
This compact handbook gathers a handful of the most approachable magic effects, all designed to sparkle at a dinner table or a cozy winter evening. None of the routines demand special equipment, and the sleight‑of‑hand required is deliberately modest, letting newcomers focus on presentation rather than technical mastery. Within its pages you’ll find a mix of familiar card and coin puzzles, a few fresh inventions, and clear step‑by‑step instructions that keep the mystery alive for both performer and audience.
The author stresses rehearsal, urging readers to perfect both the moves and the accompanying patter before trying them on friends, and even suggests subtle variations to keep each performance fresh. Helpful tips on timing, audience interaction, and ethical considerations—like steering clear of political or religious jokes—make the guide as much a lesson in showmanship as in trickery. For those who crave deeper study, references to the writer’s more advanced volumes and reputable suppliers of magical props are provided, opening a pathway to a lifelong hobby.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (102K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Clarke and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2010-06-13
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1843–1914
A journalist and actor who turned himself into a successful stage magician, this British entertainer wrote practical, lively books on conjuring, ventriloquism, and paper folding. Performing as “Hercat,” he helped bring popular magic and variety-theatre skills to a wide reading audience.
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