hillcountrymagic
$20.00
Condition: Very Good - some wear to DJ
The Complete Book of Magic (originally published in the UK as Peter Warlock's Book of Magic in 1956 and reissued under the Abbey Library imprint) is a classic foundational text written by the prominent British magician and editor Alec Bell, performing as Peter Warlock. Drawing on his vast experience as a member of The Inner Magic Circle and a pioneer in early television magic performance, Warlock designed the volume as a comprehensive guide for intermediate and advancing mentalists and sleight-of-hand artists. The book eschews over-gimmicked, unreliable props in favor of practical, dependable methodologies, covering fundamental sleights, card magic routines, coin work, and mentalism mysteries like Sight Unseen and The Triangle of Thought.
Beyond individual trick mechanics, the book's defining strength lies in Warlock's detailed analysis of act structure, pacing, and theatrical presentation. He dedicates a substantial portion of the text to helping performers construct cohesive routines, categorizing material into logical opening, intermediate, and closing effects to build audience engagement. Illustrated with clear instructional line drawings throughout, it remains an influential mid-century instructional text prized for its practical wisdom on creating a true magical atmosphere rather than merely executing mechanical moves.
