Discover the Ultimate Magic Ebook

This exceptional magic ebook is often ranked among the top three magic books of all time. Translated by Barrows Mussey, renowned for the Amateur Magician’s Handbook, it is based on the original German work, Das Wunderbuch der Zauberkunst. Featuring stunning illustrations and photographs, this book encompasses all facets of magic.

With a compelling introduction by Fulton Oursler and an exclusive chapter by Harry Kellar, this ebook is a treasure for any magic enthusiast.

Paul Fleming praised it as one of the most beautifully produced books on magic. Spanning 206 large pages, it is printed on high-quality coated paper and includes 234 illustrations, primarily halftones, all bound in a durable, attractive cloth cover. The English translation is expertly crafted.

The book begins with a striking halftone portrait of Harry Kellar, followed by Oursler’s insightful chapter, “The Magic of Today,” which profiles leading figures in modern magic, including Frederick Eugene Powell, David Devant, and Harry Houdini. Additionally, Kellar’s 1912 article, “Three Secrets of Success for Magicians,” offers invaluable advice from a master of the craft.

While we cannot delve into every detail, the chapters cover a range of topics. Chapter 1 provides a brief historical overview, while Chapter 2 explores how our senses can be deceived, focusing on optical illusions. Chapter 3 discusses essential magician’s tools and explains various tricks, both classic and contemporary. Chapter 4 illustrates the magician’s attire and details several tricks, including The Ring and Envelopes Trick and The Multiplying Billiard Balls. Chapter 5 lists and describes thirty-eight “gimmicks” briefly.

Chapter 6, the longest at 38 pages, is dedicated to Vest-Pocket Magic, offering clear explanations of tricks like The Chinese Coin Trick and The Sympathetic Coins. Chapter 7, “The Wonders of Card Magic,” provides a glimpse into card sleights and features impressive tricks, including a mathematical card feat by William Larsen. Chapter 8 presents mental demonstrations, while Chapter 9 uncovers the secrets behind classic stage illusions like Sawing a Woman in Two. Chapters 10 and 11 discuss ghost illusions and the “black art act,” while Chapter 12 covers various escape techniques. Chapter 13 explores Oriental magic, and Chapter 14 concludes with a discussion of puzzles.

One prominent magician once remarked that the first edition of Illustrated Magic was a poor example of a magic book, as it revealed too many secrets without teaching the art of performance. While this critique holds some truth, the book still offers enjoyment for seasoned magicians. Though it may not serve as a comprehensive guide for beginners, it remains a captivating read for anyone interested in the world of magic. The first edition was priced at five dollars, while the current edition is available at a more accessible price, making it a delightful choice for magicians seeking light reading amidst more technical texts.

Contents:

• To The Reader
• The Magic Of Today
• Three Secrets Of Success For Every Magician
• From Magic-Man To Modern Conjurer
• Why You Can’t Always Trust Your Senses
• The Secrets Of Magical Apparatus
• Feats Of Dexterity And Skill
• Fakes, Gimmicks And Other Secret Accessories
• Vest-Pocket Magic
• The Wonders Of Card Magic
• Mind Reading, Clairvoyance, And Telepathy
• Stage Illusions
• Ghosts And Other Apparitions
• The Wonders Of Black Art
• The Mysteries Of Escapes
• The Wonders Of The Fakirs
• The Wonders Of Puzzles