Latest Magic is the last book in Hoffmann's series Modern Magic, More Magic and Later Magic. Hoffmann had quite some problem finding a publisher for this book. The reason being the quality of the contents. When Modern Magic came out it explained new tricks and tricks which were performed at the time. Thus it was indeed 'modern'. It is also without a doubt the best book in the series. Latest Magic describes Hoffmann's own creations and dealt with a magic which was already considered old fashioned. From a historical perspective it still makes quite an interesting read.
1st edition, 1918, Spon & Chamberlain, New York; 222 pages.
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Hoffmann, Professor
(1839-1919)
Born in London, England. Pen name of Angelo John Lewis, a barrister (since 1861) and writer. Amateur magician since learning in the early 1860s from a book and then lessons from Hellis (in 1873) and Charlier. In 1873 he undertook a series of articles titled 'Modern Magic' for Routledge's every boy's annual, which launched his career as the most prolific and influential magic author and translator until modern times. SAM Hall of Fame.
Invented: The Tell Tale Heart, Commando, Mystic Money Box, Chest of Sibyl,
Wrote: Herrman's Tricks with Cards, Home Gymnastics (1899), Illustrated Book of Patience Games (1904), Modern Magic (1876), More Magic (1890), Later Magic (1904), Magical Titbits (1911), Latest Magic (1918), Patience with the Joker (1907)
