USED COPY

The Boys Book of Conjuring,

New & Revised 1952 Edition

A charming mid-20th century classic packed with beginner-friendly magic tricks, from card and coin effects to shadowgraphy and match puzzles. This well-used copy shows age and wear, but remains a nostalgic gem for collectors or those interested in vintage magic instruction.

This is the 1952 New & Revised Edition of The Boy’s Book of Conjuring, published by Ward, Lock & Co. The hardcover shows moderate shelf wear with some rubbing to the corners and edges. The spine remains intact, though slightly softened at the ends. Inside, pages are clean and complete, with light age toning typical of vintage paper. No writing on the pages, however there is writing on the inside back cover(see photo)and on the first inside blank page. There are no torn pages, or major damage for a book of this age. See photos for a better understanding of the overall condition. We consider this a "Good" condition book. A charming vintage volume perfect for magic enthusiasts, collectors, or as a nostalgic gift!

Additional Info on the book;

The Boy’s Book of Conjuring is a classic instructional magic book that has undergone several editions since its initial publication in the early 20th century. Originally published around 1909 under the title The Art of Modern Conjuring, it was later retitled in the 1920s as The Boy’s Book of Conjuring by Ward, Lock & Co., a publisher known for producing a range of children's books during that period . 

The book is notable for its comprehensive coverage of magic tricks suitable for beginners and young enthusiasts. It includes detailed instructions on performing tricks with cards, coins, hats, and handkerchiefs, as well as sections on second sight, mesmeric tricks, match puzzles, and shadowgraphy

In 1952, a "New and Revised" edition was released, edited by Eugene Stone. This edition featured several updates to modernize the content and presentation

• Illustrations: The original photographs were replaced with drawings to better integrate visuals with the text.
• Content Updates: Sections on chemical magic and outdated apparatus were removed to reflect contemporary practices.
• Design: A new full-color dust jacket was introduced, and the magician's attire in illustrations was updated from Edwardian dress to a modern suit . collectingmagic.co.uk

These changes aimed to make the book more appealing to the post-war generation of young magicians.

Today, The Boy’s Book of Conjuring is considered a valuable piece of magic literature, offering insights into the evolution of magical instruction and performance. Collectors and magic historians appreciate it for its historical significance and the window it provides into the pedagogical approaches of magic in the early to mid-20th century.