Description
More hard to find Larsen and Wright material. This manuscript from 1928 offers 10 original effects in the field of "small magic" for close quarters work. All feature well-crafted presentations and strong effects achieved by misdirection and simple methods.
Here are some of the descriptions from the original Thayer advertisement in The Sphinx magazine.
UP! CARDS!
Any number of cards are freely selected, not forced. They are actually replaced in the center of the pack by the drawers. Now without the aid of threads, wires, apparatus or mechanism of any kind, the selected cards rise one by one from the center of the pack and may be removed therefrom by the spectators. The cards, which may be marked if desired, really rise from where they were replaced in the pack.
THE LAY OF THE LACES
A cut and restored shoe lace effect wherein the laces are used just as purchased. Nothing to add or dispose of at the finish. Spectator may do the cutting, and may furnish his own laces. The greatest of all impromptu restoration effects.
THIMBLES THREE
A colorful thimble effect savoring of real magic. Can he worked within a foot of the spectators.
A LESSON IN SEWING
Showing how magic may come to the aid of a lady in distress.
A COIN CONJURATION
A new, non-sleight of hand coin effect. Indetectable at closest quarters. Different in both effect and method. Alone worth the price of the manuscript.
IMPOSSIBILITY
Spectator writes any name on the face of a playing card and also signs his name thereto. The performer not only divines this name, but causes it to change to a different name, without disturbing the signature, and while the spectator is holding the card. No carbons, writing in the pocket or similar ideas. Baffling to magician and layman alike.
THE GHOST RING
An examined ring is apparently passed on to the center of a borrowed handkerchief, the ends of which are at all times held by a spectator. For the first time all suspicious moves have been eliminated. Clean-cut and easy to do.
THIMBLES TWO
Wherein two thimbles play leap frog to the amusement and bewilderment of the spectators.
REVERSE SEWING
Introducing a different solid through solid effect.
THE MAGIC MAIL
A novel effect which may be worked under the most stringent conditions. Small but showy. Just the thing to close a parlor magic show. Introduces the element of the spectacular into the parlor show.