“Amazing! What an accomplishment for both Volkmann and Conjuring Arts!”—David Copperfield
“I’ve never seen a magic-history book like this. It’s more than an encyclopedia of magic and is filled with incredible ideas for anyone who wants to be inspired.”—David Blaine
”These volumes are an amazing accomplishment on every level: The original research, the writing, the translation by Dr. Pieper and Max Pritchard, and the stunning presentation. I’ve had many friends call and write to ask, “Are they worth it? Should I get them?” My answer to all of them, and to you, is “Yes. These are a must.”
These books are a remarkable resource and a remarkable value. As I looked through them, I kept thinking, “I wish Ricky could have seen these.” You’ll be happy from the second you begin to unbox them (this may be the best packing job any book has ever received) beyond the moment you turn the last page and every time you return to these volumes for deeper knowledge and inspiration.
Here is my personal guarantee: If anyone gets these and doesn’t believe that these books and the information inside them are worth many times the asking price, I guarantee the person hasn’t actually read them.
Now that this edition of Volkmann’s History of the Art of Conjuring exists, I cannot imagine not owning it.”—Michael Weber
“Just when you thought you knew something about magic history, A History of the Art of Conjuring comes along and changes everything. These two gigantic books provide a view of magic that is both unfamiliar and endlessly fascinating. Seemingly every page provides us with new information. And as we have come to expect from the Conjuring Arts Research Center, these books are of the highest quality.”—Mike Caveney
“These volumes are breathtaking in their scope, detail, production and vision. They deserve a place on the bookshelf of anyone who is serious about the history of magic.”—Richard Wiseman
“A copy of this work belongs on the shelves of historians and collectors worldwide.”—Edwin A. Dawes
“The most thorough and best-researched history on conjuring ever written. […] This two-volume set of Volkmann’s History of the Art of Conjuring is magnificent and—without a hint of hyperbole—is required in the library of anyone with a serious interest in conjuring history.”—Stephen Minch
Unveiling a Magical Legacy
Kurt Volkmann’s “A History of the Art of Conjuring” is a two-volume masterpiece that offers an extensive exploration of the world of magic, spanning centuries and continents. The first volume delves deep into the fascinating history of performance magic, from its roots in antiquity to the dazzling feats of modern European stage conjurers. Volkmann’s eloquent prose serves as a guide, leading readers through a treasure trove of manuscripts, books, newspapers, and artworks, all written in over a dozen languages. Through this lens, Volkmann provides readers with an insightful journey into the evolution of magic and its profound impact on both magicians and their mesmerized audiences.
A Closer Look at Volume Two
In the second volume of this extraordinary work, Volkmann narrows his focus to individual countries, uncovering the hidden gems of magic history associated with each one. Familiar names and stories from Europe and beyond are revisited, but Volkmann’s keen analytical skills also shine a spotlight on lesser-known practitioners, shedding light on their repertoires and motivations. This meticulous exploration of magic’s cultural diversity and evolution across different regions makes Volume Two an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the global history of conjuring.
Unparalleled Depth and Detail
Both volumes of “A History of the Art of Conjuring” offer readers a remarkable depth of knowledge, featuring a combined total of 1,260 pages. These pages are adorned with 432 stunning color illustrations, each fully credited and expertly selected to enhance the reader’s experience. Additionally, the books come with comprehensive annotated endnotes, providing additional context and sources for readers eager to delve deeper into the history of magic.
Volume Two takes the scholarly endeavor even further with eleven appendices, offering fresh insights into the sources and magicians discussed, along with an extensive Bibliography and an exhaustive Index.

A Collector’s Dream
As if the content itself weren’t enticing enough, the physical presentation of this magic-history masterpiece is equally captivating. Printed on archival paper and bound with foil-stamped cloth, these books are built to stand the test of time. The sewn signatures ensure durability, making them a treasure to be enjoyed for generations. The set is housed in a luxurious slipcase, making it an exquisite collector’s item that will surely be cherished by magic aficionados and historians alike.
Limited Edition Magic
“A History of the Art of Conjuring” is strictly limited to just 1,000 numbered sets and is exclusively available from the Conjuring Arts Research Center.
This limited availability adds an extra layer of exclusivity and desirability to this already remarkable collection.
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