Blackstone Book of Magic & Illusion by Harry Blackstone, Jr. - Rare Book [Hardcover]

Step into the spotlight of magic’s golden age with this rare original hardcover drawn from the life, words, and wonder of the Great Blackstone himself!

Originally published in 1985 and written for the general public by Charles and Regina Reynolds, this remarkable book brings together history, inspiration, and a dash of hands-on instruction—all wrapped in the legacy of Harry Blackstone Jr. It’s not a dry textbook, nor a full-blown biography, but something more unique: a vivid hybrid of magical storytelling, personal reflection, and practical wisdom.

At the heart of this volume is an intimate look at the Blackstone family legacy, with over 50 pages dedicated to the lives and careers of Harry Blackstone Sr. and Jr. Rare, family-album photographs—many unseen elsewhere—fill these pages, offering a visual journey into the heart of 20th-century stage magic. It’s as close as you can get to stepping backstage with the Blackstones themselves.

You’ll find:

• Personal anecdotes about Houdini, the invention of the underwater escape, and Harry Jr.’s own late arrival into the family craft
• A side-by-side comparison of the performance styles of Blackstone, Thurston, and Houdini
• An exploration of Blackstone Sr.’s comic strip legacy as the “only living comic strip magician” of the 1940s
• A thoughtful introduction by Ray Bradbury, who credits Blackstone with igniting his creative spark

Alongside the history, there’s instructional material, too—ranging from smart theory to practical effects. You'll encounter:

• Commentary on the psychology of magic and the essence of illusion
• Well-reasoned advice for beginners, straight from Blackstone’s voice—plain spoken, honest, and experience-rich
• Illustrated instructions by Eric Mason, bringing tricks like the Card Through the Handkerchief and Cups and Balls to life

This edition is hardcover, in black and white, and includes color photo plates. Inscribed and signed by the author. Mild shelf wear to jacket, else in good condition.

Over 200 pages. Illustrated. A fantastic read for students of magic, lovers of history, and anyone intrigued by the man behind the spotlight.