Mulholland provides illustrated instructions for mastering scores of magical feats: card tricks relying on an easy memory device, extemporaneous tricks such as making a coin vanish and then reappear in a bread roll, tricks for entertaining youngsters, magical thought transference, and other exploits of mystifying wizardry.
Magic has entranced public forums for hundreds of years, predating many other forms of entertainment that we enjoy today. This ancient art, with its captivating illusions and seemingly impossible sleight of hand, is still as relevant today as ever. Originally published in 1935, master magician John Mulholland’s Story of Magic is a delightful tour through the progression of magic, from its origin to the book’s contemporary period. It offers insights and reflections on famous routines and tricks, black-and-white photographs and illustrations to give readers visual reference, as well as informative facts that weave together a timeline of events for those interested in the history of magic. With a brand-new foreword written by renowned master magician and historian Ben Robinson, this timeless classic will enchant readers and educate them on the art of magic.
Magic has entranced public forums for hundreds of years, predating many other forms of entertainment that we enjoy today. This ancient art, with its captivating illusions and seemingly impossible sleight of hand, is still as relevant today as ever. Originally published in 1935, master magician John Mulholland’s Story of Magic is a delightful tour through the progression of magic, from its origin to the book’s contemporary period. It offers insights and reflections on famous routines and tricks, black-and-white photographs and illustrations to give readers visual reference, as well as informative facts that weave together a timeline of events for those interested in the history of magic. With a brand-new foreword written by renowned master magician and historian Ben Robinson, this timeless classic will enchant readers and educate them on the art of magic.
Magic or spycraft? In 1953, against the backdrop of the Cold War, the CIA initiated a top-secret program, code-named MKULTRA, to counter Soviet mind-control and interrogation techniques. Realizing that clandestine officers might need to covertly deploy newly developed pills, potions, and powders against the adversary, the CIA hired America's most famous magician, John Mulholland, to write two manuals on sleight of hand and undercover communication techniques. In 1973, virtually all documents related to MKULTRA were destroyed. Mulholland's manuals were thought to be among them—until a single surviving copy of each, complete with illustrations, was recently discovered in the agency's archives. The manuals reprinted in this work represent the only known complete copy of Mulholland's instructions for CIA officers on the magician's art of deception and secret communications.
"THE MAGICIAN: John Mulholland s Secret Life" is drawn from never-before-seen documents and many unpublished photographs. It will appeal to readers of theatre, magic and war history. It comes with a foreword by the legendary Dr. John N. Booth, who writes: ""Ben Robinson has thoughtfully and beautifully synthesized the pile of personal notes and documents which is the legacy passed from John Mulholland to Milbourne Christopher, to Maurine Christopher and finally to author Robinson. No better foundation exists for learning what made John Mulholland into magic s most influential voice in the 20th century. This book tells that story."" John Mulholland (1898-1970) edited the magician s magazine "The Sphinx" for 23 years, ending the publication to be consultant to the newly born CIA in 1953. His assignments included working with billionaires and inventors, cracking codes and delving into the clandestine world of ESP research, LSD use and the secret MK-ULTRA world headed by the notorious Dr. Sidney Gottlieb. During this period, CIA Dr. Frank Olson died the day after Thanksgiving, 1953. This book examines Mulholland s role during this dramatic period in the CIA s history and goes against the current trend of accusing Mulholland as having a role in Olson s fatal fall from a hotel window. John Mulholland was The World s Master Magician. He performed in forty-two countries, authored ten books and performed at the Roosevelt White house eight times. His 90-minute stage show was carried in two suitcases and included impersonations of authentic Hindu and Chinese mysteries. Theatre critics spoke about him as they did a great actor. John Mulholland was an intellectual patriot who provided an essential component of counter espionage during the Cold War s Red Scare. "THE MAGICIAN: John Mulholland s Secret Life" is the first biography of the man Dr. John N. Booth defines in his Foreword as the most influential voice of the art of magic in the 20th century.
A useful manual for any magician or curious spectator who wonders why the tricks seem so real, this guide examines the psychological aspects of a magician’s work. Exploring the ways in which human psychology plays into the methods of conjuring rather than focusing on the individual tricks alone, this explanation of the general principles of magic includes chapters on the use of misdirection, sleight of hand, and reconstruction, provides a better understanding of this ancient art, and offers a section on psychics that warns of their deceptive magic skills.
David Blaine, downtown hipster and extraordinary illusionist, offers an exploration of the mysteries and history of the ancient art of magic. Mysterious Stranger brings Blaine's magic directly to his audience. In the book you'll find: mind-bending tricks you can learn to do yourself; interactive magic effects; mind-reading and psychic techniques; David Blaine's unique perspective on the art of magic; a copiously illustrated history of the art; and autobiographical background and an insight into David's private world.
In this personal journey through a unique performing art, David Copperfield profiles some of the world's most groundbreaking magicians. From the sixteenth-century magistrate who wrote an early book on conjuring, to the roaring twenties and the man who fooled Houdini, to the woman who levitated, vanished, and caught bullets in her bare hands, David Copperfield's History of Magic takes you on a wild journey through the remarkable feats of some of the greatest magicians in history. The result is a sweeping tale that reveals how these astonishing performers were outsiders who used magic to escape class, challenge conventions, transform popular culture, explore the innermost workings of the human mind, and inspire scientific discovery. Their incredible stories are complemented by more than 100 never-before-seen photographs of artifacts from Copperfield's exclusive Museum of Magic, including a sixteenth-century manual on sleight-of-hand; Houdini's straitjackets, handcuffs, and water torture chamber; Dante's famous sawing-in-half apparatus; Alexander's high-tech turban that allowed him to read people's minds; and even some coins that may have magically passed through the hands of Abraham Lincoln. By the end of the book, you'll be sure to share Copperfield's passion for the power of magic. --
A Comprehensive Magic Overview from a Master Magician Do you want to explore the vast gamete that is the world of magic? Learn from a master in Jean Hugard?s Complete Course in Modern Magic. Detailed step-by-step instructions for each trick, often accompanied by diagrams, fill the book?s pages for you to expand your magician?s repertoire. No, your eyes don?t deceive you. Through this book, you can learn mesmerizing tricks featuring: Balls Coins Playing Cards Mental Magic Flowers Ropes and Cords Rings And Much More! This book is perfect for anyone interested in magic. Whether you?re an aspiring amateur magician putting your act together or a seasoned virtuoso, there is a little hint of magic for everyone in Jean Hugard?s Complete Course in Modern Magic.