Edward G. McGuire: The Phantom of the Card Table – Critical Edition, Instant Download for Advanced Card Magic & Sleight of Hand
14 $
- Instant digital access to Edward G. McGuire’s legendary card magic treatise.
- Critical Edition featuring extensive modern annotations and expert commentary.
- Includes never-before-published 1930s photos by Cardini illustrating Walter Scott’s techniques.
- Unpublished Q&A section with Dai Vernon and over 1300 critical notes for historical accuracy.

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Step into the thrilling, clandestine world of advanced card magic and sleight of hand with Edward G. McGuire’s The Phantom of the Card Table – Critical Edition. This instant digital download provides unparalleled access to one of magic’s most influential and mysterious works, detailing the legendary techniques of Walter Scott, whose methods entranced master magicians like Dai Vernon.
Originally circulated as a private typescript in the early 1930s, “The Phantom of the Card Table” became an instant underground classic, revered for its detailed exposé of Scott’s impossible feats. Witnessed firsthand by luminaries such as Cardini – who famously declared Scott “500 years ahead of Erdnase!” – Scott’s ability to deal winning hands from freely shuffled decks was considered the pinnacle of card manipulation.
The Critical Edition: Unprecedented Depth and Clarity
This meticulously crafted Critical Edition offers more than just the original text; it’s a comprehensive study designed to provide the deepest understanding of Scott’s artistry and McGuire’s documentation.
Meticulously Preserved and Annotated Content
- Complete & Unabridged: Every word, technique, and insight from McGuire’s original typescript is preserved for authentic study.
- Modern Annotations: Over 1300 critical notes by Lori Pieper and Maxwell Pritchard provide expert commentary, clarifications, and historical context. These annotations meticulously compare this version against several other known typescripts and published editions, ensuring accuracy and depth.
- Cross-Referenced Material: Gain a precise understanding of the evolution and variations of Scott’s techniques as documented over time.
Exclusive, Never-Before-Published Materials
This Critical Edition stands alone in its inclusion of invaluable, previously unseen content from Cardini’s personal archives:
- Cardini’s Original 1930s Photos: See Walter Scott’s work illustrated for the first time with amazing, close-up photographs taken by Cardini himself. These visual aids make complex sleights much more approachable and understandable.
- Dai Vernon’s Questions & Walter Scott’s Answers: A unique, never-before-published section from Cardini’s copy, detailing direct insights from Scott in response to questions posed by the legendary Dai Vernon.
- Cardini’s Hand-Drawn Illustrations: Discover the precise visual details Cardini captured in his personal copy, offering a unique perspective on Scott’s methods.
- Additional Unpublished Articles & Photos: Augment your understanding with other articles and private meeting photos featuring Scott and other prominent magicians.
Instant Access to Mastery
As an instant digital download, this Critical Edition provides immediate access to this historical and technical treasure. Whether you are a seasoned card mechanic, a dedicated magic historian, or an aspiring beginner eager to master advanced deceptions, this resource is essential. Elevate your card magic performances and deepen your understanding of the art of manipulation with the definitive edition of “The Phantom of the Card Table.”
Product Specifications
Master professional techniques with Edward G McGuire – The Phantom Of The Card Table (Critical Edition , Instant Download ). Available now as a digital download!
Edward G McGuire – The Phantom Of The Card Table (Critical Edition, Instant Download)
Step into the thrilling world of card magic with Edward G. McGuire’s The Phantom of the Card Table, now available in a meticulously crafted Critical Edition. This instant download provides unparalleled insights into the legendary techniques of the mysterious “Phantom,” a master of manipulation whose secrets have fascinated magicians for generations.
Whether you’re a seasoned magician or an enthusiastic beginner, this critically acclaimed edition is your gateway to mastering advanced card table deceptions. Dive deep into the artistry and precision that define the Phantom’s legacy, and elevate your craft to new heights.
Why Choose This Critical Edition?
- Complete & Unabridged: Every word, technique, and insight preserved for authenticity.
- Modern Annotations: Expert commentary and clarifications to enhance understanding.
- Instant Access: Download immediately and start learning today.
- SEO-Optimized Content: Designed to help magicians like you discover this gem effortlessly.
Unlock the secrets of the Phantom and transform your card magic performances with this essential resource. Perfect for collectors, performers, and anyone passionate about the art of deception.
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Edward G McGuire – The Phantom Of The Card Table (Critical Edition , Instant Download )
The Phantom of the Card Table was originally a typescript that was written and circulated by Edward McGuire at the end of 1930 through about 1932. This became an instant underground classic and all the prominent card men of that time, including Dai Vernon, were entranced by it.
The reason this little typescript was sought after was its subject, Walter Scott. In the summer of 1930, Scott and McGuire traveled to New York City and held a very private exhibition of what was then and should be now considered to be the greatest sleight of hand ever done! Scott allowed the other magicians to shuffle their own deck and give it to him and he could still deal out winning hands of cards. This completely fooled those who witnessed it that summer. One of the few invited to see this master was Cardini, who exclaimed after seeing Scott, “Scott is 500 years ahead of Erdnase!” Once the two men met they became lifelong friends and Cardini, naturally, wanted to learn the work Scott was doing. This desire led to Eddie McGuire writing down what Walter told him and sending it in a number of letters to Cardini. Some of these letters (not all) would later be collected in part by McGuire and offered for sale to select magicians who had heard of the now legendary Walter Scott. The later typescripts McGuire sold were not illustrated in any way and did not reveal all the information that had been sent to Cardini. Cardini’s copy had hand-drawn illustrations of some elements of Scott’s work and it also contained a very nice section (never before published) of answers to questions that Dai Vernon was asking of Scott. To further make Cardini’s copy special, Cardini, who was an amateur photographer, convinced Scott to sit for some photos of the work being done. We believe these were taken for Cardini’s sole and personal use, and these amazing photos are published here for the first time and make this work much more approachable.
Now you can own this never before published typescript with additional materials and Cardini’s original 1930s photos. This wonderful material is augmented by other articles most of which have never been published and photos of Scott and others in private meetings, also of which have never before been published. We have also gone to great lengths to make this a critical edition by having Lori Pieper and Maxwell Pritchard painstakingly go through several other known typescripts and published versions and making over 1300 critical notes letting the careful reader understand what is different in this version versus other later versions that exist.
This wonderful book was designed and laid out by Stephen Minch and was offset printed on archival natural stock in full color and with sewn signatures. We chose to use an 8 1/2 x 11′ format so that the student can easily lay the book flat during study. We have also put the step by step photos taken by Cardini on two fold-out page so that they can all be seen at once and be used while the text is open as well. We also used a very supple leather feel material that is both blind burnished as well as foil stamped. And we even put in a ribbon so you can keep your place during your studies.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get what we believe will be the greatest, most complete, and most beautiful edition of this work ever printed.
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