Magical Originalities
Ernest E. Noakes
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Introduction
THE contents of this volume are intended for the experienced performers who have already mastered the standard works on our "Art," and who are so well acquainted with all the necessary groundwork of Magic, that no space need be devoted to any previous known "move, manipulation, or method."
I have selected a number of tricks and illusions of my personal invention and ownership, and a number of others that are not my original conceptions entirely, but have been "finished by me," or embody my own ideas adapted to the furtherance of their effect and presentation.
I give all my moves in detail, and the success in working the tricks must then depend upon the "misdirection" and "showmanship" of the performer. I have written them off, just as they occur to me; I have "chatted" the things over, instead of putting my details into more ordinary phraseology, but somehow I like the "chatty" idea best. All through my explanations, I saw in my mind's eye only those magicians who really look at the "possibilities" of anything offered to them in the magical line.
Many of my readers, who have seen me work the tricks I have set out, will admit that I have explained the working points just as I presented the tricks. I hope that each reader of my book will find something to add to his knowledge, or something that, if his knowledge is added thereto, may be the means of giving him another "item" worthy of adding to his "working tools." With these few remarks, I consign my efforts to the tender mercies of my magical readers.
ERNEST E. NOAKES.
BLACKHEATH, LONDON, 1914.
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