Description
Effect: The second volume , The Lost Legends in The Davenport Story series unveils three hitherto unpublished works by eminent authors who were close personal friends of the family.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 Davenport’s 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 back stage. 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.
Contents:
“MAGIC MARCHES ON” by Robert Harbin ……………………………… 1 90
Contents……………………………………………………………………………….. 6 -7
Card Department…………………………………………………………………. 9 – 22
Novelty Department…………………………………………………………….. 23 – 54
Illusion Department…………………………………………………………….. 55 -86
Escape Department……………………………………………………………… 87-90
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………. 90
Appendix – Twelve Initialled Secrets…………………………………….. 91-115
“WITH MAGIC HANDS” by Edward Victor ………………………………. 117 -171
Contents………………………………………………………………………………. 121
Chapter One…………………………………………………………………………. 122-133
Sleights and Effects with Cards – With a Straight Pack
Chapter Two……………………………………………………………………. 134-144
Sleights and Effects with Cards – With Duplicate & Prepared Cards
Chapter Three…………………………………………………………………. 145-151
Rope in Rhyme
Chapter Four…………………………………………………………………… 152-158
The “Cups and Balls”
Chapter Five…………………………………………………………………….. 159-169
Magical Miscellany
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………….. I70
“MYSTIA” or “THE WORLD OF MAGIC” by G.W. Hunter.… 173 336
Contents………………………………………………………………………… 180-181
Chapter One………………………………………………………………….. 185 – 298
Living Conjurors – English and Foreign and Lady Conjurors
Chapter Two………………………………………………………………….. 299 – 317
Miscellaneous
Appendix 1…………………………………………………………………….. 318 -324
Elixir Vitae
Appendix 2 …………………………………………………………………….. 326 – 336.
Mrs. Daffodil Downey’s Séance as arranged for Maskelyne & Cooke’s Provincial Co. June 21st. 1902
- Publisher: Lewis Davenport Limited
- Pages: 341
- Location: London, England
- Edited by: Fergus Roy
- Dimensions: 8″x12″
- Date: 2010
- Binding: hardbound
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