
SPIRIT SLATE WRITING AND KINDRED PHENOMENA
PREFACE.
The Single Slate.
The Double Slate.
Miscellaneous Slate Tests.
Mind Reading and Kindred Phenomena.
Table Lifting and Spirit Rapping.
Spiritualistic Ties.
Post Tests, Handcuffs, Collars, etc.
Séances and Miscellaneous Spirit Tricks.
Delve into the world of late‑Victorian séances, where the mysterious “slate writing” test captured imaginations and promised messages from beyond. Drawing on decades of experience as a stage illusionist and confidant of famed magicians, the author unpacks the subtle mechanics behind these seemingly impossible feats. He shows how a simple flap, a concealed piece of paper, or a cleverly timed drop can turn ordinary slate into a conduit for fabricated spirits, all while the audience remains convinced of the supernatural.
The text balances careful respect for sincere believers with a relentless drive to expose deception. By walking readers through several classic setups—complete with vivid illustrations—you’ll learn how a medium’s quick wit and practiced misdirection can outsmart even the most skeptical observer. Whether you’re a curious history buff or a budding magician, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into the tricks that defined an era of spiritualism, inviting you to see past the illusion and understand the art of the con.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (179K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by deaurider, John Campbell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
Apr 19, 2020
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1861–1918
Behind this famous stage name was an American magician who built one of the most talked-about illusion acts of his era. His career mixed theatrical invention, public mystery, and a final performance that became part of magic history.
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