Hocus Pocus; or The Whole Art of Legerdemain, in Perfection

Hocus Pocus; or The Whole Art of Legerdemain, in Perfection

Enriched edition. Unveiling the Enchanting World of Illusion and DeceptionBy Henry Dean
Michael Caine
Listen with Sir Michael Caine™ and 1,000+ voices
Length2h 29m

About this audiobook

In "Hocus Pocus; or The Whole Art of Legerdemain, in Perfection," Henry Dean intricately explores the captivating world of sleight-of-hand and deception. The book weaves together a rich tapestry of practical techniques, detailed illustrations, and engaging anecdotes, reflecting a literary style that marries both scholarly depth and lively narrative. Situated within the broader context of 17th-century literature on magic and performance, Dean's work not only serves as a manual for aspiring magicians but also as an insightful commentary on the societal fascination with illusion and artifice during the age of Enlightenment. Henry Dean, a noted figure in the realm of magic and performance arts, emerged in a time when public enchantment with the mysterious was paramount. His background in entertainment informs his thoughtful approach, blending personal experience with a thorough examination of the techniques of legerdemain. Dean's exposure to both the theatrical and scientific realms of his era undoubtedly influences his rigorous yet accessible treatment of the subject, allowing readers to appreciate not just the mechanics of magic, but also its cultural implications. For anyone intrigued by the art of illusion, "Hocus Pocus" is an essential read that invites the modern audience to unravel the secrets behind the stage. Dean's blend of practical instruction and philosophical inquiry makes this book not only a practical guide for performers but also a thoughtful exploration of the human penchant for wonder and belief in the extraordinary. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Audiobook details

Rating★★★★ 3.8 (23)
Includes Amazon, Goodreads
GenreOther
Length2 hrs 29 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 29, 2019
LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1Introduction
2Hocus Pocus; or The Whole Art of Legerdemain, in Perfection
3THE PREFACE TO THE READE R.
4The Whole ART of LEGERDEMAIN; OR, HOCUS POCUS I N PERFECTION, &c.
5To put a lock upon a man’s mouth.
Show all chapters
6How to shew the Hen and Egg-bag, and out of an empty bag to bring out above an hundred eggs, and afterwards to bring out a living hen.
7How to cut the blowing book.
8To shew the trick with the Funnel.
9How to make three little children dance in a glass upon a table.
10Bonus Genius: or Hiccius Doctius.
11A notable trick to transform a counter to a groat.
12Of cards, with good caution how to avoid cozenage therein, especially rules to convey and handle the cards, and the manner and order how to accomplish all difficulties and strange things wrought with cards.
13How to deliver out four aces, and to convert them into four knaves.
14How to tell what card any man thinketh on, and how to convey the same into a kernel of a nut or cherry stone, and the same again into one’s pocket; and how to make him draw the same, or any card you please, and all under one device.
15How to change a pack of cards into all manner of pictures.
16How to knit a knot upon a handkerchief, and to undo the same with words.
17How to take three button moulds off two strings.
18READER,
19To cure the tooth-ach.
20The Egg Box is looked upon to be as good a trick and as cunning a slight, as any that is done, but because it cannot be expressed in words, I have put these figures underneath to explain it.
21How to eat fire, and to blow it up in your mouth with a pair of bellows.
22How to make a knife leap out of a pot.
23The melting-box.
24A trick upon the globe-box.
25To tell the number of spots on the bottom cards, laid down on several heaps.
26How to burn a thread, and to make it whole again with the ashes.
27To draw a cord through your nose, mouth, or head, so sensible, as it is wonderful to see.
28To thrust a bodkin into your forehead without hurt.
29How to thrust a bodkin through your tongue.
30To thrust a dagger into your guts, very strangely, and to recover immediately.
31How to cut a man’s head off, and to put the head into a platter, a yard from his body.
32To fetch a shilling out of a handkerchief.
33To cause the beer you drink, to be wrung out of the handle of a knife.
34How to make a sheet of paper called Trouble-wit.
35How to command seven half-pence through a table.
36How to call for any card in the pack.
37How to make a card jump out of an egg.
38How to make the fountain of command.
39A very strange trick, whereby you may seem to cut a piece of tape into four parts, and make it whole again with words.
40A device to multiply one face, and make it seem to be a hundred or a thousand.
41To make the fulminating thundering powder.
42Memorable Quotes
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