This delightful tome of magic has been gathering dust for far too long — out of print for years, it’s back in a snazzy hardbound edition with a dust jacket, ready to charm today’s magicians who’ve been missing out on this classic. (Seriously, what have you been doing?)
It mainly focuses on coins, cards, and other close-up tricks, but don’t fret; it also serves up some cracking stage effects for those who fancy a bit of limelight.
Wonderful Routines of Magic is that hidden gem you’ve been searching for in the magic world. The late Ellison Poland first graced us with this masterpiece back in 1969, and now it’s back to impress a new generation of sleight-of-hand connoisseurs. With contributions from various talented magicians, including good ol' Bill Spooner from North Carolina, you’ll find a treasure trove of effects for both stage and close-up performances. Spooner’s offerings alone, like the Deceptive Roll Cut and the mind-boggling Milliken's Transposition (worth the price of admission, trust me), are just the tip of the iceberg.
Poland was not only a technical writer for Westinghouse; he also had a flair for making magic instructions as clear as day. Plus, he could illustrate like a champ. This 251-page book is brimming with illustrations that’ll make even the most bewildering tricks seem straightforward. Oh, and there’s a section on Decorating and Finishing Magical Apparatus — because who doesn’t want their props to look fabulous? With a table of contents that boasts 55 entries, you’ll be flipping through this book like a kid in a sweet shop. And let’s not forget the annotated bibliography at the end — because knowledge is power, right? The book looks sharp too; black hardbinding with gold lettering, just waiting to grace your shelf. You won’t be disappointed with either the quality of the content or of the binding. A solid investment for your library!
