Magic

The present work occupies a unique field in the extensive literature of magic. Little attention had been given at the time to the exposé of stage illusions, which are of great interest as they are so largely based on ingenious applications of scientific principles. There is always a great charm about the stage, and the methods of producing the effects which give realism to the drama. Optics, mechanics, sound, and electricity have all been pressed into service by the prestidigitateur. In the present work great attention has been paid to elaborate tricks of this nature, and in many cases the exposés have been obtained from the prestidigitateurs themselves. Many of the best illusions of Robert-Houdin, Dr. Lynn, Professor Pepper, Bautier de Kolta, Heller, Herrmann, Maskelyne and Cooke, and Kellar are clearly explained. The introduction by Henry Evans, contains a brief but remarkably complete history of magic art from the earliest times to the late 19th century, with special attention being given to amusing incidents in the careers of celebrated necromancers. Reprint of the 1897 edition; the work has been converted and retouched for maximum quality, however some imperfections are to be expected.