Vol 1
What a wonderful book on sleight of hand magic with small objects this is – profusely illustrated with more than 200 photos, by a recognized inventor, author, and reviewer of magic.
From the introduction by Blackstone:
But, there has always been a dearth of practical routines, probably due to the difficulty encountered by most magicians in linking tricks into a smoothly flowing series of mysteries and, perhaps, because of some innate trait of laziness found in most of us. That is why I am so impressed and pleased with the text of Jim’s book. It truly helps to fill an unfortunate gap in magical literature.
From the Preface:
Experienced students of magic recognize the importance of blending tricks into a smoothly flowing series instead of performing single items in a more-or-less haphazard fashion. Some of the most effective magic is presented in routine form. However, while there are plenty of individual tricks to be found, the magician looking for some continuity in his mysteries ends up doing just that—looking.
The obvious advantage of a routine lies in the fact that this procedure enables the performer to move gracefully from one effect to another without a noticeable break or awkward pause. In short, from the onlookers’ viewpoint, the finished product is more pleasing to watch and, consequently, more interesting and baffling as one mystery flows easily into another.
Introduction
Preface
1. Pasteboard Presto
Challenge Blindfold Card Routine
Once In 635,013,559,600
Unabridged
The Traveling Joker
Sleight Intended
2. Peas and Cues
3. Two Minds Get Together
4. Strike One
5. Spheroid Skulduggery
6. Safety Pin-Up
7. Double Ring Ceremony
8. Tarot Telepathy
9. Hoiman, The Spirick
10. Cups and Balls
11. Strictly One Sided
Jumping Gems
Mystery Paddle
Thompson’s Magic Maker
12. The Real Top Secrets
1st edition 1956, 127 pages; PDF 144 pages.
Vol 2
Actually, encouraged by the reception given Volume 1, I was busily engaged, as early as 1957, in putting together the material you’ll find here. Then there was a lull (the kindest phrase I can think of!) that stopped me from applying the finishing touches until 1960. It was followed by a storm that lasted about five years. So … now you know!
INTRODUCTION
PREFACE
13. Silver Shenanigans
Numismatic Necromancy
Flight Four
Pocket Piece
14. Just Passing Thru
15. Colormatic Leapfrog
16. Velvet Slate
With Bills
With Numbers
With Designs
17. Lucifer’s Lucifers
18. Cards – Anyone?
It Went Thataway!
Fantasy In Red And Black
Fatigued Finger Flinger’s Panacea
Supersensitive Faculties
19. Jocko, the Great
20. Folding Stuff
Ring Around The Half-See!
Double Or Nothing
Four Bits Clear Thru
21. Le Petite Cirque
Knot Really
Slide, Brother, Slide!
22. On Paper
Under Your Hat
Strip Tease
Paper Caper
23. Famous Crimes
Kidnapped
Who Killed Mr. X?
24. Entre Nous
1st edition 1967, 120 pages; PDF 147 pages.
Vol 3
From the introduction by Martin Gardner:
With this distinguished background it is little wonder that his latest series of books, Top Secrets of Magic, of which this is the third, is a veritable treasure trove of material, clearly and simply explained, and displaying a remarkable knowledge of what has been done and is being done today in every branch of conjuring. The large clear photographs make the text delightfully easy to follow. Magicians throughout the world will look forward now to volume 4, then 5, and as many more as Jim will find time to write, for he is putting together a series of such scope that its volumes will surely find their places among the outstanding books of the century in the literature of the art.
Introduction
Preface
25. Aces on Parade
Gold Medal Aces
Alternate Procedures For Routine Architects
Final Ace Routine
Two Faced
26. A Couple of Rolling Bones
27. Meet Mr. Silkworm
28. The Word – First and Last
29. I Only Cheat A Little
Jack Of All Squirts
Possible Late Starters
Kicker In The End
30. The Alger Boys
Upsadaisy
Thompson’s Discontented Card
31. The Right Spirit
Gabbatha
Pocket Seance
32. False Faces
Oh, Well
Specious Specie
Silver Grass-Coppers
Soft Wood Under Glass
33. Colorfusing Knife
34. Mr. Silkworm & Company
35. Entre Nous and You
36. Popo Ree
T. T. T.
Financial Nightmare
Grains Of Mystery
All-Star Backfield
Tramp, Tramp, Tramp
Look, Ma, No Wings!
1st edition 1968, 124 pages; PDF 149 pages.
