FIRST INTRODUCTION

I want to say right at the start that I am not claiming any originality for the contents of this manuscript. In a number of instances I think I have added some forces and methods that are my own, but it would be hard to prove because of the sameness in basic principles.

In my professional work I found that many times I had need of a good force and on the spur of the moment it was hard if not impossible for me to think of the most suitable method for the conditions under which I was working. I know that this is a situation in which every worker has found himself, and because of that I know just how useful this compilation will be.

It was over a year ago when Arthur Lloyd, the Human Card Index, whose name and act (the only one of its kind) has graced practically every vaudeville theatre in the world, spoke to me about the usefulness of a complete compilation on the subject of forcing. I immediately agreed, and for one year have picked up and filed every possible method that I could locate. I know well enough that the collection is not complete. No collection of anything pertaining to Magic is complete insofar as methods go. But I do know that this is the first time such a collection has been offered and therefore I have done my best to make it as representative as possible.

If there are more than 101 methods between the covers of this work, don't thank me for being generous. You are getting everything that I have filed and without counting them I selected the title because it looks good on paper and sounds well. There are no less than 101 methods in all so I have not fallen below the mark, which to me is something.

Introductions should be short and to the point. I fear that I have already said a little too much that is or will be of little interest to the reader who would rather delve into the secrets.

So thanks again, Arthur Lloyd, for the idea that has grown into 101 Methods of Forcing.

Theo. Annemann.
April 12, 1932