Modern Magic

Modern Magic has won its place in the history of conjuring as the very first English-language work to explain how to perform magic, rather than just exposing its secrets. This work contains more than 220 tricks and effects, many of which are still used today. All contain principles that, with slight adaption, formed the basis of numerous more modern effects, and which, with a touch of imagination, can be utilized to create new and dramatic effects.

The range of tricks covered in this book remains massive: from lessons on basic sleight-of-hand to advanced card tricks, tricks with apparatus and without, hat productions, balls, full linking rings and cups and balls routines, watches, dominoes, dice, and much more, before ending with some of the most advanced mechanical stage effects of the author's day. Along the way, the author provides detailed step-by-step instructions, backed by complete "patter" suggestions which may be used as is, or adapted to taste.

This new edition has been completely reset, hand-edited, and contains all original 318 illustrations, digitally remastered to modern standards. Also includes a new index of tricks.

Contents

Chapter I: Introduction 

Chapter II: General Principles of Sleight-of-Hand applicable to Card Tricks 

Chapter III: Card Tricks with Ordinary Cards, and not requiring Sleight-of-Hand

Chapter IV: Tricks involving Sleight-of-Hand or the Use of Specially Prepared Cards  

Chapter V: Card Tricks Requiring Special Apparatus  

Chapter VI: Principles of Sleight-of-hand more especially applicable to Coin Tricks 

Chapter VII: Tricks with Coins without Apparatus

Chapter VIII: Tricks with Coin requiring Special Apparatus  

Chapter IX: Tricks with Watches 

Chapter X: Tricks with Rings  

Chapter XI: Tricks with Handkerchiefs 

Chapter XII: Tricks with Dominoes and Dice 

Chapter XIII: The Cups and Balls  

Chapter XIV: Ball Tricks Requiring Special Apparatus 

Chapter XV: Hat Tricks

Chapter XVI: Miscellaneous Tricks

Chapter XVII: Stage Tricks 

Chapter XVIII: Concluding Observations 

Index of Tricks