But his selection of feats in this book seems to say, by implication though not in specific words, "No magician is ready to use apparatus who has not learned to use his hands." This, indeed, is a maxim that may well be emphasized. Hugard holds no grudge against magic shops on the contrary, he advises the reader to buy rather than make whatever equipment he may need. Hugard, in gentle protest against the use of obviously fraudulent "props," warns the magical enthusiast that a stuffed rabbit-skin is a poor substitute for a live rabbit, and that "bouquets of feather flowers, so much affected by the average performer, cannot be said to create any illusion." Of greater significance is his emphasis upon tricks that require personal skill in their performance, as contrasted with those which "work themselves." Mr. Finally, as the inevitable outcome of his long career as a performer, he is able to offer valuable suggestions which will help the learner to avoid many pitfalls.įor example, Mr. He possesses, to a degree which is rare among writers on conjuring, the qualities that make a great teacher - the power to analyze a situation clearly, a genuine desire to help the student gain a firm grasp of the subject, and a facility of expression that reminds one of the beautifully clear English of another great writer on magic, Professor Hoffmann. He knows the literature of the field through and through, and this broad knowledge has enabled him to select for inclusion in Modern Magic Manual those sleights and tricks, old or new as the case may be, which the learner will be able to master and present effectively.
He brings to the task the experience of a long life devoted to the study of magic and magicians.
We know of no one better qualified than Jean Hugard to write such a book. This means that the author must start at the beginning, take nothing for granted, and see to it that his explanations march steadily forward, step by step, gradually building up an understanding not only of the terminology and technique of magic but of its presentation as well. It does not presuppose any previous knowledge on the part of the reader but assumes only that he is reasonably intelligent and interested in becoming a magician. This book is addressed to the general reader.
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