Ebook - The Davenport Story Volume 2 by Fergus Roy (Digital Download)
Description & Effect
Unearthing Lost Magical Masterpieces
Step into the rich tapestry of magical history with 'The Davenport Story Volume 2: The Lost Legends,' a remarkable digital ebook edited by Fergus Roy. This eagerly anticipated second volume in the acclaimed series unearths three extraordinary, previously unpublished works by eminent authors intimately connected with the Davenport family. These invaluable manuscripts, long thought lost, were recently discovered during meticulous research for this groundbreaking series, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the minds of some of magic's most influential figures.
Robert Harbin's 'Magic Marches On'
First among these treasures is Robert Harbin's 'Magic Marches On,' a manuscript acquired by Davenports in 1946 but tragically lost until 1996. Now, for the first time, you can explore its 42 never-before-published tricks, illusions, and escapes. Discover ingenious magical novelty effects such as Glass and Cloth Eating, a Canon Ball Production, and a completely new methodology for the classic Clock Dial trick. Harbin also reveals 14 new illusions, including 'The Middle Bit,' an incredibly clever piece incorporating five distinct magical effects into one seamless presentation.
Edward Victor's Concluding Volume: 'With Magic Hands'
The second revelation is Edward Victor's long-lost fourth book, 'With Magic Hands.' This essential work finally completes his famous trilogy, adding profound depth to his legacy. Bad luck plagued its original publication, leading to its disappearance. Within these pages, you'll find comprehensive chapters on advanced Sleights with Cards, both with a straight deck and prepared cards. Additionally, Victor shares innovative new routines for time-honored classics like the Cut & Restored Rope and Cups & Balls, alongside fresh effects utilizing a paddle and other intriguing novelties.
G. W. Hunter's 'Mystia' or 'The World of Magic'
Concluding this magnificent volume is G. W. Hunter's 'Mystia' or 'The World of Magic,' a fascinating work penned in the late 1880s. Hunter, an accomplished author and inventor, seemingly had privileged backstage access to the era's leading performers. This book fearlessly analyzes and unveils the closely guarded secrets of 36 prominent magical acts from a period defined by innovative presentation. Discover the workings behind legends such as de Kolta (complete with original drawings of his Chair illusion setup), Maskelyne, Kellar, Bertram, and Alexander Herrmann. Be prepared for a number of surprises in the concluding chapter.
A Glimpse into Magical History
'The Lost Legends' is more than just a collection of tricks; it's a vital historical document that illuminates the personal connections and behind-the-scenes workings of a golden age of magic. The ebook's front cover proudly displays a replica of Harbin's inscribed photograph to George 'Gilly' Davenport, a poignant reminder of the friendships that shaped this incredible legacy. As a digital download, this wealth of knowledge is instantly accessible, ready to inspire and educate both aspiring and seasoned magicians worldwide.
Original Specs
Volume Two 'The Lost Legends'
Robert Harbin, Edward Victor, G. W. Hunter.
Edited by Fergus Roy
The second volume, The Lost Legends, in The Davenport Story series unveils three hitherto unpublished works by eminent authors who were close personal friends of the family. These works were only recently discovered during research for this series.
The first by Robert Harbin, 'Magic Marches On,' was acquired by Davenports in 1946. Initially its non-publication was mainly due to manpower shortages in the immediate aftermath of the war. Then, with the sudden passing of Gilly, the manuscript was genuinely lost. It was not until 1996 whilst researching this series of books that it was discovered amongst Gilly's papers. This work includes 42 never-before-published tricks, illusions and escapes. Among the ingenious magical novelty effects are Glass and Cloth Eating, a Canon Ball Production and a completely new method for the classic Clock Dial trick. There are 14 new illusions, and one, 'The Middle Bit,' ingeniously incorporates five different effects.
The second, Edward Victor's lost fourth book, 'With Magic Hands,' adds to his famous trilogy and thus completes his series. Again, ill luck conspired against its publication. At the time he sold it to Gilly Davenport, Gilly was an ill man and was to pass away shortly afterwards. The manuscript was then lost amongst the heap of papers in his private office at home. There are chapters on Sleights with Cards with a Straight Deck and with Prepared Cards together with new routines for the Cut & Restored Rope and Cups & Balls feature, plus new effects with a paddle and other novelties.
Finally, the last work, 'Mystia' or 'The World of Magic,' is by the accomplished author and inventor, G. W. Hunter. This was written at the end of the 1880's and in this work, we are convinced that to have been able to describe how these superb effects were done, Hunter must have had access backstage. It was probably because of this espionage that he resisted publishing or parting with this work until shortly before his passing in 1939. The author analyses and reveals the secrets of the tricks of 36 leading magical acts in an era where innovative presentation was of the highest order. Acts include those of de Kolta (with actual drawings of his Chair illusion set up), Maskelyne, Kellar, Bertram and Alexander Herrmann. The last chapter holds a number of surprises.
The front cover of the volume replicates a publicity photograph of Harbin which was inscribed, 'To George and Family - Robert Harbin 1946.' George of course, was his friend Gilly Davenport. This photograph was taken at the same time as the manuscript was purchased by the Davenport family.
