Hatton and Plate were master magicians of their time, and their 1910 book Magicians' Tricks is one of a dozen classics indispensable to today's magicians, both amateur and professional. Besides revealing the techniques behind scores of tricks, this expert how-to book also describes the wardrobe of a successful magician; the magic box into which magicians place all manner of articles; the wand; and other tools of the trade. With practice and patience--and common objects such as cards, coins, balls, eggs, handkerchiefs and other familiar household items--readers will soon successful execute false shuffles, the slide, and coin tricks like The Penetrating Coin, and will learn how to pass a coin through a hat. 140 tricks are included in all. Nearly 200 clearly drawn illustrations accompany the text, clarifying movements, finger and hand positions, the proper use of props and other aspects of the conjurers' art. Best of all, the instructions for each trick--based on the authors years of practice and experience--are clear and easy to follow. You'll find the "secrets" of the trade spelled out in detail along with a contagious enthusiasm for the art of magic. 194 black and white illustrations. 344 pages, paperbound.