Our Magic: The Art and Theory in Magic

by David Devant, David Devant, Chris Bianchi (Editor)

Magicians and other performers looking to up their ante need look no further. Nevil Maskelyne and David Devant masterfully describe the mechanics of building the act and the show. By covering topics such as presentation, principles and theory, rehearsal and more, magicians will be challenged to strive for a higher level of performance.

How should I organize patter? Why do I need transitions? How much (and how often) should I rehearse? Will my audience like my show? How should I respond if they don't? How much thought do I need to put into my character?

These questions and more will be answered with this classic magic book. There are many books to teach tricks. This isn't one of them. If you're like most magicians, you already have more effects than you can fit into your show. Now, put them together with a seamless show that separates the professional performer from the amateur hobbiest.

Genres: Magic

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1911

Reviews

[Paul Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darn good book with information about how the very art of magic is regarded by the topmost magicians of the early 20th century and earlier. Not really a guide to tricks.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating. Useful discussion of performance and showmanship. Dated. Much of the discussion of theory seemed out of date. It can still be valuable to consider theory based on the existing state of the art in 1911, but one must be willing to work it out from the midst of unfamiliar views on chemistry, electricity and other subjects.

More of a read-it-if-you-want-to than a must read for most magically interested people.