Contents:

vii Introduction

Chapter 1: Crafting a Simple Yet Engaging Performance

Chapter 2: The Art of Presentation: Delivering a Full Act

Chapter 3: Rope, String, and Handkerchief Tricks

13 Harry Blackstone: The Quick Vanish

Chapter 4: Magic for Dinner Parties

39 T. Nelson Downs: The Miser’s Dream

Chapter 5: Engaging Bafflers and Participation Tricks

63 Harry Houdini: The Vanishing Pocket Watch

Chapter 6: Mentalism and Mysterious Messages

91 Joseph Dunninger: A Card Prediction

Chapter 7: Money Magic Mastery

111 Horace Goldin: The Dollar-Bill Trick

Chapter 8: Card Tricks Unleashed

143 Cardini: The Four Ace Trick

Chapter 9: A Collection of Unique Tricks

187 The Great Raymond: Transforming Strips of Paper into a Hat

Chapter 10: Signature Tricks for a Complete Performance

219 Howard Thurston: The Card Rise