This listing is for a pre-owned set of The Art of Close-Up Magic by Lewis Ganson.  These volumes are some most important reference works in sleight-of-hand and close-up magic. Across these two substantial books, Ganson compiles an extraordinary collection of routines, techniques, and professional insights from some of the greatest names in magic.

Volume One is especially prized for its extensive non-card material and thoughtful opening essays on the presentation and theory of close-up magic, while Volume Two continues with a rich selection of practical routines and classic techniques.

Contributors and influences include legends such as Dai Vernon, Slydini, Ross Bertram, and many more.

An essential addition to any serious magic library.

Condition:

• Complete 2-volume set
• Volume #1 is the 1972 Supreme Reprint (Volume 2 is undated “Printed in England”)
• Hardcover with original dust jackets
• Dust jackets show noticeable wear from age and handling
• Books themselves are in good condition
• Pages clean and fully intact
• Strong bindings

Perfect for collectors, students of classic close-up magic, or anyone building a foundational magic bookshelf.

The Art of Close-Up Magic, Volume 1 — Lewis Ganson

(344 pages, illustrated)

Foreword

By Fred Lowe

Chapter 1: The Presentation of Close-Up Magic

A substantial essay on close-up performance theory, including:

• One spectator vs. group performance
• Working surfaces
• Containers & pocket management
• Use of music
• Choosing effects
• Length of performance
• Practice & economy of movement
• Borrowing objects

Chapter 2: Bangle Dangle

Ring, rope, and ribbon magic:

• Bangle Delight
• Travelling Ring
• Ring Transposition
• Two Rings and a Silk
• Ring, Rope and Silks

Chapter 3: Boxes and Brass

Coin box and Okito-style routines:

• German Box Routine
• Coins Through
• Tea for Two
• Okito Box Routine
• Boston Three Step
• The New Pocket Coin Trick

Chapter 4: It’s a Gamble

Shells, swindles, and gambling-style effects:

• Figure Eight
• Triple Circle Routine
• The Modern Shell Game
• The Great Purse Swindle
• The Phoenix Pound
• Unfair Shake

Chapter 5: Paddle Parade

Classic paddle and knife effects:

• Spots and Paddle Routine
• Sympathetic Matches
• Bento’s Bat
• Slippery Rocks
• Colour-Change Knife Routine

Additional Sections Include

• Coin magic
• Thimble magic
• Silk effects
• Penetrations
• Mental effects
• Utility sleights and subtleties

Notable contributors

Includes material from:
Dai Vernon, Slydini, Ross Bertram, John Ramsay, Fred Kaps, Ken Brooke, and many others.

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The Art of Close-Up Magic, Volume 2 — Lewis Ganson

(300 pages, illustrated)

Foreword

By Hugh Miller

Chapter 1: Destroyed & Restored

Classic restoration effects:

• Cut & Restored Silk
• Yarn Trick
• Ten Shilling Note Trick
• Torn & Restored Cigarette Paper
• Bennett’s Boner
• Note in Cigarette

Chapter 2: Three Rings for Dai Vernon

A substantial linking ring routine inspired by Dai Vernon

Chapter 3: Mainly Mental

Mentalism and prediction effects:

• Seven Colours of Wisdom
• Elizabeth Arden
• The Taste Tells
• Mollusca Mental
• Idento
• Noted Number

Additional Sections Include

• Sleeving techniques and routines
• Coin and object vanishes
• Close-up utilities
• Novel gimmicks and apparatus
• Advanced professional routines