House Of Mystery - Vol. 1 by Teller, Todd Karr,David P. Abbott

This two-volume set includes Abbott's Book of Mysteries, a collection of super-mysteries which, so far as I know, has never been surpassed. Abbott was a genius who built his work on the devious principles he learned from spirit mediums, who could not afford to get caught. With these miracles, Abbott fooled Houdini, Kellar, Okito, Ching Ling Foo, and all the greatest minds in magic, and recorded his secrets in step-by-step detail in two of the most delightful and detailed books ever written on the art of magic. This edition's annotations and the newly-rediscovered articles and letters, including seven original hand-illustrated Kellar letters, make this set as essential for the history buff as it is for the professional performer. - Teller FORTY essays on technique, magic psychology, and presentation by TELLER, plus his own top-secret billet-switch method.

Over 100 diabolically clever close-up, stage, and mental effects

More than 700 illustrations

The complete writings of David P. Abbott, including the legendary Book of Mysteries, Behind the Scenes with the Mediums, and previously unpublished material.

Bonus chapter on the life and mysteries of illusion genius Joseffy with a biography by Jim Steinmeyer.

Contents:

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
INTRODUCTION Todd Karr
PREFACE Walter Graham
BEHIND THE SCENES Teller

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE MEDIUMS

CHAPTER 1
HALF-HOURS WITH THE MEDIUMS
1. Introduction
2. Bishop's Sealed Letter Reading in a New Dress
3. Trick Envelope Test
4. Stolen Letter Test
5. The Mystic Oracle of the Swinging Pendulums
A Rapping Hand and a Light and Heavy Chest
6. Store Room Tests
7. Billet with Trick Envelope
A Spirit Message Written on a Slate in the Sitter's Presence
8. Flower Materialization
9. The Dark S