From the Introduction:

Billy’s method demands a certain boldness that might feel unsettling at first. However, as you master the routines and approach them with confidence, any doubts will fade away. This book contains the finest of Billy’s routines, each meticulously refined through extensive study and performance for real audiences.

• Dedication

• Publisher’s Introduction (by Edwin)

• Foreword

• The Dark Side of the Moon (Ken de Courcey)

• Extension to MIKO: A clever twist on a classic pocket effect that adds an unexpected surprise.

• Opening the Magic Society Show: A captivating illusion featuring two sandwich boards, culminating in the appearance of the ‘Sandwich Board Man’!

• The Bang Bomb: A whimsical concept involving a bomb that ignites with a silent explosion.

• A Thought-of-Card Turns Up in a Cigarette: A detailed explanation of this classic trick ensures solid entertainment, regardless of any mishaps.

• The Ultimate Identification: Walk onto the stage with a newspaper and top hat, revealing a rabbit from the hat after a series of clever moves!

• Rabbit From Scarf: Transform your evening scarf into a delightful rabbit.

• The Half-Dyed Colour-Changing Silk: A professional rendition of the Colour Changing Silk with an unexpected climax.

• A Rotten Sneaky Deception Which Pleases Me: A fun color-changing trick that you’ll love to perform.

• Frolics with the Hummer Whirling Card: An in-depth exploration of this captivating flourish, including performance tips.

• Years of Magical Angling…And Thoughts Thereon: A complete Magic Fishing act featuring various effects, including the production of a goldfish bowl and a disappearing fish-bowl finale.

• How to Mix Two Tricks to Make One Good Presentation: A clever combination of the Thumb Tie and Card in Wallet for a unique routine.

• Thoughts on the Thumb-Write and a Few Tips Thrown In: Insights on the best thumb-writer to use, along with a complete presentation.

• The Rigid Yo-Yo: An unusual oversized Yo-Yo that behaves unexpectedly.

• The Wine, the Water, and a Character: The Chris Van Bern Wine & Water effect, plus Billy McComb’s unique take.

• Again Sawing in Half … Lengthwise: A modern twist on a classic illusion.

• The Reverse Cut Svengali Pack An Introduction: A serendipitous accident leads to a novel comedic routine.

• Chop Cups for All: An impromptu version of a classic effect using a crumpled bill and a wrapped tumbler.

• We Go Mental: Effective techniques for the Dictionary or Telephone Directory Test.

• An Off-Beat Rabbit Arrival: A bunny magically appears in a champagne bucket.

• An Egg in the Magazine: A simple yet impressive effect where an egg is produced from a magazine with no trace left behind!

• On the Question of Dress: Billy shares insights on the ideal appearance for performers, offering valuable tips.

• Thirty Years of Rings in Nests of Boxes: A practical routine for the Nest of Boxes, detailing its evolution.

• The Clay Pipe: A unique take on the classic effect, producing clouds of smoke at the climax!

• U.K. Note in the Polo Mints, or U.S.A. Bill in the Life Savers: A borrowed note appears in an unexpected location.

• Splashing In the Card Fountain: Techniques and ideas for creating a stunning effect.

• Impromptu Hat Coils: A useful tip learned from Edgar Benyon.

• Resurrected!: A classic routine that still brings laughter.

• A Face-Lifting of the Goodnight Banner: A streamlined version of the Goodnight Banner with an added climax.

• William Reminisces: Enjoyable stories often carrying a moral lesson.

• Assorted Gaglets of the William Brand:

  • Chopping the Aces: Cut to any Ace and reveal the secret to the audience.

  • Flat Accordion: A clever prop gag.

  • A Gag with the Wiggly Wand: The popular gag wand shines in a card trick.

  • “P”: A revitalized version of the classic pea can.

  • Flying Moo: A humorous transportation of milk from one glass to another.

  • Sucker Ghost: A fresh presentation for the Ghost Tube.

  • Which Came First?: Produce a live dove from a silk without any steals or body loads.

  • Please Shut The Gate: A clever continuity gag for your show.

  • A Clean Gag: A visual prop gag designed to elicit smiles.

  • Light Humour: Another whimsical invention.

  • Wee Tree: Creative ideas for a paper fir-tree.

• Fish Sticks: A variation on the Chinese Sticks, complete with intriguing gags.

• Hot Stuff: The red-hot paper effect performed on a grand scale!

• Odds And Bits – And A Few Other Things: William discusses various topics, including self-promotion, artwork, and unique tricks.

• Putting The Act Together: A professional approach to compiling programs, simplifying your preparations.

• A Historical Gag: Abraham Lincoln’s authentic Gettysburg Address.

• Confidence: An amusing advertisement that tickled Billy’s sense of humor.

• Necessity is the Mother: A clever deck switch for the rising card trick with an unexpected climax.

• The Williamised Spider Of Mr. Collins: Pips vanish from a card and reappear inside crumpled tissue paper, offering a streamlined classic.

• The Williamised Close-Up Card Sword: A miniature Excalibur for close-up performances.

• William Does The Card Sword: The original McComb presentation, eliminating the hassle of picking up cards.

• Yrutnec Hteitnewt: A delightful silk effect featuring three silks and a paper tube, presented in reverse!

• The Travelling Card: A captivating story paired with an eerie card flourish.

• William Does The Hindu Needle Trick: A simplified version of Houdini’s classic, free of complications.

• The Five Rings Of William: A straightforward Linking Ring routine adaptable to any setting.

• How To Wash Your Hands: Essential tips for maintaining immaculate hands.

• William And The Himber Ring: The most direct routine ever, featuring borrowed rings that magically link!

• Backword: Billy has the final word!