The Magic Catalogue

• The Magic Catalogue

A guide to the wonderful world of magic.
ca. 23 x 28 cm, 242 S., A Sunrise book, Dtton, New York, 1977, broschiert

Illustrated with photographs, drawings and engravings, including eight pages in full color.

A popular form of entertainment since the time of the Pharaohs, magic has never been more popular than in today. Here, for all those who are seriously interested, is a comprehensive, richly illustrated guide to the worls of magic and magicians. It is also a history and a source book. Following the beautifully illustrated short history of the art of magic, from earliest times to the present, is a section-by-section discussion and catalogue of many different types og magic effects that can be bought and collected: tricks with cards, coins, silks, flowers, ropes, paper; pocket tricks; magic for children; magic with animals; club and stage effects; mentalism, stage illusions and escapes. Advertisements from dealers' catalogues illustrate selected tricks and equipment in each section. Peppered throughout the book are mystifying magic tricks that can easily be learned and usually require no special equipment. The Magic Catalogue also tells the stories of representatibe magic dealers; covers magicians' societies and conventions; discusses antique magic apparatus, catalogues, memorabilia; and supplies information on museums, books, magazines and courses in conjuring. Here, then, is a unique book that brings together a treasury of information about magic and its performers and also captures, in text and illustration, the color and fascination of the mystic art.