Stanley Collins

In Stanley Collins - Conjurer, Collector and Iconoclast, master historian and author Edwin A. Dawes explores the fascinating life of happiness and heartbreak of this brilliant magician and collector.

A legendary figure in British magic during the early 20th century, Stanley Collins stood out with his extraordinary conjuring skills combined with sharp intelligence, musical talent, and razor-sharp wit.

In his elegant and unique style, Collins made significant and lasting contributions to the literature of conjuring, offering captivating, often amusing, and sometimes critical insights about the magical community and its leading figures. Having personally known many of the era’s greatest magicians, his perspectives remain compelling and insightful.

Particularly, Stanley Collins' conjuring with cards was revolutionary and is still recognized by today’s top cardicians. His famous routine, "The Collins Aces," continues to inspire and is actively performed by modern card magicians.

This volume also features two never-before-published works by Collins: Wizardry on a Winter Evening (17 pages) and his final masterpiece Gems of Personal Prestidigation (78 pages), which includes the ultimate version of "The Collins Aces." Each copy also comes with a CD-ROM containing a rare 1922 Pathe Pictorial film of Collins performing flourishes.

Hardbound with dust jacket, 352 pages.