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Our Magic
| Our Magic | |
 | |
| Author | Nevil Maskelyne |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Dutton & Co. |
| Publication Date | 1911 |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 487 |
Our Magic was a book written by Nevil Maskelyne and David Devant with the intent to change the perception of art of magic.
From the Preface:
- One notable feature of this work, which should, we believe, serve to prove the faith that is in us, consists in our unhesitating disclosure of original devices, and the modus opuandi of original experiments in magic. So far from feeling any reluctance towards letting the general public into the secrets of our procedure, we are most anxious to educate the public in such matters, in order that a proper understanding of our art may be disseminated among its votaries and patrons. The point is this. Tricks and dodges are of comparatively small importance in the art of magic. At the utmost, they display inventive ability, but nothing more. The effect-and the effect alone-produced by the use of such inventions, is the consideration of real importance.
The book was not particularly successful with the general public, but did go on to become a revered textbook by many magicians. It was rated one of the "Ten basic books for a working library of conjuring" by H. Adrian Smith.
Contents
- PART I: THE ART IN MAGIC by Nevil Maskelyne
Chapter I: The Real Secrets of Magic
Chapter II: The Three Degrees in Art
Chapter III: Unity
Chapter IV: Consistency
Chapter V: Justification
Chapter VI: Surprise and Repetition
Chapter VII: Effects of Transition
Chapter VIII: Climax
Chapter IX: Presentation
Chapter X: Rehearsal
Chapter XI: Speed In Presentation
Chapter XII: Patter
Chapter XIII: Stage Manner and Personality
Chapter XIV: Mental Attitude
Chapter XV: The Importance of Artistic Principles
- PART II: THE THEORY OF MAGIC by Nevil Maskelyne
Chapter I: Terminology
Chapter II: General Analysis
Chapter III: Misdirection
Chapter IV: Styles of Magic
Chapter V: Manipulative Principles
Chapter VI: Principles of Mental Magic
Chapter VII: Mechanical Principles
Chapter VIII: Optical Principles
Chapter IX: Acoustic Principles
Chapter X: Electrical Principles
Chapter XI: Chemical and Molecular Principles
Chapter XII: Magical Inventions
- PART III: THE PRACTICE OF MAGIC by David Devant
Chapter I: With Playing Cards. The Triangle.
Bibliographic Index of Card Tricks (pp. 289 & ff.)
Chapter II: With Billiard Balls. Multiplication
Chapter III: With Figures. Simple Addition
Chapter IV: With A Borrowed Watch. The Forgotten Guest
Chapter V: With A Borrowed Handkerchief. A Lesson in Magic
Chapter VI: With Bells. Homing Bells
Chapter VII: With Flags. The National Colours
Chapter VIII: With Liquids. The Three Vases
Chapter IX: With a Rabbit, a Ball and Two Hats. The Silver Ball
Chapter X: With Fish and Letters. The Educated Fish
Chapter XI: With Doves and Rats. The Point of View
Chapter XII: With a Canary and a Target. "The Phoenix"
References
- Hiding the Elephant By Jim Steinmeyer
- Reviewed in Genii 1992 September