MAGIC AND STAGE ART

Originally published in 1960 in 'The World Around Us' series, The Illustrated Story of Magic delves into the history of stage magic and early performers, as well as the folkloric roots of the magical arts. Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin and Harry Houdini are profiled, and several well-known illusions are explained. Young magicians will enjoy this full color reprint.

Knife throwing (chief of the impalement arts) is a popular exhibition at carnivals, western shows, and sideshows. The two classic booklets reprinted here cover knife styles, grip and throwing techniques, and a variety of trick throws sure to amaze an audience. How to Throw Knives, by Elmer Putts, was published in 1935, and The Art of Knife Throwing, by Frank Dean, was first published in 1937. Many knife stunts are dangerous. This collection is sold solely for entertainment purposes only.

You can juggle balls, hats, dishes, clubs, and more! Max Holden's Manual of Juggling, first published in 1947, is a terrific introduction to the field of juggling, showing techniques for a variety of throws and a number of different objects.

This booklet reprint (first published in 1935) is a classic on the use of three card monte, a very useful skill for magicians who specialize in card tricks. Walsh and Scarne discuss different techniques and effects, some known to be used by street grifters.

This booklet reprint (first published in 1942) is a classic on close-up magic using paper cups (which has to be among the simplest of objects for manipulation magic!)

This booklet reprint (first published in 1919) is a classic on close-up magic using dominoes.

This vintage booklet discusses a few con artist tricks, then reprints three chapters on close-up card tricks from Professor Hoffman's Modern Magic.

Gilbert brings together here very useful information for the young person wanting to learn about knot-tying, whether for general usefulness or for magic performances. Knots, hitches, and splices are followed up by trick knots and pointers in stagecraft.

This booklet (first published in 1945) provides a number of different cloth napkin trick folds to produce objects or puppets. With a little practice, you'll be the life of the next formal dinner party!

A treatise on the fundamental principle, theory, and practice of picking pockets for magicians. Removing objects from an audience member is a staple in magic acts, and here Eddie Joseph provides the basics of various pickpocket maneuvers (coat pockets, hip pockets, watches, and more). Practice, practice, and don’t get caught . . .

Slapstick and Dumbbell (first published in 1924) is a classic treatise on the origins of the clown from ancient cultures like Egypt and Rome to the Middle Ages and early circuses.

This is a fascinating look at a time when every boy (and likely many girls) wanted to be a magician. Close-up tricks or parlor magic, primarily using cards, coins, string, balls, and other small objects, are the focus of this book. First published in 1859, there are numerous illustrations and step-by-step instructions.

Sir David Brewster (1781-1868) wrote this fascinating volume to illustrate the use of scientific principles by ancient governments and religious orders, where they intended to delude and frighten the populace. He also covers other natural wonders and curiosities, (optical, chemical, auditory, physical, etc.), providing logical reasoning to counter superstition, while also recognizing the hand of the Creator.