The tricks described in the following pages are of my own invention,
and for the most part are entirely new departures: not only the effects
produced, but the appliances by means of which they are produced, being
original.
From the nature of the case, it follows that few of the items described
have been submitted to the supreme test of performance in public, but
all have been thoroughly thought out; most of the root-ideas having in
fact been simmering in my mind for more than two years past. One or two
of them may demand a more than average amount of address on the part of
the performer; but the majority are comparatively easy, and I believe
I may assert with confidence that all will be found both practicable
and effective. Should any of my modest inventions be found, as is not
improbable, susceptible of further polish, the keen wits and ready
fingers of my brother wizards may safely be trusted to supply it.
The items entitled _The Mystery of Mahomet_, _The Bewildering Blocks_,
and _The Wizard’s Pocket-book_, have been described in the columns of an
English magical serial, but have never appeared in book shape, and are by
special desire, included in the present volume.
A final word on a personal matter. Had I been prophet, as well as
magician, when I first began to write on conjuring, I should have chosen
a different pen-name. In the light of later events, my selection was
unfortunate. My identity has long been an open secret, but as I cannot
flatter myself that it is universally known, I take this opportunity to
assure all whom it may concern that I am British to the backbone.