Magic Video - Professor Hoffmann - Modern Magic

Discover the Cornerstone of Modern Conjuring

Step back in time to the late 19th century and immerse yourself in the foundational magic text that changed everything: Professor Hoffmann's 'Modern Magic'. This digital download, available as a comprehensive PDF, isn't just another magic book; it's the pioneering work that first attempted to document the art of magic in an truly encyclopedic fashion. Before Hoffmann, many magic publications merely rehashed old material. But 'Modern Magic' stands alone, offering an unparalleled depth and breadth of knowledge that meticulously records the state-of-the-art conjuring techniques of its era. This isn't merely a historical artifact; it's a vibrant source of timeless wisdom that continues to inspire and challenge magicians today.

Unearth Forgotten Secrets and Masterful Methods

While modern magic has evolved, it's astounding to realize how much was already known and refined during Professor Hoffmann's time. Delving into the 563 pages of 'Modern Magic' will reveal numerous clever methods and ingenious tricks that have either been forgotten or have simply fallen out of fashion among today's performers. Imagine the thrill of discovering and presenting a secret that even your most knowledgeable magic friends won't recognize. This volume offers a unique opportunity to resurrect these overlooked gems, allowing you to inject fresh, classic mystique into your performances and truly fool your audience with originality rooted in historical mastery.

A Comprehensive Compendium of Classic Illusions

Professor Hoffmann's 'Modern Magic' covers an astonishing array of magical disciplines, making it a true compendium for any serious practitioner. From the intricate 'General Principles of Sleight-of-Hand' applicable to card tricks, to an extensive exploration of coin magic—both with and without specialized apparatus—this book leaves no stone unturned. You'll find detailed chapters on card tricks requiring no sleight-of-hand, those demanding advanced dexterity, and even illusions utilizing special card apparatus. Beyond cards and coins, delve into the secrets of performing baffling tricks with watches, rings, and handkerchiefs. Each section is presented with the clarity and meticulous detail that only a master like Hoffmann could provide, ensuring you grasp every nuance.

An Essential Addition to Every Magician's Library

The enduring significance of 'Modern Magic' is underscored by its recognition from the most esteemed figures in magic history. H. Adrian Smith, a renowned historian and collector with one of the largest private magic libraries of his time, famously rated this book as one of the ten fundamental texts for any working library of conjuring. Owning this digital edition means gaining instant access to a revered classic that has shaped generations of magicians. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking historical insight and forgotten material or an aspiring conjurer eager to build a robust foundation, Professor Hoffmann's 'Modern Magic' is an indispensable resource that promises to enrich your understanding and elevate your craft.

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Original Specs

PDF

Every generation a magician comes along， whose intention is to record magic in an encyclopedic fashion. Professor Hoffmann was the first in recorded history to attempt such a feat with his trilogyModern Magic，More Magic， andLater Magic. Certainly many magic books have been published before him， mostly copying from each other. But none reaches the depth and breadth of Prof. Hoffmann's work. The material in these three books records the state of the art of magic in the late 19th century. Today we know more tricks and we have also refined our techniques and methods. But it is astounding how much was already known at that time. Reading carefully you will discover several clever methods which have been forgotten or have fallen out of fashion with todays popular magicians. If you really want to fool your magic friends the next time， read this book and perform one of its many not so well known secrets.

This book was rated one of the ten basic books for a working library of conjuring by H. Adrian Smith， historian， collector and owner of the largest private magic library in his time. Other books in this top 10 list are

1st edition， 1876， Routledge; 1st US edition， 1882， Routledge; reprinted many times by various publishers; 563 pages.

Table of Contents

 

 

 

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION.

 

 

 

CHAPTER II.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF SLEIGHT-OF-HAND APPLICABLE TO CARD TRICKS.

 

 

 

CHAPTER III.

CARD TRICKS WITH ORDINARY CARDS， AND NOT REQUIRING SLEIGHT-OF-HAND.

 

 

 

CHAPTER IV.

TRICKS INVOLVING SLEIGHT-OF-HAND， OR THE USE OF SPECIALLY PREPARED CARDS.

 

 

 

CHAPTER V.

CARD TRICKS REQUIRING SPECIAL APPARATUS.

 

 

 

CHAPTER VI.

PRINCIPLES OF sLEIGHT-OF-HAND MORE ESPECIALLY APPLICABLE TO COIN TRICKS.

 

 

 

CHAPTER VII.

TRICKS WITH COIN WITHOUT APPARATUS.

 

 

 

CHAPTER VIII.

TRICKS WITH COIN REQUIRING SPECIAL APPARATUS.

 

 

 

CHAPTER IX.

TRICKS WITH WATCHES.

 

 

 

CHAPTER X.

TRICKS WITH RINGS.

 

 

 

CHAPTER XI.

TRICKS WITH HANDKERCHIEFS.