Stage Illusions Dover Hopkins
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| 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 photographic diversions. All described in complete detail, many of these illusions and tricks can be recereated by the talented reader; the more elaborate effects are of great historical interest. You will find here behind-the-scenes informatioon on illusions performed by such great magicians as Robert-Houdin, Bautier de Kolta, Heller, Herrmann, Maskelyne and Kellar; how jugglers, acrobats, fire eaters, sword swallowers, ventriloquists and mentalists achieve their effects (including a complete unveiling of Robert Heller's famous "second sight" routine; details of puppet shows among the Greeks, the machinery of temples, magical pitchers, perpetual lamps, and more ancient magic; descriptions of techniques for producing stage effects such as a sunrise, stars, wind, thunder, lightning, snow and more, and specific effects from operas and shows such as the swan in Lohengrin; the scientific apparatuses in automaton chess players, the money maker, the electrical race course, and other automata and toys; and the simple principles behind trick photographic effects, magic photographs, composite photographs, chronophotography, etc.; plus additional tricks like "The Trunk Trick" and "Metempsychosis," and much more. One of the best books ever written on these areas of magic, this book is unsurpassed in the range and clarity of its text. Illuminating many of the ingenious illusions even more, and giving superb reproductions of actual effects, are over 400 exceptional illustrations. For the serious student of magic, this is an essential and absolutely fascinating volume. Paperbound, 556 5 3/8" by 8 1/2" pages, 446 illustrations. | |||
Dover Publications
Hopkins
