses the necessary building blocks for creating your own successful kids magic show. In these excerpts, Danny discusses \"The Magical Age of Eight,\" the importance of \"schmooze time\" after a show, and \"The Most Important Schmooze of My Career.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFirst Look: Hands Off My Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJohn Guastaferro\u003cbr\u003eA resident of Southern California, John Guastaferro is a performer, lecturer, author, and creator of magic. John says, \"My goal with \u003ci\u003eHands Off My Notes\u003c\/i\u003e was to put the power of the magic in the participants' hands - letting them play a key role in both the process and the outcome. It has been a stimulating journey of weaving original ideas and old principles, all in the name of creating magic that your audience can see and feel.\" In this effect, two participants thoroughly cut and shuffle the deck and, together, they find the four Aces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMaking Magic: The Wall\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMartin Lewis\u003cbr\u003eThe title \"Making Magic\" says it all. This column will be all about making magic - starting with how to actually make the apparatus, and followed by an explanation of how the props are used in performance to really make magic. This and most future projects are meant for parlor shows and are designed to play to groups of fifty or more. In this first effect, \"packs flat plays big\" takes front row center with my stage-size version of a brilliant topological effect created by Robert Neale. A volunteer from the audience gets to \"Walk Through a Wall,\" emulating the Houdini mystery. The nice thing about this presentation is that you don't need a bricklayer, just a simple homemade prop.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLoving Mentalism: Color Connection\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIan Rowland\u003cbr\u003eThis month, we focus on colors. A spectator stands in front of four pieces of folded, colored card. He chooses one, looks at it, and then places it back among the others. You can now read his mind and tell him which color he selected. There's no force, you never need to be anywhere near the spectator, and you never need to see anything - you could do this blindfolded or even over the phone! What's more, there's no technology involved. If you can get hold of a few pieces of colored card, you can make the simple props required. A beautiful, colorful mystery!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBent on Deception: Magic Under the Influence\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eMike Bent\u003cbr\u003eWe are all the product of everyone we have met in our lives, and in comedy it's no different. Our \"comedy universe\" has been shaped by every comedian, comedy show, movie, book, and theatrical event we have experienced. Your influences can never fully leave you, and that's a good thing. The lessons learned from watching your heroes last a lifetime - lessons about timing, character development, audience interaction, act construction, stage presence, and more. Their examples make you a better performer. You also learn to develop your standards, the ethical compass that can guide your whole career. This becomes your own personal set of rules about what it means to be original, how you present yourself, how you treat an audience, how you work \u003ci\u003ewith\u003c\/i\u003e rather than against other performers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Monk's Way: Wilder Pocket Interchange\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSteve Reynolds\u003cbr\u003eIt's time to turn two toys into two tools. Say that five times fast as you dig out last month's issue of \u003ci\u003eMAGIC Magazine\u003c\/i\u003e and refresh your memory of the techniques described there. They'll play a critical part in the following routine. In this effect, the four Twos and Queens are shown. The Queens are placed together into one pocket, and the Twos are retained. The Twos then sequentially change into the Queens. A pair of Twos is then removed from the right and left side pockets and added to the Queens. The Queens are caused to vanish and appear in four \u003ci\u003eseparate\u003c\/i\u003e pockets.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eClassic Correspondence: Dick Ricton to Gerald Heaney\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMike Caveney\u003cbr\u003eSome years ago, I ran a letter that was written to the Heaney Magic Company by a disgruntled customer. With the publication of this letter, another blistering hatchet job, I could be accused of piling on poor old Mr. Heaney, but I just can't help myself. We've all excitedly torn open a package from a magic dealer, with visions of ourselves decked out in white tie and tails with a beautiful assistant by our side, only to have our dream dashed when a painted soup can and plastic drinking glass drop into our lap. \"Twelve dollars for this?! I could have pulled this junk out of my trashcan!\" One hundred years ago, a disgruntled customer had only one weapon with which to wage battle: the post office. And so, Dick Ricton sat down at his typewriter and hammered out a threatening letter of protest to Gerald Heaney.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFor What It's Worth: I Love It When You Say Google\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMark Kornhauser\u003cbr\u003eMagicians are aware of the power contained in \"culturally relevant references.\" We all know how an audience spontaneously responds to a casual remark about Facebook or Kanye. It triggers fresh associations and speaks to a common denominator. It puts the pop in pop culture. These \"association laughs\" are easy because they emerge from a deep desire to be a part of the communal experience. This laugh is a disguised primal grunt acknowledging membership in the knowing crowd. Grunt laughs are easy to get, and they provide you with easy Performer Bonus Points.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWalkabout Soup: The Institute of Layman Studies Part 3 - The Thoughtful Recap\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSimon Coronel\u003cbr\u003eThe point the Institute of Layman Studies (comedic title, but serious concept) is to create better magic performances by finding out how your audiences are experiencing your magic. Not just how they \u003ci\u003eseem\u003c\/i\u003e to be experiencing it or how you \u003ci\u003ehope\u003c\/i\u003e they're experiencing it, but how they are \u003ci\u003eactually\u003c\/i\u003e experiencing it. This month's technique works for any routine, and it's the one I use most frequently of all the tools in the ILS arsenal. The concept is simple: all you're doing is asking someone to tell you what they were thinking during the routine, but asking them to tell you in a much deeper and more detailed manner than you would normally expect.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eYour Stories: Making Real Connections\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLee Asher\u003cbr\u003eEvery summer, Toronto, Ontario, is home to Buskerfest, the largest street performers' festival on the planet. Talented street acts flock from around the globe so they might share their gift with enthusiastic audiences. On the afternoon we went, one performance stood out. I've never seen anything like it before and it's one of those instances when it makes you reflect on your own life. During Andrew Eland's performance, something terrible happened. Not bad like finding the wrong card, but honestly terrible and gut-wrenching in the kind of way that sends shivers down your spine. As a performer, I never want to face this. Ever. I watched it happen to Andrew.","brand":"MURPHY'S MAGIC SUPPLIES","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37184712671392,"sku":"AN-163","price":6.15,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/56659-full.png?v=1605894145"},{"product_id":"preserving-mystery","title":"Preserving Mystery","description":"\u003ciframe class=\"mms-video-player\" width=\"380\" height=\"231\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/www.murphysmagic.com\/videoembed\/default.aspx?id=58714\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAfter nearly a decade, magic's most influential and persuasive voice returns to the printed page, in the highly-anticipated \u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003ePreserving Mystery\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e. This 250-page volume is a collection of 18 thought-provoking essays about the art, craft, and history of magic that is likely to stimulate, inform, excite, entertain, and perhaps occasionally enrage any serious magician. In essays including \"Gaffs versus Skill,\" Jamy examines the costs and benefits of each, and how to choose which method to rely on. In \"What Works,\" Jamy considers the role of venue, audience expectations, and how respect for the audience produces better work. He memorializes legends Michael Skinner, Imam, Al Flosso and more in a special chapter of essays called \"Yesterdays,\" including original sleights and tricks by mentors Michael Skinner and Earl \"Presto\" Johnson. In \"Dichotomies,\" he offers a clear and useful analysis of the oft-argued distinctions between mentalism and mental magic. And in \"Hacked to Death,\"-one of several entirely new essays written just for \u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003ePreserving Mystery\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e-Swiss explores the nature of originality in magic. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJamy Ian Swiss is many things to many people: acclaimed performer, esteemed lecturer, outspoken critic, erudite historian, pioneering skeptic. But he is, above all, one of magic's most important voices-a lifelong advocate for the art. As a book reviewer and feature writer for \u003ci\u003eGenii\u003c\/i\u003e magazine for 18 years, and now a reviewer and blogger in the Lyons Den at magicana.com, Mr. Swiss has long provided readers with a steady fire hose of insight, provocation, and humor, and while his critiques are occasionally scathing, they are invariably earnest. In \u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003ePreserving Mystery\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, Swiss turns his focus to the performance of magic, and how to improve and elevate the art and its artists. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReading Swiss's work, we find ourselves pushing past the tradition-bound assumptions of our field to new and ever-higher terrain. He carries the finely-honed sensibilities of past masters into present day relevance, and with wit and personality, presents us with a guided path to enlightened performance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003ePreserving Mystery\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e includes an introduction by \u003ci\u003eNew Yorker\u003c\/i\u003e contributor and best-selling author Adam Gopnik, and explores topics including: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Making Introductions\": A rumination on how we learn, the value of books and videos, and where the magic industry leads magicians astray. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Suiting Repertoire\": Swiss explores the hidden value in laying a broad, sturdy foundation in your study of close-up magic, and how, precisely, to find the right move or trick for the right occasion. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The French Drop\": In an unexpected turn, Mr. Swiss thoroughly dissects and describes (including illustrations) the hackneyed French Drop, providing valuable lessons not only for this sleight, but in how to approach every facet of your magic. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"SSSS: The Swiss Sleight Study System\": This, perhaps the most utilitarian essay in \u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003ePreserving Mystery\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, is a roadmap on how to learn sleight-of-hand magic with cards and coins. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Preserving Mystery\": In the most personal essay in this collection, Swiss reflects on his own path to magic, and then zooms out to ponder how all of us might deepen the magical experience. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e270 pages, hardbound with gold foil engraving.","brand":"VANISHING INC.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37184867172512,"sku":"58714","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/58714-full.png?v=1605894552"},{"product_id":"stewart-james-50-years","title":"Stewart James 50 Years","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cfont color=\"#ff0000\"\u003eBook is used. Dust Jacket is heavily worn and tattered but the Book \u003cspan style=\"caret-color: #ff0000;\"\u003eitself\u003c\/span\u003e is in very good condition. \u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is one of the largest magic books ever published. It is a testament to the genius of one man.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStewart James In Print features more than 400 tricks and routines Mr. James has published or marketed over a fifty year span of incredible creativity. In addition to scores of intriguing special chapters, each trick is prefaced by a fascinating introduction. It is here we learn much about the history of magic in this century, the evolution of these ground-breaking original mysteries and, indeed, Mr. James' own unique techniques to ignite the creative process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen this book first appeared, it shocked the magic community. It was as large as the New York phonebook, 1025 pages filled with 412 exceedingly clever tricks, and all by one man! And this was only the first volume, beginning a chronicle of unparalleled inventiveness that would be completed years later by THE JAMES FILE. When word of the quality of magic presented in STEWART JAMES IN PRINT began to circulate, two printings of the book sold out quickly and it has been out of print and eagerly sought after for years. The breadth of material is amazing, the ingenuity unique in all of magic.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TANNEN MAGIC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37185010204832,"sku":"T-2906","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/TBooks00285.jpg?v=1614106615"},{"product_id":"poker-protection-book","title":"Poker Protection Steve Forte","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSteve Forte’s definitive book on “Cheating …and the World of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePoker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e” is the most comprehensive study of the many methods that are used to cheat at \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePoker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBased on decades of extensive research, the book objectively looks at the dangers posed by professional and amateur cheaters in all forms of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003epoker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ecasino\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e games, private\/home games, online \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003epoker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, and tournament play. Along the way it illustrates and discusses most of the known methods of cheating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHere are just a few of the many topics presented.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e* History of Cheating\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e* Professionals and Amateur Cheaters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e* Elements of the Scam\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e* Cheater's Psychology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e* Crooked Gambling Equipment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e* False Shuffles and Related Scams\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e* Holding Out\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e* Peeks, False Deals, and Coolers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e* Marked Cards\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e* Online \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePoker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e* Identifying the Crooked \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGame\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e* \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eProtecting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Yourself\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"H\u0026R MAGIC BOOKS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37185026949280,"sku":"T-2954","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/files\/F2722895-720F-4926-902D-B833F8F15EA3.jpg?v=1694610619"},{"product_id":"faro-exposed","title":"FARO Exposed","description":"Written by Alfred Trumble and first published in 1882, \u003cb\u003eFaro Exposed \u003c\/b\u003ewas a landmark book on America's favorite crooked card game. It explains the origin, rules, and history of Faro, as well as the sophisticated methods used by card cheats to beat the odds. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTwenty years before Erdnase, \u003cb\u003eFaro Exposed \u003c\/b\u003eexplained riffle stacking and gaffed dealing boxes, along with countless other subterfuges and sleights used to \"get the money\" in a game that was, until the rise of poker, America's national past time. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmong the techniques described are rough, sanded, rounded, and stripped cards; gaffed faro boxes; dodges with alluring names like \"The Coffee Mill,\" \"Squared Sights and Tie Ups,\" \"Horse Hair,\" and various and sundry other card-sharping methods. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe author sums up faro's crooked nature on page 47: \"There is not in the United States to-day one single faro-banker who is willing and content to confine himself to the strict percentage of an honest game. They practice every trick, cheat, fraud, device, contrivance, skin and scheme known to the 'trade,' save and except that which they themselves do not know. Nothing but the fear of detection will prevent them from taking every possible advantage of their customers.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite its importance and focus, the book is virtually unknown today, due in part to the fact that only three copies have survived. (Not even the Library of Congress owns a copy of the original work.) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNow this deluxe, numbered, facsimile edition is available for collectors, scholars, and technicians alike. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith an introduction by noted card expert, Jason England. A deluxe hardbound volume, 6\" x 9\", with 98 pages in sewn binding. A full-color recreation of the original wrapper and all text digitally re-screened and enhanced. Illustrated with woodcuts. 500 copies available for sale.","brand":"SQUASH PUBLISHING","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37185027735712,"sku":"SQ-105","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/ZFj_zcQA.jpg?v=1617651478"},{"product_id":"neat-review-issue-three","title":"NEAT REVIEW ISSUE THREE","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eTHE NEAT REVIEW ISSUE THREE\u003cbr\u003e Tokyo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eFully typeset in both Japanese and English, this issue of THE NEAT REVIEW prods its stick at what could be seen as a cliché: it’s not what you do, it’s how you do it. Clichés are normally boring, but not when THE NEAT REVIEW  prods at them. To that end, through the lives and work of several of Japan’s best magicians, we explore cultural effects on the practice of and appreciation for sleight of hand. We visit these artists in their studios and discuss their worlds. We thank Cyril and Hide and Akira and Shimpei and Ponta and Takeshi and Ben and Tomoya and Kyohei and Takuma for helping us to make this issue of the journal. They are fierce.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eInterviews, sleights, tricks and essays.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eIssue Three is about magic and sleight of hand, of course, but it is also about language, culture, aesthetics. Issue Three is about people. Not everything needs to be explained. Not everything needs to be put into boxes. So, with care and with love, we take you to Tokyo for a good old chin wag with these magicians. Let us look together now.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eCyril Takayama \u003cbr\u003e Hide Yamamoto \u003cbr\u003e Akira Fujii \u003cbr\u003e Shimpei Katsuragawa \u003cbr\u003e Ponta the Smith \u003cbr\u003e Takeshi Taniguchi \u003cbr\u003e Ben Daggers \u003cbr\u003e Tomoya Horiki \u003cbr\u003e Kyohei Tatsukawa \u003cbr\u003e Takuma Suzu \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e224 pages\u003cbr\u003e Perfect Bound\u003cbr\u003e Lithographically printed\u003cbr\u003e Embossed cover\u003cbr\u003e \\\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NEAT REVIEW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37185246527648,"sku":"NR-003","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/files\/D4C44658-EC0C-49ED-9462-9745A14786D0.jpg?v=1693848539"},{"product_id":"the-last-greatest-magician-in","title":"The Last Greatest Magician inthe World","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNow in paperback, the acclaimed biography of the magician’s magician, Howard Thurston. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“There is no greater expert on the history of stage magicians than Jim Steinmeyer. His deep knowledge of the subject, combined with a remarkable mastery of magical know-how, makes this book a smart, fantastic read. I can’t recommend it enough!”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e—Neil Patrick Harris\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e “Steinmeyer produces an engaging full-length biography of the man Orson Welles called ‘the master’…Steinmeyer recovers, from the shadows of his greatest rival, a figure whose grandiose productions were an American institution for almost 30 years.”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e—Publishers Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Magician and author Jim Steinmeyer rescues a forgotten American icon from Houdini’s shadow.”\u003cbr\u003e—AARP: The Magazine\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Thurston may have been forgotten, but \u003cstrong\u003eThe Last Greatest Magician In The World \u003c\/strong\u003eably resurrects his legend and his awe-inspiring magic.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e—The Onion A.V. Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“An erudite, challenging text full of difficult questions”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e—Kirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere is the seminal biography of the magician’s magician, Howard Thurston, a man who surpassed Houdini in the eyes of showmen and fans and set the standard fro how stage magic is performed today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEveryone knows Houdini-but who was Thurston? In this rich, vivid biography of the “greatest magician in the world,” celebrated historian of stage magic Jim Steinmeyer captures the career and controversies of the wonder-worker extraordinaire, Howard Thurston.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe public’s fickleness over magicians has left Thurston all but forgotten today. Yet Steinmeyer shows how his story is one of the most remarkable in show business. During his life, from 1869 to 1936, Thurston successfully navigated the most dramatic changes in entertainment-from street performances to sideshows to wagon tours through America’s still-Wild West to stage magic amid the glitter of grand theaters. Thurston became one of America’s most renowned vaudeville stars, boldly performing an act with just a handful of playing cards, and then had the foresight to leave vaudeville, expanding his show into an extravaganza with more than forty tons of apparatus and costumes. His touring production was an American institution for nearly thirty years, and Thurston earned a brand name equal to Ziegfeld or Ringling Brothers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSteinmeyer explores the stage and psychological rivalry between Thurston and Houdini during the first decades of the twentieth century-a contest that Thurston won. He won with a bigger show, a more successful reputation, and the title of America’s greatest magician. In \u003cstrong\u003eThe Last Greatest Magician in the World\u003c\/strong\u003e, Thurston’s magic show is revealed as the one that animates our collective memories.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RANDOM HOUSE INC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37185247281312,"sku":"T-5485","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/DSC01024.jpg?v=1629401679"},{"product_id":"the-secret-history-of-magic","title":"The Secret History of Magic","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePull back the curtain on the \u003cem\u003ereal\u003c\/em\u003e history of magic – and discover why magic really matters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e If you read a standard history of magic, you learn that it begins in ancient Egypt, with the resurrection of a goose in front of the Pharaoh. You discover how magicians were tortured and killed during the age of witchcraft. You are told how conjuring tricks were used to quell rebellious colonial natives. The history of magic is full of such stories, which turn out not to be true. Behind the smoke and mirrors, however, lies the real story of magic. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e It is a history of people from humble roots, who made and lost fortunes, and who deceived kings and queens. In order to survive, they concealed many secrets, yet they revealed some and they stole others. They engaged in deception, exposure, and betrayal, in a quest to make the impossible happen. They managed to survive in a world in which a series of technological wonders appeared, which previous generations would have considered magical. Even today, when we now take the most sophisticated technology for granted, we can still be astonished by tricks that were performed hundreds of years ago. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Secret History of Magic\u003c\/em\u003e reveals how this was done. It is about why magic matters in a world that no longer seems to have a place for it, but which desperately needs a sense of wonder.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RANDOM HOUSE INC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37185248231584,"sku":"T-5486","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/T-5486_900x_ba2cc4ae-3eaf-49e8-85f2-c7cc554861f1.jpg?v=1631123875"},{"product_id":"coney-island-fakir","title":"Coney Island Fakir","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"If there is a better all-around magician,\" master mentalist Joseph Dunninger wrote of Al Flosso, \"I have yet to discover him.\" Combining subtle, sophisticated manipulations with his bold, gritty persona, Flosso's magic became legendary. Though he stood only 5'2\", Flosso was a giant of the magic world. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Coney Island Fakir is a remarkable book about a remarkable life. The book traces Flosso's fascinating career, from his days as a street-corner shill, carnival pitchman and sideshow magician to his work on Broadway, film and television. Lavishly illustrated with dozens of photos, The Coney Island Fakir provides a vivid portrait of this unique performer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e215 pages, 6\"x9\", full-color dust jacket. Printed on acid-free paper. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs an added bonus, this volume contains a reprint of Our Magic, produced by Flosso in the 1940s, Our Magic features classic tricks by Flosso, Al Baker, Ted Annemann and other top performers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37193522282656,"sku":"35623","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/products\/DSC01035.jpg?v=1629402631"},{"product_id":"david-copperfields-history-of-magic","title":"David Copperfield's History of Magic","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/nwacMaqSfhM\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAn illustrated, illuminating insight into the world of illusion from the world’s greatest and most successful magician, capturing its audacious and inventive practitioners, and showcasing the art form’s most famous artifacts housed at David Copperfield’s secret museum.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn this personal journey through a unique and remarkable performing art, David Copperfield profiles twenty-eight of the world’s most groundbreaking magicians. From the 16th-century magistrate who wrote the first book on conjuring to the roaring twenties and the man who fooled Houdini, to the woman who levitated, vanished, and caught bullets in her teeth, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDavid Copperfield’s History of Magic\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e takes you on a wild journey through the remarkable feats of the greatest magicians in history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThese magicians were all outsiders in their own way, many of them were determined to use magic to escape the strictures of class and convention. But they all transformed popular culture, adapted to social change, discovered the inner workings of the human mind, embraced the latest technological and scientific discoveries, and took the art of magic to unprecedented heights.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe incredible stories are complemented by over 100 never-before-seen photographs of artifacts from Copperfield’s exclusive Museum of Magic, including a 16th-century manual on sleight of hand, Houdini’s straightjackets, handcuffs, and water torture chamber, Dante’s famous sawing-in-half apparatus, Alexander’s high-tech turban that allowed him to read people’s minds, and even some coins that may have magically passed through the hands of Abraham Lincoln.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBy the end of the book, you’ll be sure to share Copperfield’s passion for the power of magic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Simon \u0026 Schuster","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39956532035744,"sku":"70039","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0457\/7129\/2832\/files\/DSC00245_b7c089d2-a530-4727-90e2-f8a1a61d1593.jpg?v=1695418590"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.tannens.com\/collections\/magic-history-books\/publisher-hahne+subject-illusions.oembed","provider":"Tannen's","version":"1.0","type":"link"}