Description
Jean Hugard (1871–1959) was one of the great codifiers of stage and close-up magic, a prolific author who translated centuries of sleight-of-hand technique into clear, performable routines. Born in Australia and based in New York, Hugard wrote dozens of foundational books — including Modern Magic Manual, Royal Road to Card Magic (with Fred Braue), and the Hugard’s Magic Monthly series. His approach was elegant and exacting, favoring structure over spectacle and clarity over clutter. During the mid-20th century, Hugard’s booklets became essential reading for magicians of all levels. Focused, portable, and instructional without being dry, these booklets elevated small objects — coins, silks, cards, thimbles — into tools of astonishment. Today, they remain indispensable for collectors, performers, and magic historians alike.
Originally published in the 1940s, Thimble Magic is a masterclass in small-object sleight-of-hand. Compact and affordable, this booklet explores over two dozen moves, routines, and flourishes using — yes — sewing thimbles. In Hugard’s hands, these humble props become dynamic tools for vanishes, productions, multiplications, and transpositions. The book is loaded with line illustrations (by Sid Lorraine), clear prose, and practical advice for building visual rhythm and misdirection. Hugard breaks down technique with the precision of a craftsman, but always with performance in mind. Don’t let the size fool you — Thimble Magic offers deep chops for serious close-up magicians and stands as a beautiful artifact from the pre-digital days of analog wonder.
Small props, big impact — Hugard’s Thimble Magic is sleight-of-hand at its most intimate.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.