Nelms, Henning: Magic and Showmanship, A Handbook for Conjurers
©1969 Henning Nelms,
©1980 reprint, Dover Publications
©2000 reprint, Dover Publications
Paperback, 320 pages
ISBN 0-486-41087-0

Comments: A rare book almost entirely on the presentation of magic! Includes some tricks dispersed through the book for use as examples.

Contents: Chapter level only at this time.

1 Chapter 1 The Two Magics: tricks vs. illusions
19 Chapter 2 Deception vs. Conviction: developing suspension of belief
36 Chapter 3 The Measure of Meaning: magic and themes
50 Chapter 4 Who?: the conjuror's personality
63 Chapter 5 Making the Most of Assistants: making them significant
76 Chapter 6 Casting the Spell: creating the right atmosphere
89 Chapter 7 Mystery Without Magic: leveraging the edge of belief
101 Chapter 8 Providing the Proof: proving the phenomenon expressed by the magic
116 Chapter 9 Devices for Deception: "the art of illusion starts where the devices leave off"
130 Chapter 10 The Great Secret: work as if the theme were all true
141 Chapter 11 Eliminating Departures: getting rid of inconsistencies in your act
152 Chapter 12 Consistency In Characterization: make sure all your actions are consistent with your character
168 Chapter 13 Concealing Devices: surprise, etc.
178 Chapter 14 Controlling Attention: direction and misdirection
196 Chapter 15 Misdirection: taking attention away from an area
208 Chapter 16 Devising Illusions: effect, device, props, etc.
221 Chapter 17 Dramatic Structure: building structure in your routines
234 Chapter 18 Continuity: providing a clear picture of your routine
252 Chapter 19 Material for Entertainment: making a trick entertaining
265 Chapter 20 Words: thoughts on Patter
278 Chapter 21 Business: adding atmosphere, characterization, clarity, comedy, and drama
295 Chapter 22 The Performer and the Stage: positioning yourself and assistants on the stage
315 Routines: suggested
317 Index