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Synopsis
Excerpt from White Magic: The Story of Maskelynes
What is magic? - The Black Arts and the White - A farming family goes to the Devil! - Did Nevil Maskelyne practise witchcraft? - The Maskelyne tradition - "J.N." becomes a watchmaker - Friendship with Cooke - Attending spiritualistic seances - Advent of the Davenports.
There are a number of answers to the question "What is magic?". Doubtless some of my readers who have played faro or highball poker with strangers can give one definition. Victims of the three-card trick or the manipulated dice have their own ideas. People who, in these enlightened times, still openly believe in ghosts, spirit manifestations, and wart-charming, can explain yet another form of magic, though they cannot explain it away.
For myself, I believe in only one sort of mystification, and that is White Magic. I grant a respectful reservation towards the Black Arts, not because I can practise them myself, but as the result of some rather eerie experiences which I shall detail later.
In the main, however, this book, being a history of the Magic House of Maskelyne, deals with the gentle art of illusion only, and the adventures that have befallen three generations of us who have made a living by deluding the public.
Other wizards - the share-pushers and gold-brick sellers of our times - have perhaps been even more financially successful, and had more exciting lives.
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- PublisherForgotten Books
- Publication date2018
- ISBN 10 1440036187
- ISBN 13 9781440036187
- BindingPaperback
- LanguageEnglish
- Number of pages260
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White Magic: The Story of Maskelynes (Classic Reprint)
Print on DemandSeller: Forgotten Books, London, United Kingdom
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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book delves into the fascinating history of the Magic House of Maskelyne, a family whose name has become synonymous with the art of illusion. Spanning three generations, the narrative traces their journey from a curious legend of a pact with the devil to the rise of a renowned magical dynasty. Through the personal accounts of the author, we witness the evolution of magic as a profession, from its early association with freak shows and spiritualism to its transformation into a sophisticated form of entertainment. The book recounts the challenges faced by the Maskelynes as they sought to establish themselves in a skeptical Victorian society, where magic was often viewed with suspicion and even hostility. The author explores the tension between the perception of magic as a supernatural force and its reality as a carefully crafted illusion. He reveals the secrets behind some of the most famous Maskelyne tricks, showcasing the ingenuity and technical skill that underpinned their performances. Ultimately, this book offers a unique glimpse into the world of magic, revealing the dedication, creativity, and showmanship that have made the Maskelyne name legendary. It reminds us that the true magic lies not in the supernatural, but in the power of human imagination and the enduring appeal of the impossible. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781440036187_0
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White Magic The Story of Maskelynes Classic Reprint
Seller: PBShop.store US, Wood Dale, IL, U.S.A.
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PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9781440036187
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White Magic The Story of Maskelynes Classic Reprint
Seller: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, United Kingdom
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PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9781440036187
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White Magic: The Story of Maskelynes (Classic Reprint)
Print on DemandSeller: Revaluation Books, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 260 pages. 9.00x6.00x0.59 inches. This item is printed on demand. Seller Inventory # zk1440036187
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