If you haven’t dived into the magic within these pages, you’re still a bit of a novice in the close-up magic world. This book is a veritable treasure trove, featuring the genius of John Scarne, Dai Vernon, Bert Allerton, S. Leo Horowitz, Emil Jarrow, Francis Carlyle, Dr. Jacob Daley, Tony Slydini, Ross Bertram, Nate Leipzig, and Max Malini — the sort of legends who shaped close-up magic into what it is today.
It's often said that mastering the tricks in this tome will elevate you to the status of a true sleight-of-hand virtuoso. In fact, it’s packed with all the magic you need to construct a professional repertoire that could earn you a pretty penny. Many magicians have made their living from these routines, and now it’s your turn!
Includes: 41 jaw-dropping routines from 11 legendary artists, a historical introduction, and a cheeky bonus section featuring private correspondences tied to the Stars of Magic.
Second Edition. First Paperback Edition. Published by Meir Yedid Magic in 2017. 176 pages crafted by the likes of George Starke, Dr. Jacob Daley, Bruce Elliott, and Meir Yedid. 378 photographs captured by George Karger. 8.5 x 11 inch, softcover, perfect-bound.
All the routines were originally sold as individual manuscripts. If you were to buy them separately, you’d be shelling out a whopping US $98.00. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find inside:
Series 1, No. 1: John Scarne's Classic Ball Routine:
Picture this: a bewildering series of magical appearances and disappearances of small balls. It kicks off with a pinch of ashes from an ashtray, and before you know it, ball after ball mysteriously pops up, multiplies, and vanishes. Spoiler alert: by the end, they turn back into ashes!
Series 1, No. 2: John Scarne's Triple Coincidence:
Using two ordinary decks with different backs, the spectator shuffles one while the magician shuffles the other, never touching the spectator's deck. After a few cuts and exchanges, both parties reveal a trio of cards that match in a spectacular coincidence. And yes, both decks are left for examination (because who doesn’t love a good miracle?).
Series 1, No. 3: John Scarne's Silver and Copper Trick:
Watch as a silver coin in the spectator's hand magically swaps places with a copper coin you hold. Then enjoy a cheeky penetration effect as the coin passes through your trousers pocket. For years, folks thought Scarne was using gimmicked coins — he’ll show you how it’s done with the real deal.
Series 2, No. 1: Dai Vernon's Triumph:
Dai Vernon spills the beans on one of his most jaw-dropping discoveries, a card miracle called "Triumph." This routine uses an easy false shuffle, which is, let’s be honest, a godsend — no need for years of practice (who has the time?). You’ll be able to maintain the order of reds and blacks like a pro.
Series 2, No. 2: Dai Vernon's Cutting the Aces:
In this impressive routine, the four aces are cut from the deck with uncanny accuracy. Not many magicians have had the privilege to see this one live, so you’re in for a treat. You’ll also learn Dai’s secret card controls that are invaluable for any card conjurer.
Series 2, No. 3: Dai Vernon's Spellbound:
Vernon reveals a cherished routine involving two coins of different metals that change places in a way that will leave your audience baffled. It’s deceptively simple, yet utterly mystifying (perfect for showing off!).
Series 2, No. 4: Dai Vernon's Kangaroo Coins:
In this classic, coins magically pass through a table into a glass, employing natural sleights that are easy to master. Once you’ve nailed this routine, you’ll be the sleight-of-hand star of the show.
Series 3, No. 1: Bert Allerton's Pump Room Phantasy:
Two red aces are shown on top and bottom of the deck, then inserted into the middle. “Presto!” — they reappear on the top and bottom. Rinse and repeat, and watch as they change colour for a stunning finale.
Series 3, No. 2: Bert Allerton's Bamboozle:
In this amusing tale, the magician appears to be shortchanged but somehow ends up ahead in the game (we’ve all been there, haven’t we?).
Series 3, No. 3: S. Leo Horowitz's Malini-Bey Chink a Chink:
Four cubes are laid out on the table, and after a bit of hand-wiggling, they all magically travel to one spot. The routine culminates in a hilarious reveal that will leave your audience in stitches.
Series 3, No. 4: S. Leo Horowitz's The Egyptian Ball Mystery:
With a red ball wrapped in a silk handkerchief, the white ball transforms right before your eyes, only to reveal yet another surprise.
Series 3, No. 5: Jarrow's Hanky-Panky:
A handkerchief held by two spectators survives a lighted cigarette’s fiery encounter — just a bit of magic to keep them guessing.
Series 4, No. 1: Francis Carlyle's Decapitation:
Watch as a match head mysteriously reappears after being scraped off. Rinse and repeat for a magical demonstration that’ll keep them on the edge of their seats.
Series 4, No. 2: Francis Carlyle's Homing Card:
A selected card vanishes only to reappear in your pocket — but not just once! It’s the sort of trick that’ll leave your audience scratching their heads in disbelief.
Series 4, No. 3: Francis Carlyle's Wrist Watch Steal:
In this classic, one coin vanishes only to join the one in the spectator's hand. As the magician distracts, he manages to swindle their wristwatch without them even realising!
Series 5, No. 1: Dai Vernon's Impromptu Cups and Balls:
The "Cups and Balls" is a timeless classic, and Vernon’s streamlined version will have you dazzling audiences with every possible effect.
Series 5, No. 2: Dai Vernon's Ambitious Card:
A card that jumps back to the top of the pack repeatedly will keep your spectators guessing (and thoroughly baffled).
Series 5, No. 3: Dai Vernon's Mental Card Miracle:
With no questions asked, the magician plucks the thought-of card from his pocket — not once, but twice!
Series 6, No. 1: Dai Vernon's The Ring on The Wand:
Dai Vernon reveals the insider secrets of the "Ring on The Wand" effect, a must-know for any serious magician.
Series 6, No. 2: Dai Vernon's Slow-Motion Four Aces:
Two spectacular slow-motion versions of the Classic Four Ace Trick will leave your audience gasping.
Series 6, No. 3: Dai Vernon's The Travelers:
Four selected cards mysteriously vanish and appear in the magician's pockets — a masterclass in misdirection.
Series 7, No. 1: Dr. Jacob Daley's Cards Up the Sleeve:
This classic routine, now with a modern twist, will have your cards travelling in sequence — a true test of skill for any sleight-of-hand artist.
Series 7, No. 2: Dr. Jacob Daley's The Itinerant Pasteboards:
Two methods of transposing cards come together in this novel routine, showcasing the Instantaneous Double Lift.
Series 7, No. 3: Dr. Jacob Daley's The Cavorting Aces:
