An Enduring Legacy

The Davenport Story Volume 3 invites you to delve deeper into the extraordinary annals of one of magic's most enduring dynasties. Picking up from the precipice of World War II, this compelling narrative chronicles the Davenport family's fight for survival, not just personally, but for their beloved magic business. Follow Gilly Davenport as he masterfully navigates the era's daunting challenges – conscription, relentless bombings, severe shortages, and the looming threat of invasion. This volume meticulously details how Gilly's unwavering determination and ingenuity ensured the family's enterprise not only survived but thrived, preserving a cherished legacy against all odds. It's a testament to resilience, family bonds, and the unwavering spirit of innovation that kept the magic alive during humanity's darkest hours.

The Secrets of the Masters

Beyond the family's personal odyssey, Volume 3 unlocks a treasure trove of magical history. Journey through the evolving landscape of performance magic from the mid-20th century to the present day, encountering the titans who shaped its course. The Davenports, with their intimate connections to Britain's performing stars, were privy to secrets known by few. Prepare to uncover Gilly's vivid recounting of John Calvert's sensational London debut in 1952, an event that captivated audiences and baffled fellow magicians. Delve into Kio's enigmatic show, which stumped even the most seasoned professionals, yet Gilly's discerning eye saw through its brilliance. Furthermore, never-before-revealed secrets await, such as Sorcar's infamous 'Cut & Restored Tongue' and the mesmerizing details of Gus Davenport’s close-up show that left the legendary Jay Marshall utterly astonished. This is an unparalleled peek behind the curtain of magical genius.

A Visual Feast

This instant download delivers the full richness of a monumental publication. Spanning 536 meticulously crafted pages, The Davenport Story Volume 3 is a visual masterpiece, boasting over 600 illustrations. Many of these historical images are presented in stunning color, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the lives, performances, and private moments of a family dedicated to the art of illusion. From rare photographs to detailed diagrams and archival documents, these visuals complement the gripping narrative, making this volume an essential resource for magic historians, enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the intertwining of family saga and professional dedication. Despite being an instant download, the comprehensive detail and visual quality mirror the high standards of a hard-bound collectible.

Original Specs

The Life and Times of a Magical Family 1939-2010

The second volume of the Davenport family's story starts where it could have ended with World War II. Conscription, bombings, crippling shortages and the real threat of invasion all conspired to end the family's dreams of continuing with the business they loved. Dame Fortune chose one man to pull the company through those testing years. That man was Gilly Davenport, and the story recounts how he overcame the horrors of the war, government bureaucracy and restrictions to ensure the businesses survived yet, at the same time, cared for the family.

However, the story is not just about the business. It is about what the family is passionate about - magic. You are taken through its stages of change to the present, and on the way, you will meet the leading players. As the family knew the stars who performed in Britain, they also knew their secrets. For example, read Gilly's detailed account of John Calvert's acclaimed debut in London in 1952 and Kio's show, which baffled leading magicians but not Gilly. Other secrets such as Sorcar's Cut & Restored Tongue and Gus Davenport's never-before-seen close-up show, which amazed Jay Marshall, are carefully recorded.

Volume 3 of The Davenport Story, 536 pages, hard bound, color dust cover and over 600 illustrations including color.

#WWII Magic

The Davenport Story Volume 3 by Fergus Roy (Instant Download)