THIS LISTING IS FOR all three volumes of Lewis Ganson's classic books. It includes the combined volumes 1 and 2 (re-printed in one book, by D Robbins in 2004, and also the D.Robbins reprint of the "Finale" book (reprinted in 1976)
LEWIS GANSON's ROUTINED MANIPULATION books are (in my opinion) must-haves for any serious magician's library. I am not sure why these books are not more widely studied by the magic community -- perhaps the title word "manipulation" leads potential readers to believe the books contain only billiard ball and thimble routines or other classic "manipulative magic" that has (it seems) fallen out of style.
But contained within these volumes is a collection of excellent card, coin, and close-up effects, along with handlings for classic stand-up effects like the egg bag, linking rings. And yes, also chapters on billiard balls and thimbles as well.
The most important word in the title is "ROUTINED", since these books contain detailed descriptions of complete routines that were created and used by top magic pros in the 1960's
In the combined volume 1 & volume 2 book, some of my favorite chapters are on Color Changing Knives, Koran's Card miracles, Ken Brooke's Cap and Pence routine, a great Dice routine, the chapter on the three shell game, and an interesting chapter on the Cups and Balls.
In the Finale Book, just a few of the stand-out items are Ken Brooke's handling of the Linking Rings, five items from Al Koran, Elmsley's All Backs routine, and a dvery detailed section on Sponge Balls.
See the photos of the tables of contents for a full idea of how much good stuff is crammed into these books.
Ganson is one of magical literature's great teachers, giving excellent detail in his handling descriptions-- plus a lot of photos, as well.
VOLUMES 1 AND 2 (combined in a single book) Over 240 pages, this 2004 combined D Robbins edition
FINALE VOLUME 254 pages, the 1976 D.Robbins reprint.
Sold separately (check our other listings), these books are $15 and $19 respectively, but get them both together in this combined listing for a great discounted price
CONDITION NOTES: both books from "new-old" dealer inventory -- never previously owned or read -- as NEW.