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.
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.
See the photos of the table of contents for a full idea of how much good stuff is crammed into this book.
Ganson is one of magical literature's great teachers, giving excellent detail in his handling descriptions-- plus a lot of photos, as well.
Originally published in the early 1950's, as two separate books (volumes 1 and 2). The books became instant classics and were read by almost every serious magician in the 1950's, 60's and 70's. Tannens and D. Robbins reprinted the books in the mid-1970's, and Robbins again reprinted them in this 2004 edition, which now puts both volumes together in one book.
Over 240 pages, this 2004 combined edition is new and in MINT condition.