Our Magic

by Nevil Maskelyne, David Devant

Two things are noteworthy. One, it is a must read book for magic theory.Two, it has a 20 page biographical index of card tricks. This includes sleights as well. Anybody doing research on card moves or routines should have this index. It makes searching a lot easier. This book was rated one of the ten basic books for a working library of conjuring by H. Adrian Smith, historian, collector and owner of the largest private magic library in his timeCintents of the book includeo The Real Secrets of Magico The Three Degrees in Arto Unityo Consistencyo Justificationo Surprise and Repetitiono Effects of Transitiono Climaxo Presentationo Rehearsalo Speed in Presentationo Pattero Stage Manner and Personalityo Mental Attitudeo The Importance of Artistic Principleso Terminologyo General Analysiso Misdirectiono Styles of Magico Manipulative Principleso Principles of Mental Magico Mechanical Principleso Optical Principleso Acoustic Principleso Electrical Principleso Chemical and Molecular Principleso Magical Inventions

Genres: Magic

318 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1911

About the author

Nevil Maskelyne (6 October 1732 – 9 February 1811) was the fifth British Astronomer Royal.

He held the office from 1765 to 1811 and was the first person to scientifically measure the mass of the planet Earth.

Reviews

[Paul Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darn good book with information about how the very art of magic is regarded by the topmost magicians of the early 20th century and earlier. Not really a guide to tricks.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating. Useful discussion of performance and showmanship. Dated. Much of the discussion of theory seemed out of date. It can still be valuable to consider theory based on the existing state of the art in 1911, but one must be willing to work it out from the midst of unfamiliar views on chemistry, electricity and other subjects.

More of a read-it-if-you-want-to than a must read for most magically interested people.