Magic: Stage illusions and scientific diversions, including trick photography
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Book Overview
Standard work on classic stage illusions performed by Robert-Houdin, Bautier de Kolta, Maskelyne and others. Detailed descriptions of techniques of fire eaters, sword swallowers, jugglers, acrobats,... This description may be from another edition of this product.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:B0006WLFKG
Release Date:January 1977
Publisher:Arno
Length:556 Pages
Weight:2.30 lbs.
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Hopkins or Chung Ling Soo
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
MAGIC was originally published in the 1890s and is a compilation of articles drawn from different sources, especially Scientific American. And although Hopkins name is on it, it's thought that this was put together by Wm. Robinson. Robinson became known for his portrayal of Chinese Magician Chung Ling Soo. Chung was killed onstage doing the Bullet Catch. So, is this a good book? No, it's GREAT. As a history of the craft of magic, it's priceless, no matter who really wrote it. Get it, it's worth it.
Dover Classic
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Dover book aficiandos will love this 556 page delight. Over 400 illustrations are interpersed throughout to provide visual context to the magic which is explained in detail. A must for for the Dover book collector.
Fun History
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Being a magic history buff I loved this book. Lots of fun stuff and interesting material. Kind of dry reading though unless you are into the history like I am. Tim "Santiago" Converse Enter a World of Elegant Magic
Fascinating--but obsolete
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
If you're a student of magic, technical theatre, or trick photography, this is an excellent historical text on how these things were done about 100 years ago. It's a fascinating period piece, and a limited amount of the material can be updated and applied to a modern setting, but much of the illusions it describes require gas lines, steam lines, and other non-standard stage accessories.
An armchair read of special effects
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
While this book may not have direct application, it still remains on of my favorite titles in my magic library. It discusses how larger effects are accomplished, from temple doors that open automatically, to photographic illusions. The material is dated, but can be cleverly adapted for performances.
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