House Of Mystery: The Magic & Science Of David P. Abbott; Vols. One & Two; 2005




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Reference Number: Avaluer:4359713Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Original Description:
House of Mystery: The Magic & Science of David P. Abbott; Vols. One & Two is a two volume set edited and compiled by Todd Karr and Teller, and published by The Miracle Factory in 2005. Karr and Teller carefully researched, edited and annotated two books written by David P. Abbott. Abbott was a businessman in Omaha, Nebraska who was world renowned as a thinker and creator of magic. He was visited by legendary magicians such as Houdini, Kellar, Ching Ling Foo, Han Ping Chien..., Okito and many others. They visited him to learn of his methods and effects such as The Talking Teakettle, The Floating Ball, and other mysteries of which Abbott was a master. In fact, Okito who was known for his beautiful floating ball illusion, learned this from Abbott. In exchange for knowledge of these effects and methods, these legends of magic often exchanged their prized effects and secrets. In addition to being a creator, thinker, and performer, David P. Abbott was fascinated with the methods of spirit mediums and spent much time studying their methods and analyzing their approaches. 
House of Mystery, Volume One: Behind the Scenes with the Mediums was the first major book Abbott wrote, and deals with his exportations, investigations and experiences with spirit mediums. Given that this book was first written and published in the first half of the 20th century, it is remarkably modern and feels very current. Abbott was a keen observer and was able to discern most of what the mediums did and describes their methods in great detail. Readers may be surprised that the psychology and approaches used then are essentially very much the same as have been used today by current day mediums (e.g. John Edwards). Abbott was fair minded in his investigations and while he was able to reveal or expose the "trickery" behind what the mediums did, he was more observational than a rabid "exposer." In fact, if there was something that he was not able to deduce, he said so. More than a historical document, this book is of great value to understanding the Q&A type act performed by many leading mentalists, then and now. If you are a mentalist, this volume is a must have! Karr and Teller annotate where appropriate and have included new photographs (many with the late Johnny Thompson and his wife, Pam) to add additional clarity to the text. 
Todd Karr compiled, wrote and edited a section on Gene Dennis, The Wonder Girl which stands on its own as a fine description of Dennis who achieved celebrity with a very modern approach to Q&A (although not billed as such). Following this is Abbott's own writings on Gene Dennis. 
Volume One is 388 pages including a detailed index.
House of Mystery, Volume Two: The Book of Mysteries is the never before published book by David P. Abbott which he wrote describing both his own effects, routines and methods, and those which were revealed to him by some of his legendary magician visitors.This book has been significantly enhanced and edited by Karr and Teller. Teller, in particular, not only annotated the text but also added prologues and epilogues which both place the effects and methods in context, and also highlight the often sheer brilliance of Abbott's thinking. Lest you think that the material is outdated and relegated to the past, this is not the case. Teller reveals, for example, that Penn and he have included The Indian Turban Illusion in their shows, and although they have added their own unique twists and performing style, it is heavily based on the Abbott handling. They also have performed their own version of The Floating Ball which I am sure also has some of the Abbott influence somewhere threaded into their routine. There are well over 40 entries if you include the work of Joseffy ("The Marvelous Creations of Joseffy"). Joseffy was a magical creator with whom Abbott has some relationship, and Todd Karr and Jim Steinmeyer write about this "out of the box" magical creator. Volume Two is 492 pages including a detailed index.
Abbott's work stands on its own for its excellence. The additions by Karr, Teller and Steinmeyer make it even more valuable and important for the modern day performer. If you are passionate about the art of magic, if you are fascinated by mentalism and its roots, and/or if you are interested in magical history, these two volumes are a must! And while each volume stands on its own, the full value of knowledge and experience available to you is compounded by these complimentary volumes. You will find yourself going back and forth between the two over time to fully appreciate the knowledge therein. I consider these two volumes to be foundational works for the serious magician or mentalist as much as The Tarbell Course, The Books of Wonder, and others.
Out of print, and often only one volume is offered. This is your opportunity to own both volumes. My set is in mint condition, pages, binding, and dustjackets all excellent.



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