Henry Hay – The Amateur Magician’s Handbook

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For over thirty years, The Amateur Magician’s Handbook has been a definitive guide for aspiring conjurers, from novices to seasoned performers. Even the legendary David Copperfield praised it in one of his television specials. This book has inspired countless magicians, many of whom have become renowned in the field. The fourth edition, thoroughly revised and expanded, features an introduction by Milbourne Christopher and includes insights from the Amazing Randi on using video for self-improvement.

This updated edition delivers a comprehensive education in magic, featuring hundreds of illustrations that cover essential skills and secrets of the craft: mind reading, producing rabbits from hats, transforming handkerchiefs, vanishing coins, and more.

The Amateur Magician’s Handbook uniquely explains the principles behind magic as entertainment, emphasizing how to engage your audience’s thoughts and emotions to enhance the impact of your tricks.

A new section explores the challenging yet rewarding art of entertaining children, making it a valuable resource for all performers.

The concluding chapters delve into vital aspects of magic beyond the tricks themselves, including humor, pantomime, and music. An extensive biography and bibliography highlight both legendary magicians of the past and emerging talents in the present.

Lastly, Henry Hay shares practical advice on monetizing your magic skills. He states, “If I hear of someone studying The Amateur Magician’s Handbook and then transitioning from amateur to paid performer, I will consider my work successful.”

Table of Contents

1st edition 1950; 4th edition 1982; 424 pages