talkmagic.co.uk

The Effect
Magic Stage Illusions, Special Effects & Trick Photography. Compiled and Edited by Albert A. Hopkins
"This Book is one of the great magic classics, the standard work on stage illusions, special effects and trick photography. This truly remarkable book has page after page of explanations for classic stage illusions, conjurers tricks, ancient magic, stage scenery effects, automata and curious toys and photgrpahic diversions. All described in complete details, many of these illusions and tricks can be recreated by the talented reader; the more eleborate effects are of great historical interest."
535 pages with 446 illustrations.


Cost
Shop around, best price on www.amazon.co.uk


Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
Varies!


Review
Being a reprint of an 1898 book, this is certainly what the younger generation would refer to as "old school" but has magic really changed that much over the years?
I was astonished to discover how old the folding coin tricks were, they're in here!
This weighty book covers everything from sword swallowing, to levitation, to ventriloquism, it's all here. If you like 'Hiding The Elephant', you'll love the revelations in here of arcane Victorian illusions, may of which, if you had the money, time, skill and inclination, would impress today.
From a historical viewpoint, this book is a delight and shows the ingenuity that magicians of this era displayed and goes back as far as the ancient Greek magicians. There is a section of 'Mental Magic' which details coded messaging as featured in '13 Steps' and the book is full of fabulous Victorian illustrations. Even fairly recent effects such as 'Ghost Vision' have their roots quite clearly displayed in this book.
If you are looking for a batch of tricks you can instantly add to your act, then look elsewhere, but if you are interested in the history of magic and the thinking behind many of the great illusions of the past, then you will cherish and enjoy this volume which will give you plenty of inspiration when devising your own effects.



Overall
9/10

Thank you for the review Lord Freddie, this sounds like a wonderful book! I've never even seen it mentioned before, but after reading your comments and viewing the comments of others, I think it's another book I'll be purchasing soon.

Thanks again. This should prove to be a very interesting read.

Thank you. It's a very fascinating book and a lot in there too.
It's also a period piece so from a historical perspective it's interesting too.

This is a great book, it is full of very interesting historical information, as well as interesting ideas and concepts that can be brought to todays showman. This is a good read, not necessarily for leaning new material, but just for interesting information.

Matt Monte