
Ebook - Glenn Gravatt - Thayer Quality Magic (Set of 4 Books) (Digital Download)
Description & Effect
Unearth the Secrets of 'Thayer Quality Magic'
Step back in time to the Golden Age of Magic with this incredible digital collection: 'Glenn Gravatt - Thayer Quality Magic (Set of 4 Books).' This unique PDF download grants you exclusive access to a treasure trove of magical knowledge, meticulously compiled by the esteemed Glenn Gravatt. Thayer's 'Quality Magic' apparatus, renowned for its superior craftsmanship in the 1920s and '30s, set a benchmark for excellence that remains legendary today. Now, for the first time, you can own what may be the only complete compilation of Thayer's original instruction sheets, preserving every detail and nuance of his timeless creations.
A Comprehensive Magical Repertoire at Your Fingertips
Across four meticulously organized volumes, this digital set unveils the secrets behind hundreds of classic magical effects. Volume 1 lays the foundation with a wide array of catalog instruction sheets. Volume 2 dives deep into sixteen categories, including illusions, mental magic, escapes, and a variety of parlor and stage effects. Volume 3 offers over 200 more explanations spanning eighteen categories like cards, cigarettes, money, and spiritualistic effects. Finally, Volume 4 concludes the series with an extensive range of club effects, close-up magic, and features a crucial cumulative index by subject and title for the entire set. Each instruction sheet is faithfully reproduced from its original mimeographed form, accompanied by catalog descriptions and illustrations for enhanced understanding.
Authored by a Master: Glenn Gravatt's Legacy
This monumental collection owes its existence to Glenn Gravatt, a long-time friend of Floyd and Jennie Thayer and a celebrated figure in the magic community. Awarded the Literary Achievement Award in magic in 1980, Gravatt's expertise and dedication to preserving magic's heritage are evident throughout these pages. His careful compilation ensures that the 'Thayer touch'—the original wording and presentation—remains intact, providing an authentic learning experience that's both historically significant and practically invaluable. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring conjurer, this set is an indispensable resource for understanding, performing, and appreciating the finest magic from a bygone era.
Original Specs
PDF
Voluime 1
Catalog Instruction Sheets
"They don't make 'em like that any more," is an oft heard expression. This could well apply to the magical apparatus made by Floyd Thayer in the 20's and 30's. The Thayer slogan "Quality Magic" was no idle boast. The workmanship was equal if not superior to the best including Roterberg, Conradi, Bartl, and Willmann.
Many years ago by a stroke of good luck, a fortunate combination of circumstances, I acquired a complete file of Thayer instruction sheets designed to accompany the apparatus. this just may be the only complete collection of Thayer secrets in existence.
Recently, I happened to mention this to Lloyd Jones who urged me to compile these instructions in book form, stressing the tremendous value of such a collection to magicians. This I consented to do but found there was too much material for one book. It was therefore decided to issue these secrets in several volumes, of which this is the first.
All of Thayer's instruction sheets were in mimeographed form. These are reproduced in their original form along with the effect as printed in the Thayer catalog so that the instructions themselves will be better understood.
Some of the instructions may seem a bit sketchy due to the fact that the apparatus furnished needed little explanation. No attempt has been made to alter the instructions as it seemed desirable to preserve the Thayer touch created by Thayer's own wording.
Pages 322 - Hardbound with Dust Jacket
Volume 2
"Volume 2 of this Thayer Quality Magic Instructions Sheets series has selected magic in sixteen categories from several of the Thayer catalogs.
Here are some of the best Thayer illusions, mental magic, escapes, and a wide variety to please every magical enthusiast... Enjoy the best from the Golden Age of magic marketed by its leading dealer, Floyd Thayer."
The second book in this tremendous series covers Balls, Birds, Cards, Dice, Eggs, Escapes, Flowers, Illusions, Liquids, Money, Parlor Tricks, Stage Effects, Rings, Rods, Pillars, Silks, Slates, Spiritualistic Effects, and Mental Magic. Contains catalog description, illustration, and complete instruction sheets for each effect.
Pages 324 - Hardbound with Dust Jacket
Volume 3
"Volume Three of the Thayer Quality Magic Instruction Sheets brings you over 200 more explanations of magic sold by the leading dealer of the Golden Age of Magic, Floyd Thayer. Choice, exclusive magic in eighteen categories, the secret and presentation explained in nearly the exact words as furnished purchasers of what are now real treasures.
These instructions are from the files of GLENN GRAVATT, a long time friend of Floyd and Jennie Thayer and many of the workmen in the Thayer plant. Mr Gravatt was awarded the Literary Achievement Award in magic at the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Magical Arts and Science in March of 1980. A long time contributor to Genii, The Conjurer's Magazine, he is also well known for his many fine books on magical subjects."
The Third book in this wonderful series covers Balls, Cards, Cigarettes, Escapes, Glasses, Bowls, Bottles, Illusions, Money, Parlor Tricks, Stage Effects, Pocket Tricks, Productions, Silks, Spiritualistic Effects, Mental Magic, Tables, Thimbles, and Torn & Restored Effects. Contains catalog description, illustration, and complete instruction sheets for each effect.
Pages 312 - Hardbound with Dust Jacket
Volume 4
"This Volume Four is the final of the series of Thayer Instruction Sheets. No effort has been made for completeness since many items of any magic dealer matches those of others and here we have tried to select exclusive items and the best accredited to Floyd Thayer.... Magic is indebted to Glenn Gravatt for making these valuable instructions available and preparing them for publication."
The Fourth Book in this great series covers Afghan Bands, Cards, Cigarettes, Club Effects, Stage magic, Dice, Divinations, Floating Effects, Livestock, Matches, Money, Penetrations, Parlor Tricks, Close-up Effects, Pocket Tricks, Silks, Spiritualistic Effects, Tables, Torn & Restored Effects and Memories. This volume also contains the Cumulative Index by Subject and title to the entire four volume set. Contains catalog description, illustration, and complete instruction sheets for each effect.
Pages 324 - Hardbound with Dust Jacket













