The Practical Magician and Ventriloquist's Guide A practical manual of fireside magic and conjuring illusions, containing also complete instructions for acquiring and practising the art of ventriloquism.

"The Practical Magician and Ventriloquist's Guide" by Anonymous is a late 19th-century guidebook focused on teaching readers the art of magic tricks and ventriloquism. This manual provides instructions on how to do a variety of simple illusions using normal household items, so amateurs can easily learn and perform magic. The author wants to help enthusiasts learn basic tricks, highlighting how magic has moved away from ideas about the supernatural and instead embraces science. The work emphasizes using skillful hand movements to make things like coins and handkerchiefs appear and disappear, ensuring that anyone can understand and practice the basics of being a magician.