Drawing Room Deceptions by Hollingworth

Drawing Room Deceptions is not just a bestseller by chance; it is the culmination of a decade-long journey of a young English schoolboy dedicated to mastering close-up card magic. Instead of imitating others, he crafted an entirely original repertoire and developed a unique performing style that blends gentlemanly charm with sophisticated humor. After completing his university studies, Guy traveled the globe, performing and lecturing at clubs and conventions, while also making notable television appearances, including on The World’s Greatest Magic in America. This exposure solidified his reputation as a magician with exceptional skill and a wealth of original material. Among his standout creations is the astonishing piece-by-piece card restoration known as The Reformation.

The release of Drawing Room Deceptions was eagerly anticipated in the magic community, and upon its arrival, the response was overwhelming. The book quickly went to a second printing and is now in its fifth edition. Readers were not only excited about the 320 pages filled with sleights, theories, and routines but were also captivated by the book’s stunning design. With two-color stamping on the cover, a formal portrait of the author as a frontispiece, marbled end-sheets, and distinctive typography, it resembles a classic nineteenth-century magic textbook.

Specifications: 311 pages, 6″ x 9″, hardbound with two-color stamping on cover and spine, marbled endsheets.

Here is a peek inside Drawing Room Deceptions

EPILOGUE: In this section, a method for tearing and restoring a card is explored. The author shares his complex relationship with magic, expressing both passion and the need for occasional detachment. He reflects on the overwhelming number of marketed tricks and the dealer halls at conventions, acknowledging that while he may miss out on valuable effects, he has never understood the allure of such items.

He recalls a conversation with a colleague who suggested that magicians seek that one trick that could make them famous. Despite being impressed by this insight, the author remained skeptical about the existence of such a trick. Nonetheless, he was surprised by the interest generated by a trick he developed out of personal curiosity rather than for marketing purposes.

The inception of this trick occurred during his first year at university, where he had the luxury of time and solitude. Inspired by J.C. Wagner’s method from Seven Secrets, he experimented with various ways to visibly restore each piece of a torn card. After some initial struggles, he gained confidence in his method through practice and performance.

Eventually, he presented the method at his first lecture, leading to its release on video as a limited edition. Despite his initial doubts about its appeal, the interest exceeded his expectations. Now, after three years of exclusivity for those who purchased the tape, he feels it’s time to share the method in this book.

Thus, as a conclusion, he presents a comprehensive description of what has become his favorite trick, The Reformation, along with several variations.