hillcountrymagic
$44.85
Condition: Very Good
Originally published in the Victorian era shortly after Professor Hoffmann's Modern Magic, Edwin T. Sachs's Sleight of Hand is celebrated as one of the foundational treatises of modern conjuring. The 1946 fourth edition, meticulously edited and modernized by Paul Fleming, revitalized the classic text by expanding its illustrations, updating its prose, and adding extensive annotations. Rather than simply cataloging gimmicks, Sachs elevated magic to a performance art, emphasizing the crucial roles of naturalness, presentation, and the psychology of misdirection. His witty, practical observations on the difference between good and bad stagecraft made the book an indispensable philosophical guide for generations of magicians, highly praised by advanced professionals like David Devant and Harry Kellar.
As a comprehensive instructional manual, the book systematically breaks down the physical mechanics required for both close-up and stage magic. It serves as a rigorous textbook, dedicating extensive chapters to essential disciplines: foundational coin sleights, elaborate card conjuring (including palms, glides, and forces), and feats utilizing common objects like handkerchiefs, watches, and the iconic cups and balls. By clearly detailing the bare mechanics of a secret technique before demonstrating its application in a full routine, Sachs and Fleming provide aspiring illusionists with a highly structured path to mastering both the manual dexterity and artistic timing necessary to execute truly deceptive magic.
