Water Wizardry: Magical Experiments with Liquids (Hey Presto Magic Book) - Softcover

Inhaltsangabe

First published in 1922, Water Wizardry is a delightful collection of magical experiments in which water is the chief agent. From simple parlour mysteries to ingenious stage effects, Arthur Ainslie reveals a treasury of clever tricks that transform everyday objects—glasses, cards, corks, coins and bowls of water—into instruments of astonishment.

Written in a lively and entertaining style, the book presents dozens of practical demonstrations suitable for amateur conjurers, entertainers, and anyone fascinated by the curious properties of liquids. Many of the effects require little more than household items, yet produce results that appear impossible.

Among the highlights are classic mysteries such as:

• The Hydrostatic Tube – the famous David Devant illusion where water remains suspended inside a glass tube
• The Passe-Passe Trick – a clever transposition involving bottle and glass
• The Indian Sands – the remarkable separation of coloured sands underwater
• The Floating Pin, Sticky Glass, and dozens of ingenious parlour experiments

Clear explanations and charming period illustrations make these effects both easy to understand and rewarding to perform.

This Hey Presto Edition faithfully reproduces the original 1922 text in full, carefully restored for modern readers while preserving the spirit of the original work.

Whether you are an aspiring magician, a performer looking for unusual material, or a collector of classic conjuring literature, Water Wizardry remains a fascinating glimpse into the playful ingenuity of early twentieth-century magic.

About the Author

Arthur Ainslie was the stage name of Arthur Wellesley Odell Pain (1870–1940), a British magician, writer and frequent contributor to Magic Monthly. Ainslie performed at London’s famous Maskelyne’s Theatre of Mysteries and wrote several influential books on conjuring. His work blended practical magical instruction with an engaging, conversational style that made complex ideas accessible to amateur magicians and enthusiasts alike.

• The complete 1922 book, unabridged
• Author biography and historical notes
• Carefully restored diagrams and illustrations
• Minor textual amendments for clarity
• Produced in the Hey Presto pocket book format

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