Strange Command by J Stewart Smith. (Instant Download)

Unlock the Supernatural in Card Magic

For the discerning conjurer who aspires to transcend simple card tricks and evoke genuine wonder, J. Stewart Smith's "Strange Command" is an indispensable guide. This seminal work, originally published in 1966, delves into the profound philosophy behind making card magic appear truly supernatural, where methods vanish and effects manifest as if by pure, unexplainable will. It is not merely a collection of routines, but a deep exploration into the psychological and performative principles that elevate a performance from sleight-of-hand into an unforgettable, miraculous experience. As the foreword boldly states, "To be magic, the viewers are unaware of the use of any methods... the effect apparently just happens and the performer seems to be only an instrument of the supernatural."

Mastering the Art of Pure Deception

"Strange Command" is meticulously crafted for serious students of card magic who are ready to scrutinize and perfect every nuance of their craft. Smith guides you through principles that ensure your audience perceives an effect as an impossibility, a moment where the ordinary rules of reality bend. The evocative chapter titles—such as "Nebuchadnezzar’s Nightmare," "Occult Powers In Full Force," and "Within The Realm Of The Miraculous"—hint at the depth and originality of the insights contained within. This book promises to refine your understanding of misdirection, timing, and psychological subtlety, empowering you to create illusions that defy explanation and leave spectators utterly spellbound.

A Timeless Classic for the Dedicated Magician

This PDF edition preserves the timeless wisdom of Smith's original 28-page manuscript, offering 8,213 words of invaluable instruction equivalent to 32 standard pages. If you are committed to the pursuit of true magical artistry—to making the impossible real and turning observers into believers—"Strange Command" offers the profound insights necessary to transform your card magic from impressive skill into inexplicable wonder. It’s a journey into the heart of magical deception, revealing how to become an instrument of the supernatural.

Original Specs

Excerpt from the Foreword:

This book is intended for those men who have made a study of card magic. To be magic, the viewers are unaware of the use of any methods ... the effect apparently just happens and the performer seems to be only an instrument of the supernatural. Certain death to magic follows any contraventions of these principles.

• Foreword
• It Is Certain To Happen
• The Notorious Society
• Nebuchadnezzar’s Nightmare
• Occult Powers In Full Force
• Unfriendly Influence
• The Offensive Jacks
• An Unexplainable Purpose
• So Great Is Its Power
• This Strange Mystery
• Within The Realm Of The Miraculous
• A Fancy-Free Card Has No Existence

1st edition 1966, 28 pages; PDF 27 pages.
word count: 8213 which is equivalent to 32 standard pages of text