A Host of Surprises – 84 Practical Magic Routines in One Comprehensive Volume

A Host of Surprises is a substantial hardbound magic book of over 300 pages, complete with dust jacket, offering a wide-ranging collection of 84 fully explained routines across 14 detailed chapters. Designed as a practical resource for performers, the book covers a broad spectrum of magic—from close-up and comedy magic to children’s entertainment, mental effects, and larger feature routines.

What makes this volume particularly valuable is its diversity. Rather than focusing on one branch of magic, it provides a broad working library of material suitable for magicians who perform in different venues and for different audiences.

Included Chapters and Themes:

• Tricky Rope Tricks – visual rope effects and routines
• Kiddie-Rama – material designed for younger audiences
• Cards with a Touch of Mentalism – card routines with psychological presentation themes
• Silky Things – silk magic and colorful visual effects
• Jumbo and Giants – larger-scale props and stage-friendly routines
• Micro Mysteries – compact close-up effects, including Edwin’s well-known Finger Chopper Routine
• A Card in the Glass – featuring multiple methods and handling approaches
• A Magic Miscellany – varied routines and utility ideas
• The Lucky Lady Bran Tub – themed entertainment ideas
• Topping Tricks with Toys – playful and original novelty effects
• Clearly Clairvoyant – mental mysteries substantial enough to build nearly a full act
• Last in the Book – additional feature effects and previously unpublished material
• King of the Kids – a dedicated chapter full of practical advice, tips, and performance insights for modern children’s entertainers

The collection combines routines, performance ideas, and practical working advice, making it useful not only as a trick book, but also as a reference for developing varied entertainment material.

Highlights:

• Over 300 pages, hardbound with dust jacket
• 84 fully detailed tricks and routines
• Organized into 14 themed chapters
• Includes rope, cards, silks, toys, and mentalism
• Material for close-up, stage, and children’s entertainment
• Practical advice for kids’ entertainers included
• Broad range of performance-ready material
• Includes newly published feature effects

Expand your repertoire across multiple branches of magic—add A Host of Surprises to your library and explore a wide collection of practical, performance-ready routines.