How has magic as a present-day entertainment come about? This book surveys the history of magic from about 1800 and looks at some of the lively characters who have contributed to its development - performers who would often demonstrate not only miraculous feats of conjuring but also considerable powers of showmanship. The book also considers magical artefacts, in particular some antique pieces. Magical posters, delightful and evocative, suggest mystery and something special to behold in a show. There is also a look at the craftsmen who created the apparatus and the dealers who sold it. Finally there is a brief survey of magicians' clubs and societies. No secrets are revealed, but plenty of intriguing material is included.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Symes has been interested in magic since childhood and has performed extensively since then. He also lectures and has created and written up many magical effects. He belongs to a number of germane organisations including The Magic Circle; he is a curator of their museum and an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle. OTHER TITLES for Shire BY THIS AUTHOR
Garden Sculpture
The English Rococo Garden
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR006979977
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Orbiting Books, Hereford, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: New. Next day dispatch from the UK (Mon-Fri). Please contact us with any queries. Seller Inventory # mon0000690107
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Reuseabook, Gloucester, GLOS, United Kingdom
paperback. Condition: Used; Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Seller Inventory # CHL10773004
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WYEMART LIMITED, HEREFORD, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # mon0000360704
Quantity: 10 available
Seller: Prominent Books, Hereford, ABBEY, United Kingdom
paperback. Condition: New. Next day dispatch (mon-fri). Please note orders sent to Netherlands or Sweden take slightly longer than the Amazon estimated delivery date. Same day/next day dispatch (mon-fri) all items checked before dispatch, Handled and sent out with care. Seller Inventory # mon0000270870
Quantity: 18 available
Seller: Ryde Bookshop Ltd, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
Soft cover. Condition: Fine. Shire album 433. Seller Inventory # 000496
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Any Amount of Books, London, United Kingdom
8vo. pp 40. Stapled booklet. Original publisher's illustrated covers, lettered green and red. Signed presentation from the author on the front inside cover to Christopher Brinson, a collector of books on magic, "To Chris, with all good wishes, Michael Symes." ISBN: 0747806047 Very good indeed. Seller Inventory # C55293
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: BennettBooksLtd, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! Seller Inventory # Q-0747806047