Essential Sol Stone – Stephen Hobbs (Collected Works of Sol Stone)

Essential Sol Stone is a comprehensive compilation of the work of legendary New York magician Sol Stone, assembled and edited by Stephen Hobbs. This volume gathers more than 50 of Sol Stone’s most valued effects, including previously closely guarded material, all updated, expanded, and clearly explained.

The book presents a wide range of close-up magic routines and sleights, carefully structured to highlight clarity of method and performance practicality. Each effect is described in detail and supported by extensive illustrations, allowing readers to understand both the mechanics and the subtleties that define Stone’s approach to intimate magic.

Beyond the magic itself, the book also explores Sol Stone’s unique life and career, including his early fascination with magic, wartime experiences, work in diplomacy, academic career at Brooklyn College, and his professional practice as a clinical psychologist. This context provides insight into the thinking behind his approach to performance and audience engagement.

A significant feature of this edition is the inclusion of Stone’s early work Patter Punches, a collection of over 400 jokes and one-liners organized across 40 subjects, adding a performance and presentation dimension to the material.

Produced as a 304-page 6x9 inch paperback, with over 350 detailed illustrations, and contributions from Meir Yedid and Richard Kaufman, this edition is designed for both study and practical application by magicians of all experience levels.

You receive with Essential Sol Stone a carefully curated collection of close-up magic and performance insight from a highly respected practitioner of intimate illusion.