Rudiments of Magic

Rudiments of Magic by Waldo Hostetler was published by the Author in cooperation with Pacific Press, Detroit, Michigan, in 1946. Not an ex-library copy, this slender, 5 1/2" X 8 1/4", 24-page, 66-year-old, First Edition(for what it's worth) softcover offering is in VG- condition. This offering, despite its 66 years, is very well preserved, its only real weakness being some understandable yellowing of text's pages. From "Purpose of This Booklet", "The purpose of this booklet is to present a few rudimental principles of magic in a simple yet understandable way. I trust it will build an appreciation of magic and create an ability to detect how magic is performed. It is certain this basic information will help to sharpen the observation as well as add to the pleasure of witnessing a professional performance." The book is presented in some 10 chapters/sections, with titles such as "Magic: A Means of Thought Development", "Magic Is Not a New Subject", "Magic Is Ever Changing", "Introduction To Rudiments of Magic", and "Eleven Magic Tricks Explained". Concerning the last chapter just mentioned, some of the 11 tricks "revealed" include Remove Thumb Illusion, Break a Pencil With Dollar Bill, The Vanished Coin, Cut and Restore Ribbon, Eating a Lighted Candle, and Two Ropes Pass Through Solids. And, the very helpful black and white photos of Vern Walker as well as Cliff Soper's sketches clarify/illustrate instructional points brought out throughout the text. Also includes Table of Contents. This is one of those unusual, neat little offerings that contains a wealth of information in a relatively small, compact package. Thanks very much!.…