Modern Magic (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. A Practical Treatise on the Art of ConjuringBy Professor Hoffmann
Length22h 11m
About this audiobook
Modern Magic is a foundational manual of conjuring that systematizes nineteenth-century sleight of hand, apparatus work, card magic, coin manipulation, and drawing-room illusion into a coherent literary form. Written with lucid precision and Victorian confidence, it combines practical instruction with an implicit theory of performance: deception is treated not as mere trickery, but as disciplined art governed by timing, misdirection, and elegant presentation. In the context of magical literature, it helped transform guarded professional secrets into a structured body of knowledge. Professor Hoffmann was the pen name of Angelo John Lewis, an English barrister, writer, and devoted amateur conjurer whose legal training likely shaped the book's orderly exposition and exacting definitions. Rather than writing as a theatrical showman alone, Hoffmann approached magic as an educated observer and practitioner, preserving methods then circulating in salons, clubs, and popular entertainments. His work reflects a period when conjuring was moving from fairground spectacle toward refined domestic and stage performance. This book is recommended to readers interested in magic, performance history, Victorian culture, or the craft of illusion. Modern Magic remains valuable not only as an instructional classic, but as a document of how wonder was codified, taught, and intellectually dignified.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- 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
GenreOther
Length22 hrs 11 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateMay 15, 2020
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
22CHAPTER XIII. The Cups and Balls.
2Introduction
23CHAPTER XIV. Ball Tricks Requiring Special Apparatus.
3Synopsis
24CHAPTER XV. Hat Tricks.
4Historical Context
25CHAPTER XVI. Miscellaneous Tricks. (pt. 1)
5MODERN MAGIC.
26CHAPTER XVI. Miscellaneous Tricks. (pt. 2)
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6CHAPTER I. Introduction.
27CHAPTER XVII. Stage Tricks.
7THE MAGIC WAND.
28CHAPTER XVIII. Concluding Observations.
8THE MAGICIAN’S TABLE.
29APPENDIX.
9THE MAGICIAN’S DRESS.
30ANCIENT AND MODERN MAGIC.
10CHAPTER II. General Principles of Sleight-of-Hand applicable to Card Tricks.
31CHAPTER I. Introduction.
11CHAPTER III. Card Tricks with Ordinary Cards, and not requiring Sleight-of-Hand.
32CHAPTER II. Kempelen.
12CHAPTER IV. Tricks involving Sleight-of-Hand or the Use of Specially Prepared Cards. (pt. 1)
33CHAPTER III. Theodin.
13CHAPTER IV. Tricks involving Sleight-of-Hand or the Use of Specially Prepared Cards. (pt. 2)
34CHAPTER IV. Automata: Psycho.
14CHAPTER V. Card Tricks Requiring Special Apparatus.
35CHAPTER V. Marionettes.
15CHAPTER VI. Principles of Sleight-of-hand more especially applicable to Coin Tricks.
36CHAPTER VI. Clairvoyance.
16CHAPTER VII. Tricks with Coin without Apparatus.
37CHAPTER VII. Spiritualism.
17CHAPTER VIII. Tricks with Coin requiring Special Apparatus.
38CHAPTER VIII. Parlor Magic.
18CHAPTER IX. Tricks with Watches.
39Analysis
19CHAPTER X. Tricks with Rings.
40Reflection
20CHAPTER XI. Tricks with Handkerchiefs.
41Memorable Quotes
21CHAPTER XII. Tricks with Dominoes and Dice.
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