Nevil Maskelyne & David Devant – Our Magic

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This essential book on magic theory is a must-read for enthusiasts. It features a comprehensive 20-page biographical index of card tricks, including various sleights. Anyone researching card techniques or routines will find this index invaluable, as it simplifies the search process and may lead to discovering lesser-known books. H. Adrian Smith, a prominent historian and collector, regarded this book as one of the top ten foundational texts for any serious magic library. Other notable titles in this collection include:

• The Art of Magic by T. Nelson Downs
• The Expert at the Card Table by S.W. Erdnase
• Magicians’ Tricks by Henry Hatton and Adrian Plate
• Modern Magic by Prof. Hoffmann
• More Magic by Prof. Hoffmann
• Later Magic by Prof. Hoffmann
• The Modern Conjurer by C. Lang Neil
• Tarbell Course by Harlan Tarbell

Table of Contents

PART I: THE ART IN MAGIC by Nevil Maskelyne

1. The Real Secrets of Magic
2. The Three Degrees in Art
3. Unity
4. Consistency
5. Justification
6. Surprise and Repetition
7. Effects of Transition
8. Climax
9. Presentation
10. Rehearsal
11. Speed in Presentation
12. Patter
13. Stage Manner and Personality
14. Mental Attitude
15. The Importance of Artistic Principles

PART II: THE THEORY OF MAGIC by Nevil Maskelyne

1. Terminology
2. General Analysis
3. Misdirection
4. Styles of Magic
5. Manipulative Principles
6. Principles of Mental Magic
7. Mechanical Principles
8. Optical Principles
9. Acoustic Principles