Back in the day (we're talking the early 1900s), magicians were churning out articles in magic journals like they were going out of fashion. They were busy improving classic card tricks and dreaming up new ones. If you could somehow gather all those gems into one place, you’d have a masterclass in card trickery taught by some of the best in the biz.
But let’s be real: where on earth would you dig up those old magazines now that they’ve turned into collector's items? And if you did manage to find them, your wallet would probably weep at the thought of their price tags. Fear not, my friend! All the crème de la crème of those tricks have been lovingly stitched together in this one epic tome, which showcases nearly every practical card trick dreamed up or refined by magicians over the last forty-plus years.
This isn’t just any old collection; it’s a jaw-dropping library of over 600 card tricks that will leave you gobsmacked: from impromptu ones you can whip out at the pub, to spelling tricks (yes, really!), and the classic “You Do As I Do” routines. We’ve got tricks involving key cards, slick cards, and even double-backed cards (it’s all a bit saucy). There’s everything from the one-way pack to the Svengali pack (that one’s a classic), plus a smorgasbord of miscellaneous marvels like Everywhere and Nowhere, The Case of the Four Kings, Card in the Orange, The Buddha Whispers, and Inseparable Aces. And don’t forget the final chapter on tricks using the infamous Nikola Card System. Plus, there’s a handy chapter on techniques that breaks down crucial sleights like the overhand shuffle, riffle shuffle, false cut, palm, simple pass, double lift, glide, and force.
This gem is based on a compilation by Dr. Wilhelm Von Deusen and Glenn G. Gravatt, but fear not — it’s had a thorough makeover by Jean Hugard, who’s given it a complete rewrite. It’s easily the best single resource for classic card tricks out there, and the straightforward style makes it as easy to understand as your mate trying to explain why he’s never seen a ghost. An absolute must-have for both professionals and hobbyists, this book is the secret sauce for anyone looking to dazzle friends or entertain kids (and who doesn’t fancy a bit of that?).
