Ian Keable

This is an exposure of mediums, going behind the scenes to reveal their secrets. A classic source for mind readers as well as those sceptical about mediums.

First section of book is on conjuring, also section on puzzles and problems. Has paper game boards inserted at back for pulling out and using which is fun. Louis Nikola contributed to conjuring section.

First section of book is on conjuring, also section on puzzles and problems. Louis Nikola contributed to conjuring section.

Magic with liquids

The definitive king of the con gives his guide to Suckers. Great book full of bar bets and gotchas!

Small sized book – a treasure trove of fun things to do

General book full of standard tricks – photos used as illustration Reprinted as The Boys Book of Conjuring. Sold at recent Martinka auction for £45.

Small sized book – a treasure trove of fun things to do

General book full of standard tricks – photos used as illustration Same contents as The Art of Modern Conjuring

Contains section on Tricks as well as Conjuring – wonderful reference books for all pastimes imagainable.

Small sized book – a treasure trove of fun things to do

General book full of standard tricks – photos used as illustration Same contents as The Art of Modern Conjuring. Unusual to see with DJ

This is a novel, not a reference to Houdini’s secret daughter! Very well written and researched. Warning: the language is a little racy.

Another general book for the lay public – collection of games, tricks, puzzles and charades.

Good introductory book of mostly stock items.

Basic tricks well presented

Tricks and amusements with a sheet of paper

Tricks and amusements with a pocket handkerchief

Entertaining tricks and amusements with coins

This copy is signed by Ruth Brandon to the escapologist Howard Peters. Controversial book focusing on the ‘mother complex’ of Houdini. Her main theory that Houdini was impotent was rather disproved by Silverman’s claim that Houdini had a mistress!

Full of different types of skills. Apart from magic tricks, ventriloquism, Punch & Judy and palmistry. More stuff in than later editions. Great fun book with fun cover

Full of different types of skills. Apart from magic tricks, ventriloquism, Punch & Judy and palmistry. Great fun book with fun cover

This is the ‘paperback’ version of the Yellow Peril, part of the Amateur Entertainment Series – so same copy. Covers ventriloquism, Shadowgraphy and other general entertainment, as well as conjuring.

Full of different types of skills. Apart from magic tricks, ventriloquism, Punch & Judy and palmistry. Great fun book with fun cover

John’s take on Al Baker’s Lightning Pull – excellent for silk vanish. This was written up in John’s brilliant The Book of Secrets

John’s take on Al Baker’s Lightning Pull – excellent for silk vanish. This was written up in John’s brilliant The Book of Secrets

This covers both outdoor games and indoor amusements in a huge tome. Special section on Parlour Magic. Red cover with cricketer.

Facsimile reprint of 1881 edition – has sections on parlour magic and puzzles of various types.

This covers both outdoor games and indoor amusements in a huge tome. Special section on Parlour Magic. Green cover with cricketer.

Facsimile reprint of 1881 edition – has sections on parlour magic and puzzles of various types.

This is a great book on the history of, and famous people connected with the paranormal. Wonderful source material for psychic-type acts.

This is the reprint of the limited edition hardback – but now out of print itself. Full of photos and insight into the marvellous magician Jack Gwynne who performed Anti-Gravity Glasses in his stage show! What a showman!

Packed full of photographs and drawings with wonderful colour frontispiece of Houdini poster. Christopher’s early take on the history of magic before his magnum opus, The Illustrated History of Magic

This is Christopher at his best telling the story of Houdini, based on much of his own extensive collection.

One of the great historical magic books and a ‘must’ for anybody at all interested in magic history.

Wonderful old Victorian book with section on conjuring

Wonderful old Victorian book with section on conjuring

Wonderful old Victorian book with section on conjuring

Wonderful old Victorian book with section on conjuring

These are great books with fun illustrations

These are great books with fun illustrations – packed full of tricks.

These are great books with fun illustrations – the John Grant were the later editions

These are great books with fun illustrations – packed full of tricks.

The history of The Magic Circle written at the time of the centenary and put together by different members. There are even a couple of contributions from yours truly!

All about Sidney W Clarke author of the magnificent Annals of Conjuring, written by the wonderful historian Eddie Dawes

Devant’s autobiography dictated whilst in hospital. It’s an honest portrait and fascinating both for its omissions as for what it says. Certainly more ‘honest’ than most magical biographies of this period.

Tricks in different environments such as the Card Table, Smoking Room (!), Garden etc. Mainly close-up tricks and some great photos of Devant. Devant with moustache on front cover.

The first biography of William Robinson from great Chinese magician to death by catching the bullet. Entertainingly written and interesting comparison with Jim Steinmeyer’s The Glorious Deception on the same subject. This was actually published by ARCO

Background on magic and a history of, written for the layperson. Some secrets revealed.

The Amercian version of the boy’s conjuring book. Lovely bound books in small size, unlike the British equivalent which are much larger. Has Conjuring and Magic in large letter on cover. Green cover.

This is the small version with the folding out plate – rarer to find than the other versions below.

The American version of the boy’s conjuring book. Lovely bound books in small size, unlike the British equivalent which are much larger. Has Conjuring and Magic in large letter on cover. Brown cover.

The Amercian version of the boy’s conjuring book. Lovely bound books in small size, unlike the British equivalent which are much larger. Has Conjuring and Magic in large letter on cover. Blue cover.

To accompany the TV show which Wayne starred in. Great photos (including one with Pat Page), biog, history of magic and a few tricks all packed.

Sundry platform tricks which require minimal skill.

Sundry platform tricks which require minimal skill.

The classic book on coins before Bobo’s Coin Magic came along – but most of the sleights and moves still just as applicable today. A must for any coin worker and a lovely book to own with all the old photos. Great Hamley’s adverts at back of book.

Dunninger playing on the name of Houdini to sell a book seems rather ironic! Needless to say none of the tricks have much to do with Houdini but good collection.

Peter Eldin has written many magic books but this is probably one of the best. With Mike Caveney as consultant that’s not surprising. An illustrative history of magic with great photos and colour drawings – if this doesn’t get somebody excited abo

The bible of card magic according to Dai Vernon. Paper back edition copied from the Drake editions.

The title is a misnomer as essentially it’s a history of magic. Far more accessible and chatty than Christopher’s books but equally well illustrated and wonderful photographs throughout. Must have for anybody interested in magic history.

No magicians featured but John Fisher’s brilliantly executed book on top comedians.

Fulves has an amazing knack of picking great material – the ‘self-working’ is not always true so don’t assume this is just beginner’s magic. Tricks with money, mentalism and paper folds are all covered.

This is a book of sketches and monologues of a comical nature for various types of performers: included are Conjuring, spiritualism, thought reading and second sight. No tricks as such but lots of ideas for comical patter.

This is a book of sketches and monologues of a comical nature for various types of performers: included are Conjuring, spiritualism, thought reading and second sight. No tricks as such but lots of ideas for comical patter.

This is a book of sketches and monologues of a comical nature for various types of performers: included are Conjuring, spiritualism, thought reading and second sight. No tricks as such but lots of ideas for comical patter.

Garcia attempting to emulate John Scarne with exposure of crooked gambling. Good book on many gambling scams.

From the prolific writing of Martin Gardner, this is one of his first and best books.

Not content with Andrija Puharich’s authorised biography, Geller decided to write his own one year later. In it he reveals he’s a fraud and apologies for deceiving everybody by pretending he had paranormal powers (only kidding!)

Unbelievably an introduction by David Frost into what is essentially a load of cack. But as usual entertainingly put over by Uri.

A book of both practical magic and historical interest on Houdini.

Tricks with and without apparatus from this prolific writer.

Basically simple tricks and puzzles but some good bar stunts amongst them.

Absolutely packed full of tricks – Goldston certainly gave value for money!

Booklet with various bits of information and photos of Houdini based on the Magical Hall of Fame museum in Canada

Examination of the life and strange death of Edmund Gurney, a founder member of the Society for Psychical Research. Wonderful research again by Trevor Hall, with an academic approach to essentially a load of nonsense!

This became the standard work on magic when it came out – especially strong on card magic.

Great little book where the puzzles and interactive within the book. Turning wheels, lifting flaps etc. Still in wrappers.

Not to be confused with The Modern Hoyle. Many editions of this book are around.

These are small booklets 2 5/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches which fit into a pack of cards or box set. They describe a number of Patience Games. Lovely little booklet. Thomas Sawyer claimed they were uncollectable because of their ephemeral nature but since t

Excellent book on card tricks with green cover. Went at 2008 Jay Marshall Auction for £125.

Tricks taken from Later Magic. Has image of 5 handkerchiefs on front cover.

Ironically the hardest to find of all the four Modern to Latest Magic. This is the least successful in terms of tricks included as most of Hoffmann’s own invention. Hard to find: at Jay Marshall 2008 auction, this went for £150.

These are small booklets 2 5/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches which fit into a pack of cards or box set. They describe a number of Patience Games. Lovely little booklet. Thomas Sawyer claimed they were uncollectable because of their ephemeral nature but since t

Image of King of Hearts with ‘Card Tricks’ on front.

Relatively easy to find in later editions as many editions were published of this book. But the first is hard to fine.

These are small booklets 2 5/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches which fit into a pack of cards or box set. They describe a number of Patience Games. Lovely little booklet. Thomas Sawyer claimed they were uncollectable because of their ephemeral nature but since t

Man holding fan of cards out to woman on front cover.

Says Chess Games of Greco on the cover but Games of Greco on frontispiece. Hard to find Hoffmann book.

These are small booklets 2 5/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches which fit into a pack of cards or box set. They describe a number of Patience Games. Lovely little booklet. Thomas Sawyer claimed they were uncollectable because of their ephemeral nature but since t

Not to be confused with The Modern Hoyle. Many editions of this book are around.

These are small booklets 2 5/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches which fit into a pack of cards or box set. They describe a number of Patience Games. Lovely little booklet. Thomas Sawyer claimed they were uncollectable because of their ephemeral nature but since t

These are small booklets 2 5/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches which fit into a pack of cards or box set. They describe a number of Patience Games. Lovely little booklet. Thomas Sawyer claimed they were uncollectable because of their ephemeral nature but since t

Tricks taken from Later Magic. Has image of boy holding handkerchief and egg.

Ironically the hardest to find of all the four Modern to Latest Magic. This is the least successful in terms of tricks included as most of Hoffmann’s own invention. Hard to find: at Jay Marshall 2008 auction, this went for £150.

These are small booklets 2 5/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches which fit into a pack of cards or box set. They describe a number of Patience Games. Lovely little booklet. Thomas Sawyer claimed they were uncollectable because of their ephemeral nature but since t

Tricks taken from Later Magic. Watch attached to Flag on cover.

Miscellaneous tricks and tricks of Joseph Hart – devil of the Hat is described in this. Copy has frontispiece of Hoffmann – some copies don’t.

These are small booklets 2 5/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches which fit into a pack of cards or box set. They describe a number of Patience Games. Lovely little booklet. Thomas Sawyer claimed they were uncollectable because of their ephemeral nature but since t

Man holding fan of cards out to woman on front cover.

Not to be confused with Hoyle’s Games Modernised, a different book. This is hard to find.

These are small booklets 2 5/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches which fit into a pack of cards or box set. They describe a number of Patience Games. Lovely little booklet. Thomas Sawyer claimed they were uncollectable because of their ephemeral nature but since t

Excellent book on card tricks with reddish brown cover. Went at 2008 Jay Marshall Auction for £125.

These are small booklets 2 5/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches which fit into a pack of cards or box set. They describe a number of Patience Games. Lovely little booklet. Thomas Sawyer claimed they were uncollectable because of their ephemeral nature but since t

Green Cover – the later editions have a hand holding a wand on the front cover and palming cards on the spine.

These are small booklets 2 5/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches which fit into a pack of cards or box set. They describe a number of Patience Games. Lovely little booklet. Thomas Sawyer claimed they were uncollectable because of their ephemeral nature but since t

Tricks taken from Later Magic. Image of whole load of props underneath cloth on table.

This is Hoffmann’s unusual book of telling a story and giving explanations for tricks told during it. Nice little book.

These are small booklets 2 5/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches which fit into a pack of cards or box set. They describe a number of Patience Games. Lovely little booklet. Thomas Sawyer claimed they were uncollectable because of their ephemeral nature but since t

Tricks taken from Later Magic. Image of egg on top of hat on cover.

Miscellaneous tricks and tricks of Joseph Hart – devil of the Hat is described in this. Copy has frontispiece of Hoffmann – some copies don’t.

These are small booklets 2 5/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches which fit into a pack of cards or box set. They describe a number of Patience Games. Lovely little booklet. Thomas Sawyer claimed they were uncollectable because of their ephemeral nature but since t

A different take on magic at the turn of the 20th century – dividing tricks into Electrical, Mechanical and Chemical.

Another classic of card tricks – this one would keep you going for ever. Explanation of the Nikola Card system long before Tamariz and Aronson hijacked it!

Presentation of close-up magic in night clubs when professional close-up was novel. Fascinating to see which tricks were popular then – and most still practical today.

1st edition of one of the great classics of card magic

This is the ‘paperback’ version of the Yellow Peril, part of the Amateur Entertainment Series – so same copy. Rather unusually split into magic which is considered more suitable for men and that appropriate for ladies.

Rather unusually split into magic which is considered more suitable for men and that appropriate for ladies.

This is the ‘paperback’ version of the Yellow Peril, part of the Amateur Entertainment Series – so same copy. Rather unusually split into magic which is considered more suitable for men and that appropriate for ladies.

Rather unusually split into magic which is considered more suitable for men and that appropriate for ladies.

One of the great Victorian books covering all aspects of indoor games. The magical interest is that the section on conjuring is written by JN Maskelyne.

One of the great Victorian books covering all aspects of indoor games. The magical interest is that the section on conjuring is written by JN Maskelyne.

One of the great Victorian books covering all aspects of indoor games. The magical interest is that the section on conjuring is written by JN Maskelyne.

Part of the Foulsham set of Popular Handbooks. This one includes sections on conjuring and ventriloquism as well as puzzles.

One of the UK’s top close-up workers who also entertains magicians. This is his first set of lecture notes.

Difficult to categorise – an escape story from the First World War using ouija-boards to hookwink their Turkish captors. Cracking read!

Well-written and well-researched biography of Houdini compiled from first hand recollections from Bess, amongst others. The first proper biography of Houdini. This copy is from Bayard Grimshaw’s library and contains his bookplate.

Concentrating on an incident with Houdini in Blackburn in 1902. Excellent researched pamphlet

Well it certainly has for Harry Lorayne! Mind you, he knows his stuff and this book puts the case for how a good memory can help you in your business.

Follow up, and referencing to, the wonderful How to Develop A Super Power Memory with positive thinking thrown in. This has been signed by Harry Lorayne.

Flyer for Magic Circle show featuring Ali Bongo, Terry Herbert, Duncan Trillo & Alan Shaxon

Flyer for Magic Circle show featuring John Styles, Scott Prenrose, Don Robertson, Dennis Patten

Text on card and other types of cheating written by one of the most famous magician of his period. Of great interest to close-up and card performers.

Flyer for Meet The Magic Circle events

Flyer for Meet The Magic Circle events

Flyer for Meet The Magic Circle events

Flyer for Meet The Magic Circle events

Contains 9 puzzle tricks to punch out. Great ideas for giveaways.

Contains 9 puzzle tricks to punch out. Great ideas for giveaways.

Contains 9 puzzle tricks to punch out. Great ideas for giveaways.

These were produced by Rob Cox for a limited period from 13th July, 1998 to 7th September, 1998. Only available to those who attended The Magic Circle headquarters. So rare!

Yes, one of the off-shoots for Paul Daniels was to be involved with the wizbits. If you are of that age, you will know all about them. For the rest of us...

Extracts from Neil’s The Modern Conjurer are the basis for this book: and therefore excellent.

By all accounts a fine performer and this contains tricks relevant to the performing style of that period.

This, along with Harry Lorayne’s How to develop a Super Power Memory, is the best memory book around. He uses the ‘journey’ system to memorise – and his method for fast memorising a shuffled pack of cards is awesome. I’ve seen him work and he

Programme produced for the Houdini séance on 30th October, 1999. Article about the Houdini séances by Eddie Dawes included in the programme.

An attempt to illustrate the first principles of Natural Philosophy by the aid of Toys and Sports of Youth

Plenty of magic based around chemicals etc.

Plenty of magic based around chemicals etc.

As this was an authorised biography, you can imagine how much nonsense it contains. But all added to the Geller phenomenon!

Various card tricks in the Foulsham Do It Yourself Series. Nice bright Dust Jacket makes this collectible.

Edition translated by Lascelles Wraxall. A great read from the Kind of Modern Conjurers.

No magic as such, but a fun read for anybody interested in amateur magic shows.

Great little book on tricks that Sirdani used to perform on the radio. Mainly little stunts that he described how you could perform at home. Useful resource for anybody doing magic on radio. One of the tricks I got from the book was used on Radio 4’s

General magic tricks.

This is the ‘paperback’ version of the Yellow Peril, part of the Amateur Entertainment Series – so same copy. General magic tricks.

This is the guide to forthcoming issues. On page 5 there are details about The Magic Circles’ Centenary Stamps: the cause of some controversy when they came out!

Contains section on conjuring and card-sharping

Magicians who appeared on the TV programme Best of Magic in 1990. Poster with all the performers photos on cards and little biogs written by John Fisher. 52 magicians in all, in case you hadn’t worked it out!

Programme included tribute to David Nixon, the first auction and various talks by collectors including Brian McCullagh, Bil McIlhany and Bob Read

Auction catalogue for The Magic Circle, includes coloured Chung Ling Soo photos

Show featuring Pat Page, on front, and also with Keith Cooper and Carol, James Parker, Peter Westlake and Terry Herbert

Show featuring Pat Page, on front, and also with Keith Cooper and Carol, James Parker, Peter Westlake and Terry Herbert

Talks included Phil Temple on Dante, Byron Walker and Dr Bernard Juby

Talks included David Price, Arthur Setterington and David Berglas

Visitor’s Guide to The Magic Circle Experience, featuring Scott Penrose on front.

The House of 10,000 secrets advert – Cardini and David Devant featured

Visitor’s Guide to The Magic Circle Experience, featuring Scott Penrose on front.

Visitor’s Guide to The Magic Circle Experience, featuring Scott Penrose on front.

Visitor’s Guide to The Magic Circle Experience, featuring Scott Penrose on front.

Visitor’s Guide to The Magic Circle – photos of David Copperfield and Fay Presto amongst others

Covers everything you could think of on the title subject matter including a section on conjuring

Contains section on conjuring as well as covering indoor and outdoor games. One of the great Victorian books with wonderful old illustrations.