Subject
Magic tricks -- Handbooks, manuals, etc. Books
Best books
George Arnold
The Magician's Own Book, or, the Whole Art of Conjuring Being a complete hand-book of parlor magic, and containing over one thousand optical, chemical, mechanical, magnetical, and magical experiments, amusing transmutations, astonishing sleights and subtleties, celebrated card deceptions, ingenious tricks with numbers, curious and entertaining puzzles, together with all the most noted tricks of modern performers.
"The Magician's Own Book, or the Whole Art of Conjuring" by Arnold and Cahill is a comprehensive handbook on parlor magic written in the mid-19th century. This work serves as a complete guide for aspiring magicians, presenting a wealth of tricks and illusions, including sleight of hand, optical illusions, and clever deceptions designed to entertain audiences. With over a thousand detailed descriptions and illustrations, the book aims to make the art of magic accessible to everyone, from amateurs to more experienced performers. The opening of the volume introduces the theme of the magical arts, highlighting the enduring appeal of sleight of hand across ages and cultures. It discusses the importance of understanding the principles of magic and the joy it can bring to social gatherings and family gatherings. The preface sets the stage for the tricks that follow by emphasizing that the intent is not to foster deception in life, but to provide excitement and wonder through entertaining performances designed for audiences of all ages. As the reader turns to the tricks themselves, they can expect a mix of skills that do not require elaborate apparatus, allowing budding magicians to use everyday objects to perform impressive feats.
A. Anderson
How to Do Mechanical Tricks Containing Complete Instruction for Performing Over Sixty Ingenious Mechanical Tricks
"How to Do Mechanical Tricks" by A. Anderson is a practical guidebook written during the early 20th century. This publication falls within the realm of instructional literature, providing readers with techniques and explanations for performing a variety of mechanical tricks. With a focus on experimentation and creativity, the book likely aims to engage an audience looking for entertaining and clever demonstrations, emphasizing the principles of physics and mechanics behind each trick. The content of the book includes a collection of over sixty mechanical tricks, each accompanied by detailed instructions and illustrations for clarity. Tricks range from simple experiments with everyday objects, like the “Obedient Coin” and the “Jumping Pea,” to more complex methods involving geometry and balance, such as constructing a homemade balance scale or measuring the height of a mountain using angles. The book blends scientific principles with entertainment, making it suitable for both casual hobbyists and those with a more serious interest in physics, as it transforms simple materials into captivating displays of ingenuity.
Wiljalba Frikell
Hanky Panky : $b A book of conjuring tricks
"Hanky Panky: A Book of Conjuring Tricks" by Wiljalba Frikell is a collection of magic tricks and illusions likely written in the late 19th century. The work presents a variety of conjuring tricks ranging from simple to complex, incorporating items like coins, cards, and handkerchiefs, which reflect the performance arts of the time. The book caters to both beginners and more experienced magicians, providing clear instructions and practical illustrations alongside engaging narratives. The opening of the book introduces the reader to a range of simple tricks. It begins by presenting illustrations and descriptions for performing magic with basic materials such as paper and handkerchiefs, evoking a nostalgic feel for classic childhood magic. For example, tricks like "Fly Away, Jack!" and "Dance, Boatman, Dance!" are described, involving playful narratives that engage spectators. Each trick is carefully laid out with steps to perform the illusion, maintaining a breezy and entertaining tone, while hinting at the skill necessary for the art of conjuring and the joy of captivating an audience.
Hercat
More Conjuring: Simple Tricks for Social Gatherings
"More Conjuring: Simple Tricks for Social Gatherings" by Hercat is a practical guidebook on performing magic tricks, most likely written in the early 20th century. The book is designed for amateur magicians and enthusiasts at social gatherings, providing a variety of easy-to-learn illusions that require little equipment or skill. The content focuses on card and coin tricks, puzzles, as well as simple tricks involving everyday objects, aiming to amuse and entertain audiences. The opening of the book introduces the reader to its purpose and structure, explicitly stating that it contains only simple tricks suitable for casual performances. Hercat emphasizes the importance of practice and presentation, recommending rehearsal not only of the tricks themselves but also of the accompanying "patter." He assures readers that these tricks can create an air of spontaneity, despite their simplicity, encouraging them to engage their audiences with lively interaction.
Professor Hoffmann
Latest Magic, Being original conjuring tricks
"Latest Magic, Being Original Conjuring Tricks" by Professor Hoffmann is a collection of conjuring tricks written in the early 20th century. This work outlines a variety of original magical effects and techniques, specifically designed for amateur and professional magicians, many of which utilize innovative magical appliances. The book features a range of tricks, from card manipulations to the use of clever props, demonstrating the author's expertise and creativity in the field of magic. The opening of the book introduces Professor Hoffmann’s innovative approaches to conjuring and sets the stage for the tricks that follow. The preface emphasizes that many of the tricks are original creations that have been developed and refined over time. He includes several examples of practical magical appliances, such as "Magical Mats" and "Fairy Flower-Pots," explaining their uses and construction methods. Additionally, the beginning hints at the author's dedication and respect towards magic as an art form, showcasing his passion for engaging and teaching aspiring magicians through detailed descriptions and accessible language.
W. E. (William E.) Skinner
Mind reading : $b How to read people's thoughts
"Mind reading : How to read people's thoughts by W. E. Skinner" is a practical guide written in the late 19th century. The book belongs to the category of instructional manuals and is aimed at demystifying the performance of mind reading, particularly as it was popular in parlors and stage acts of the era. Rather than exploring psychic or mystical interpretations, the book focuses on the technique called "muscle reading" and explains how so-called mind readers achieve their feats in public exhibitions. The likely topic centers on exposing and teaching the practical methods behind apparent mind reading tricks. The main content of the book provides step-by-step explanations of how to execute popular mind reading acts, such as finding hidden objects, identifying keys on a piano, or writing names thought of by others. Skinner clarifies that these feats rely on observing involuntary muscle movements and resistance from the person whose mind is supposedly being read, rather than any supernatural ability. He offers practical advice on choosing compliant subjects, practicing techniques, and improving performance. Alongside the main instructional material, the book also contains a number of unrelated anecdotes, advertisements, and light-hearted poems, making it both a manual and a periodical filled with miscellaneous content typical of affordable publications of its time.
Anonymous
The Practical Magician and Ventriloquist's Guide A practical manual of fireside magic and conjuring illusions, containing also complete instructions for acquiring and practising the art of ventriloquism.
"The Practical Magician and Ventriloquist's Guide" by Anonymous is a practical manual written in the late 19th century. This work serves as an instructional guide on magic and ventriloquism, offering readers a variety of tricks and illusions designed for both amateur magicians and social entertainment. The guide emphasizes accessibility, showcasing tricks that require common household items and minimal preparation, making it suitable for casual performances at gatherings or for personal enjoyment. The opening of the book introduces its purpose, aimed at providing enthusiasts with clear instructions on performing basic tricks and illusions for entertainment. The author discusses the spirit of magic, noting a shift away from supernatural claims towards a more science-based approach to conjuring. Techniques for captivating audiences using simple objects, such as handkerchiefs, coins, and eggs, are elaborated, with an emphasis on skillful sleight of hand. The introduction sets the tone for the subsequent chapters, which delve into specific tricks and the fundamentals of conjuring, ensuring that readers can easily understand and practice the art of magic.
Herbert De Caston
Peerless prestidigitation : $b Being a collection of entirely new ideas and effects in the fascinating art of modern magic
"Peerless Prestidigitation" by Herbert De Caston is a collection of magic tricks and techniques written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a guide for aspiring magicians, presenting a variety of entirely new ideas and effects in the captivating art of modern magic. The likely topic centers around the performance of magic tricks, specifically card tricks, handkerchief illusions, and coin manipulations. In this practical guide, De Caston outlines numerous tricks, complete with detailed descriptions of the effects and methods required to execute them successfully. The techniques range from card forces and rising card methods to spectacular combinations using handkerchiefs and coins. Each entry illustrates not only the steps needed to perform the trick but also the underlying principles of misdirection and sleight of hand essential for creating that wow factor in performances. The book is aimed at both novices and experienced conjurers looking to expand their repertoire with fresh, entertaining magic exploits.
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