MODERN MAGIC- A Practical Treatise on the Art of Conjuring (Illustrated);

* Illustrated with all original images..
* Complete and unabridged.

***

Modern Magic by Professor Hoffman (real name Angelo Lewis), first published in 1876, is a book detailing the methods and tricks of magicians and conjurers of that era. Hoffmann was considered to be one of the greatest authorities on the theory and practice of magic, despite little professional experience. He imparted much of his wisdom through the trilogy of books:

Modern Magic
More Magic
Later Magic

However, of the three "Modern Magic" is the most famous. The book contains advice on the appearance, dress and staging of a magician. It then goes on to describe many tricks with playing cards, coins, watches, rings, handkerchiefs, dominoes, dice, cups and balls, balls, hats and a large chapter of miscellaneous tricks, including magic with strings, gloves, eggs, rice and some utility devices. The penultimate chapter describes large stage illusions, and the final chapter contains advice on routining a magic show, and more advice on staging.

"Modern Magic" has its popularity due in part to the scarcity of teaching material available to would-be magicians in the late 19th century. Modern Magic was the first book in the English language to really explain how to perform magical feats.