
HANKY PANKY A Book of Conjuring Tricks.
PRELIMINARY.
I.—SIMPLE TRICKS.
II.—TRICKS WITH COINS.
III.—WITH ROPE AND STRING.
IV.—WITH HANDKERCHIEFS.
V.—WITH RINGS.
VI.—SIMPLE TRICKS WITH KNIVES.
VII.—FORTUNE TELLING TRICKS.
VIII.—SIMPLE TRICKS WITH BOXES.
Step into a world where sleight of hand turns everyday objects into sources of wonder. This lively manual opens with quick, eye‑catching finger tricks that even a child can master, then gradually expands to more elaborate feats. Each routine is paired with clear, hand‑drawn illustrations that make the movements easy to follow.
The book covers a surprising breadth of conjuring arts: coin vanishes, rope and string puzzles, dazzling card flourishes, dice diversions, and even miniature jugglery performed solo or with an assistant. A dedicated section reveals the tricks gamblers use, exposing the mechanics behind popular betting deceptions. Whether you crave a simple party gag or a challenging routine to perfect, the instructions balance playful narration with practical detail.
Written in a conversational, almost theatrical style, the guide feels like a seasoned magician sharing secrets over a café table. Its historic charm—rooted in the classic “drawing‑room magic” tradition—makes it a delightful companion for anyone eager to add a touch of mystery to gatherings.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (393K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
London: John Camden Hotten, 1872.
Credits
Richard Tonsing, Emmanuel Ackerman, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)
Release date
2023-08-21
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1818–1903
A 19th-century magician and popular writer on parlour entertainments, he turned sleight of hand, puzzles, and drawing-room amusements into lively books for ordinary readers. His work helped bring stage-style magic into the home.
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by active 1894-1902 A. Anderson

by Professor Hoffmann