hillcountrymagic
$55.00
Condition: Very Good
Originally published by Harry Stanley’s Unique Magic Studio as a trilogy of softcover booklets between 1955 and 1958, Cy Endfield’s Entertaining Card Magic was compiled into a single omnibus hardback published by Edwin Hooper’s Supreme Magic Company in 1983. Authored by the prolific Lewis Ganson, the book preserves the card repertoire, sleights, and performance mechanics of Cyril "Cy" Endfield—the famed American film director (best known for Zulu) and multi-talented polymath who studied card handling under legendary figures like Dai Vernon and Charlie Miller.
Core Content & Repertoire Highlights
The 1983 Supreme hardback is divided into three distinct parts along with a dedicated appendix of foundational mechanics:
Part One: Focuses on strong, direct effects designed to establish a rapport with lay audiences. Highlights include "To Lighten the Burden" (an opening routine), "The Escape of the Musketeers," "Cards to Pocket," and "The Famous Magazine Test."
Part Two: Moves into more intricate plots and sleight-of-hand routines. Features Endfield's structured handling of the "Three Card Monte," along with "Aces for Connoisseurs," "Glimpse of Thought," and his variation on the "Hofzinser Top Change."
Part Three: Features Endfield’s showpiece card routines, including his multi-phase "Ambitious Card" sequence, "Signed Card to Pocket," "The Single Flight of the Aces," and the gambling-themed "Gambler Out-Gambled."
Appendix & Technique: Details Endfield's specific sleight-of-hand utility moves, such as the Endfield Slip Cut, Single-Handed Second Deal, Endfield Bottom Palm, Milk Build Shuffle, Jog Control, and Buckle Count.
Significance & Legacy
Focus on Audience Engagement: True to its title, the book emphasizes theatricality, psychology, and natural handling over pure knuckle-busting moves. Endfield designed his card magic primarily to captivate lay audiences while keeping his sleights completely hidden.
Ganson's Technical Writing: Known for his clear, step-by-step prose, Lewis Ganson’s instruction—supplemented by step-by-step photographs—makes advanced sleights approachable and easy to digest.
Impact on Card Magic: The book remains a celebrated classic among close-up magicians, heavily influencing noted performers like Michael Vincent who frequently cite Endfield’s smooth, deceptive style as a major inspiration.
