The Mystery Of Psycho by Jim Steinmeyer (Instant Download)

Unveiling the Enigma of Psycho

Step into the captivating world of 19th-century mechanical marvels with "The Mystery Of Psycho" by renowned author Jim Steinmeyer. This exceptional, hand-numbered limited edition, specifically copy 328 of only 500 ever produced, offers an unparalleled deep dive into one of magic history's most sophisticated and enduring illusions: the automaton known as Psycho. Steinmeyer meticulously peels back the layers of deception surrounding this legendary creation, providing readers with an intimate look at its revolutionary design and its impact on the art of magic.

A Glimpse into Ingenuity: John Nevil Maskelyne's Masterpiece

At the heart of this volume lies the story of John Nevil Maskelyne, the brilliant English magician and inventor whose genius brought Psycho to life. Maskelyne first unveiled his incredible automaton at London's prestigious Egyptian Hall in 1875, where it astonished audiences by flawlessly playing the English trick-taking card game, Whist. This book explores Maskelyne's innovative spirit, the challenges he overcame, and the mechanical brilliance that allowed Psycho to perform feats of seemingly impossible intelligence, captivating spectators and baffling experts for decades. With intricate details and historical context, Steinmeyer illuminates the ingenuity behind this mechanical marvel.

An Illustrated Collector's Gem

This staplebound collector's edition is not only a treasure trove of information but also a visually rich experience. Spanning 63 pages, it features an array of black-and-white illustrations throughout, complementing Steinmeyer's narrative with visual insights into Psycho's mechanisms and performances. Adding to its allure is a striking color frontispiece, meticulously tipped in, showcasing Harry Kellar's Psycho. Preserved with very mild shelf wear to its pictorial paper wraps, clean and unmarked pages, and a sound binding, this copy stands as a testament to its care and collectible value. It's an essential acquisition for historians of magic, automaton enthusiasts, and collectors of unique literary works.

Original Specs

The Mystery Of Psycho by Jim Steinmeyer ( Instant Download )

Limited Edition. Staplebound. This copy is hand-numbered 328 of a limited edition of 500 copies. 11" X 8". 63pp. Very mild shelf wear to covers, corners, and edges of pictorial paper wraps. Pages are clean and unmarked. Binding is sound. With black-and-white illustrations throughout and a color frontispiece featuring Harry Kellar's Psycho tipped in.

Psycho was a sophisticated automaton created by English magician and inventor, John Nevil Maskelyne (1839-1917). Maskelyne first debuted his creation at The Egyptian Hall in London in 1875, where it performed for audiences by playing the English trick-taking card game, Whisk