Do you want to learn the strategies for winning tournaments? Are you worried about your lacking knowledge that gets in your way of deck building? Do you need some advice? Are you ready now to master the rules of the game? Are you tired of banging your head against a wall? If you keep playing poor strategies, do you think you will master the game? Is this working for you? Magic The Gathering: 3 Manuscripts - Rules and Getting Started, Strategy Guide, Deck Building For Beginners shows you everything you need to get started. This includes an overview of types of players and a look at types of decks for winning. This is a book of action and doesn't just tell you to try harder. This book will get you moving in the right direction. Packed full of real-life examples for players like you, this book has proven techniques of that have worked for thousands of people. These methods are backed up countless games played, all which will arm you with a mindset primed for deck building with winning in mind.

This fascinating study explores the multifarious erotic themes associated with the magic lantern shows, which proved the dominant visual medium of the West for 350 years, and analyses how the shows influenced the portrayals of sexuality in major works of Gothic fiction.

Carolyn Wells (1862-1942) wrote more than 170 books. During the first ten years of her career, she concentrated on poetry, humor, and children's books. From 1910 onward, she concentrated on mysteries, most famously the Fleming Stone Detective Stories.

Dumbstruck - A Cultural History of Ventriloquism centres on the evolution of ventriloquism from demonic phenomenon to popular entertainment in order to analyse the shifting cultural values attached to the natural and disembodied voice. It moves from late classical accounts of oracles through theological disputes about the nature of magical voices, medieval mysticism, early modern possession cases, philosophical debates about ventriloquism in the Enlightenment, the rise of ventriloquism as popular entertainment and the appearance of the dummy in the nineteenth century to discussions of twentieth-century technology and occult belief. The book is at the intersection of cultural history, literary theory, and aesthetics.

Conjuring Science explores the history of magic shows and scientific entertainment. It follows the frictions and connections of magic and science as they occurred in the world of popular entertainment in France from the mid-eighteenth to the early twentieth century. It situates conjurers within the broader culture of science and argues that stage magic formed an important popular conduit for science and scientific enthusiasm during this period. From the scientific recreations of the fairs to the grand illusions of the theatre stage and the development of early cinema, conjurers used and were inspired by scientific and technological innovations to create illusions, provoke a sense of wonder, and often even instruct their audience. In their hands, science took on many meanings and served different purposes: it was a set of pleasant facts and recreational demonstrations upon which to draw; it was the knowledge presented in various scientific lectures accompanied by optical projections at magic shows; it was the techniques necessary to create illusions and effects on stage and later on at the cinema; and it was a way to separate conjuring from the deceit of mediums, mystical showmen and quacks in order to gain a better standing within an increasingly scientifically-minded society.

In Everyday Magic, magician Justin Flom will teach you all you need to know to perform 10 amazing and how-did-you-do-that magic tricks. This portable set includes a uniquely designed set of cards and an 88-page mini book with step-by-step instructions and illustrations in a gifty magnetic closure box.

First published in 1976. This title brings the Victorian era to life with stories of its spectacular leading magicians, conjurers, illusionists, escapologists, scientific experimenters and tricksters. Geoffrey Lamb describes the kind of people they were and the kind of things they did, whilst keeping intact the mystery surrounding their feats. This skilful reconstruction of this branch of nineteenth-century entertainment gives us a fascinating insight into Victorians and how they liked to be amused. This title will be of interest to students of history.

A collection of classical practical jokes for everyone (except the victim) to enjoy. Leave your friends and enemies with egg on their face (literally) or humiliated (but happy!).

The mysterious art of magic has been a source of wonderment since before the time of Christ. Shape shifting between the supernatural practices of 'real' magic and demonstrations of dazzling illusion, magic has been used to conjure the evil eye, burn villages to the ground, slice women in half, and save men from being crushed to death by five tonnes of cement. Robert Ralley's history takes us deep into this magical underworld to reveal the astounding stories of some of the world's greatest magicians. From the astrology of the three wise men to Harry Houdini's escapology, and David Blain's endurance tests, Ralley illustrates the changing perceptions of magic and the dangerous balance between illusion, fraud, and devilry that still exists today.

Dan Rhodes is one of the most successful and beloved YouTuber and TikTok influencers in the world with more than 5 billion views on YouTube and the most viewed personal post ever - over 300 million views - on TikTok. In this, his debut book, Dan brings together the love and joy he has continually derived from magic - from the very first moment he received a magic kit from his parents when he was six years old setting him on his journey from amateur magician to global TikTok and YouTube star - and the book also gives tips and insights into how you could become a social media inspiration too. With striking illustrations throughout and clear 'trick guides' to help young magicians get started - along with some really impressive sleights of hand for the more experienced illusionist - Dan's book also contains a fascinating history of the craft of the magician, highlighting the skill and dedication it takes to become a true master.

First published in 1976. This title brings the Victorian era to life with stories of its spectacular leading magicians, conjurers, illusionists, escapologists, scientific experimenters and tricksters. Geoffrey Lamb describes the kind of people they were and the kind of things they did, whilst keeping intact the mystery surrounding their feats. This skilful reconstruction of this branch of nineteenth-century entertainment gives us a fascinating insight into Victorians and how they liked to be amused. This title will be of interest to students of history.

Henry Box Brown is well-known in America for remarkably escaping slavery by being nailed up in a box and posted from Virginia to Philadelphia. The passing of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850 made it unsafe for Brown to remain in America so he relocated to England. There, he had a very successful career, initially as a speaker on abolitionism, before he began speaking on other subjects and then branched out into other forms of entertainment including as a magician. He married again to Jane Floyd, who, along with their children, appeared in his acts. With his wife and surviving children, he returned to America in 1875 finally moving to Canada, where he died. This book tells his story, concentrating on the relatively unknown period of his life in Britain, detailing both how he was received and how he developed as a performer. It is the biography of a brave, intelligent individualist who was always willing to learn and to take chances, becoming the first black man to achieve landmarks in British law and entertainment.

Mathematical card effects offer both beginning and experienced magicians an opportunity to entertain with a minimum of props. Featuring mostly original creations, Mathematical Card Magic: Fifty-Two New Effects presents an entertaining look at new mathematically based card tricks.

Each chapter contains four card effects, generally starting with simple applications of a particular mathematical principle and ending with more complex ones. Practice a handful of the introductory effects and, in no time, you ll establish your reputation as a "mathemagician." Delve a little deeper into each chapter and the mathematics gets more interesting. The author explains the mathematics as needed in an easy-to-follow way. He also provides additional details, background, and suggestions for further explorations.

Suitable for recreational math buffs and amateur card lovers or as a text in a first-year seminar, this color book offers a diverse collection of new mathemagic principles and effects."

The ultimate book of magic for kids from a world-famous magician, complete with photographs for easy to follow instructions. From one of the world's premier practitioners of classic magic, with years of experience instructing younger readers in the magical arts, comes this new revision of his complete guide to learning and performing fantastic feats of prestidigitation. Acclaimed by the Los Angeles Times as "the text that young magicians swear by," it's full of step-by-step instructions. More than 2,000 illustrations provide the know-how behind 300 techniques, from basic card tricks to advanced levitation, along with advice on planning and staging a professional-quality magic show.

A MASTERCLASS IN MAGIC FROM THE WORLD'S COOLEST MAGICIAN: DYNAMO In this fully illustrated guide to modern magic, Dynamo shows you how you can perform magic yourself. Learn how to make water freeze instantly, read your friends' minds, make chewing gum float 360 degrees around your head, slice a banana without even touching it, discover superhuman strength and many more mind-blowing illusions. The Book of Secrets will be the first step on an exciting journey for budding magicians, providing hours of breathtaking fun for all the family. #BeTheMagic

In 1749, a newspaper advertisement appeared declaring that a man would climb inside a bottle on the stage of a London theatre. Although the crowds turned up in their hundreds to witness the trick, the performer didn't. Over the following decades, elaborate jokes and fanciful tales would continue to bamboozle people across England. In The Century of Deception, magician and historian Ian Keable tells the engrossing stories of these eighteenth-century hoaxes and those who were duped by them. The English public were hoodwinked time and time again, swallowing whole tales of rapping ghosts, a woman who gave birth to rabbits, a levitating Frenchman in a Chinese Temple and outrageous astrological predictions. Not only were the hoaxes widely influential, drawing in celebrities such as Samuel Johnson, Benjamin Franklin and Jonathan Swift, they also inflamed concerns about 'English credulity'. 'Fake news', 'going viral' and 'social media' may be modern terms, but as this entertaining, eye-opening book shows, these concepts have been with us for centuries.

The most complete treatise on sleight-of-hand coin conjuring, including best traditional methods and modern innovations. Guides you systematically from basic techniques, through integrated tricks to complete routined acts (18 in all). 510 clear illustrations by Nelson C. Hahne. The best manual for amateurs, an encyclopedic source for professionals.

Penn Jillette's New York Times bestselling account of his "extremely funny and somewhat profane journey to discovering a healthy lifestyle...that will motivate others to seek weight-loss solutions" (The Washington Post). More than three hundred and thirty pounds and saddled with a systolic blood pressure reading at dangerous heights, legendary magician Penn Jillette found himself at a crossroads. He needed a drastic lifestyle change if wanted to see his small children grow up. Enter Crazy Ray. A former NASA scientist and unconventional, passionate innovator, Ray Cronise changed Penn Jillette's life with his wild "potato diet." In Presto, Jillette takes us along on his journey from skepticism to the inspiring, life-changing momentum that transformed the magician's body and mind. He describes the process in hilarious detail, as he performs his Las Vegas show, takes meetings with Hollywood executives, hangs out with his celebrity friends and fellow eccentric performers, all while remaining a dedicated husband and father. Throughout, he weaves in his views on sex, religion, and pop culture, making his story a refreshing, genre-busting account. Outspoken, frank, and bitingly clever, Presto is an incisive, rollicking read. In the end, it is "undeniably inspiring" (Booklist).

From the author of The Last Chance Hotel comes a brand new magical mystery ... 'Blending magical adventure with Golden Age crime mystery, this delightfully atmospheric spin-off from the author of The Last Chance Hotel confirms Thornton's place as one of the most original children's writers around.' WATERSTONES on book 1 Is Oakmoss Hornbeam the unluckiest boy in the world? Or has someone cursed him? When a black cat crosses his path, mysteriously blown in by a storm, Oakmoss believes it's his worst omen yet. But Nightshade, a cat of considerable talents, knows when it's game on or game over. With the help of newshound Veena Vale and magical crime investigator Dexter Stormforce, she sets out to become a lucky charm for one very unlucky boy ... A magical murder mystery story perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Harry Potter By the author of The Last Chance Hotel, chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month and nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Award Follows on from The Howling Hag Mystery, a series starring fan-favourite Nightshade the cat as the star of her very own mystery! Praise for THE LAST CHANCE HOTEL: 'A jolly, atmospheric mystery.' THE TIMES 'All kinds of fun' THE OBSERVER '[A] mash-up of murder mystery and fantasy ... full of great characters, plot twists and intriguing detail.' METRO 'Featuring magical antics, a talking cat and a locked-room murder mystery, Seth's story reads like an old-school whodunnit with added wizards and spells' BOOKTRUST

The world's greatest and most celebrated magicians, conjurers and illusionists can make us believe the unbelievable, the impossible possible. But, of course, just like everybody else these conjurors had to start at a beginning. They too had to learn simple (but effective) card tricks, easy (but imaginative) coin tricks and basic (but still mind boggling) sleight-of-hand tricks before advancing to more innovative and radical skills and techniques. Amazing Magic Tricks is a cool compendium of diverse tricks to inspire all aspiring magicians to pick up a wand and impress their friends and family! Full of trivia as well as simple illusions to practice, perfect and perform at home, Amazing Magic Tricks will guide you on your way to becoming a master magician quicker than you can say 'Ta-Dah!'.