The Blackstone Book of Magic & Illusion
Title: The Blackstone Book of Magic & Illusion
Author: Blackstone, Harry
ISBN: 0-937858-45-5
Publisher: Newmarket Press
Publication Date: 1985
Hardcover
Book Size: Book Size: 8 ¾ X 11 ¼
Pages: 230
Edition: First Edition
Book Condition: Excellent-Like New-Appears Unread
Dust Jacket Condition: Excellent-No rips or tears-Minor shelf wear
Since the turn of the century, the name Blackstone has been synonymous with the world of magical illusion. Harry Blackstone Jr. shares the history of modern magic, largely as seen through the eyes of his family. His father was the original Great Blackstone and Harry Blackstone Jr. has carried on the tradition. The Great Blackstone, wowed audiences in the heyday of America's fascination with magic, perfecting such now-classic illusions as the Dancing Handkerchief, the Buzz Saw, and the Floating Light Bulb. Harry, Jr., who was first billed at the age of six months as the disappearing child in his father's show, and who continued the tradition with an act that was called "the most spectacular traveling illusion show ever" (Newsweek) and "pure magic!" (Time).
Now, based on Harry Blackstone, Jr.'s lifetime devotion to magic, this book unveils the history, science and art of one of the oldest entertainment arts. Through Blackstone's eyes, you'll explore the long and colorful history of the art of illusion In addition you'll find profiles of magic’s greatest performers, discussion of the science and psychology of magic, and tales of the fascinating Blackstone story, with revealing anecdotes and rare photographs. This is Blackstone's personal reflections on the art and game of magic--not just how it works but why it works as entertainment. It's about the psychological showmanship as well as the craft. Included are lessons in how to perform tricks that go beyond the mere technical details to show how to make a simple trick a piece of true theater.
This unique volume, with over 250 photos and drawings, includes the complete Blackstone story, along with a vivid and varied appreciation of the history, science, and art of illusion, from the temples of ancient Egypt to the vaudeville stages of the 1920s to Broadway, Las Vegas, and television, including profiles of the greatest stage magicians, sleight-of-hand entertainers, and mentalists.
The book discusses the why and how of magic (vanishing, transformation, escapes, Mentalism, etc.), and the psychological principles behind effects such as sensory illusions and misdirection. In addition, the book contains 20 classic magic routines in detailed execution. Among them:
• The cups and balls
• The classic coin-palm
• Sawing a woman in half with a rope rather than a saw
• The ring on a ribbon
• The Hindu card shuffle
• And eight other confounding card tricks 250 b/w photos and drawings
Contents
Vii Foreword (Ray Bradbury)
1 Chapter 1 Introduction The World Of Magic
2 - What Magic Really Is
5 - Your Place In Magic
10 The World Of Magic From Caveman To Modern Conjuror: A Short History Of The Art Of Illusion
12 Mysticism And Ritual: The Art Of Magic Begins
16 Church Suppression And Magic's First Literature
19 From Street-corners To The Courts Of Kings: Magic As Entertainment
25 Magic Enters The Theatres
28 The First Great Stars: Magic Takes On An Image
38 The Great Blackstone: Vaudeville And The Rise Of The Big Magic Shows
70 Backstage: Growing Up With The Company
83 The Big Sell: Advertising And Promoting Magic
89 Decline And Rebirth: Nightclubs And Early Television
95 Finding My Own Place In Magic: A Second Blackstone Builds A Show
112 The New Stars: Today's World Of Magic
117 The Science Of Illusion
117 The Why And How Of Magic
118 Production
121 Vanish
123 Transposition
125 Transformation
126 Restoration
128 Animation
129 Penetration
130 Ami Gravity
133 Sympathetic Reaction
134 Time Control
135 Escapes
136 Mentalism
137 Invulnerability To Physical Laws
137 Psychological Principles
138 Sensory Illusions
139 Misdirection
153 Performing Magic
156 Magic Up Close
157 The Cups And Balls
169 Card Magic
171 The Lie Detector
175 Wrong Into Right
178 A Double Reverse
179 The Detective Card
180 Computer Aces
182 Card Through The Handkerchief
186 Tricks With Coins
194 Tricks With Small Objects
194 The Penetrating Matches
198 Ring On Ribbon
202 Magic At The Table
206 The Double Ropes: An Exploration Of A Classic Magic Principle
215 Final Thoughts And Secrets
220 Bibliography
225 Appendices
225 A: Magic Societies
225 B: Magic Conventions
226 C: Magic Magazines
226 D: Magic Dealers
Please examine the photos of this book. I have included photos of the index, when needed. I have also included photos of especially colorful, interesting or autographed pages. I will be happy to answer any specific question, just send me an Email!
Listing info courtesy of: Magicref
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