Down through the years have come many books on the art of magic and
allied subjects. Of late the production of such literature has increased
until hardly a week goes by without the appearance of a book, brochure
or manuscript. Many are good and many are not. The titles given here is
an impartial and unbiased opinion of my own as to what books constitute
a working library on the art of mystifying.
Every included work has its value and I take my stand now that the
shelf of magic, as herein listed, covers every phase and known principle
necessary to a modern performer. There are hundreds of other books,
magazines and pamphlets which contain excellent and practical effects
but I’m not listing trick books alone. I’m listing what I think are
textbooks and if an absolute stranger to magic asked me tomorrow what
books he should buy I’d give him this list. Check it over carefully and
see if you can think of a subject connected with mystifying that isn’t
covered with the best book (my opinion) obtainable.
Books from this list can all be secured through Leo Rullman – 203
West 81st Street – New York City. Mr Rullman looked this over and
estimated the cost of such a shelf at about $125.00. This does not
include a file of The Sphinx to date. For thousands of good tricks and for
a perfect insight into and knowledge of the trend of modern magic there
is no better file to have on hand, but for specialized works take the list
as given. I consider the complete file of Stanyon’s Magic as the most
important followed by Tarbell’s monumental course. These two items
alone make a working library. From there on it is a matter of speciality.
Bring me a person who has assimilated the knowledge contained within
this list and I’ll back him academically against the world of magic today.
- Stanyon, Magic (periodical, 15 vols., complete)
- Tarbell, Tarbell Course of Magic
- Stanyon, The Stanyon Serials (1-21)
- Downs, The Art of Magic
- Hilliard (Sequel to above now being published)
- Sachs, Sleight of Hand
- Maskelyne and Devant, Our Magic
- Hoffman, Modern Magic
- Hatton and Plate, Magician’s Tricks
- Clarke, Annals of Conjuring (Magic Wand #121-140)
- Houdin, The Secrets of Conjuring and Magic
- Thurston, 200 Tricks You Can Do
- Thurston, 200 More Tricks You Can Do
- Erdnase, The Expert at the Card Table
- Annemann, 202 Methods of Forcing
- Johnson, The Open Book
- Lloyd, Thimble Manipulation
- Deveen, Expert Cigarette Manipulation
- Hull, Billiard Ball Manipulation (2 parts)
- Lippy, Chemical Magic
- Houdini, Paper Magic
- Hull, 33 Rope Ties and Chain Releases
- Gibson, Houdini’s Escapes
- Hurst, The Georgia Wonder
- Houdini, Miracle Mongers
- de Laurence, Medical Hypnosis and Magnetic Hypnotism
- de Laurence, The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts
- Prince, The Whole Art of Ventriloquism
- Roth, Roth Memory Course
- Carrington, The Physical Phenomena of Spiritualism
- Abbott, Behind the Scenes with the Mediums
- Alexander, The Life and Mysteries of Dr ‘Q’
- Hull, How To Answer Questions
- Dusenbery, Making Magic Pay
- Glen, The Road To Fame
- Funk and Wagnall, The Practical Standard Dictionary
- Globe Book Company, Elementary Grammar
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