Unveiling the Premier Issue of Gibecière

Step into the rich tapestry of magic's past with Gibecière by Stephen Minch - Vol 1 No 1 (Winter 2005). This inaugural issue, now available as an instant download, sets the benchmark for in-depth, scholarly exploration within the magical arts. Curated by Editor Stephen Minch and Executive Director William Kalush, it offers a meticulously researched collection of articles that illuminate the historical foundations and evolution of magical performance and deception. Far more than just a collection of tricks, Gibecière provides a vital resource for serious students and enthusiasts of magic history, ensuring its place as a cornerstone in any digital magical library.

Journey Through Historical Deceptions

The journey begins with Volker Huber's captivating article on 'The Yawning Mouth.' Huber masterfully traces the origins and diverse incarnations of this fundamental principle, from ancient roots through its manifestations in iconic effects like Jacob's Ladder and the Himber Wallet. This piece offers a rare opportunity to understand the conceptual lineage behind seemingly disparate magical mechanisms. Following this, Vanni Bossi contributes an insightful analysis titled 'On the Prearrangement and Mnemonic Use of a Deck of Cards.' As the title suggests, Bossi delves into early references and methods for exploiting prearranged playing cards, revealing the historical cunning behind card magic and related forms of magical entertainment.

The Underworld of Sharpers and Stage Legends

Further enriching the issue, Robert Jutte's article, 'Sharpers and Their Tricks in the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern Times,' plunges into the murky world of organized crime. Jutte provides an engrossing commentary on gambling cheats during this pivotal period, detailing their unique argot, social structures, and elaborate methods of deception. This academic yet enthralling piece paints a vivid picture of historical trickery beyond the stage. Concluding this remarkable volume is an historical account by the revered Ricky Jay. Jay examines the intriguing efforts of the Davenport Brother & Fay — Ira Davenport and William Fay — as they attempted to resurrect the famed act that brought the original Davenport Brothers their significant renown before William Davenport's untimely passing. This article offers a poignant look at theatrical legacy and the challenges of recapturing past glories.

Comprising 138 pages of unparalleled scholarship, this digital edition of Gibecière Vol 1 No 1 is a timeless acquisition for anyone passionate about the true history and academic study of magic.

Original Specs

The first issue of Gibeciere features several very salient articles as well as introductory pieces by Stephen Minch, the Editor, and William Kalush, the Executive Director.

A fascinating article on The Yawning Mouth, by Volker Huber, starts the issue. Mr. Huber looks at the origins of the principle and then moves forward to the various incarnations it will take in the course of its history, including Jacobs Ladder and the Himber Wallet.

Vanni Bossi contributes the next article entitled On the Prearrangement and Mnemonic Use of a deck of Cards, which, as you may have guessed, looks at early references for arranged playing cards and methods for taking advantage of the order for magic and related purposes.

The third article, Sharpers and Their Tricks in the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern Times by Robert Jutte, features commentary on organized crime during that period, specifically with regard to gambling cheats and their argot, society, and methods.

The final article is by Ricky Jay and is a history on Davenport Brother & Fay, a duo of Ira Davenport and William Fay trying to recreate the act that had won the Davenport Brothers their fame and notoriety prior to William Davenports early death.

As you can see, the first issue contains a wealth of fascinating articles and, since we have only printed a limited number, and do not intend a reprint, now is a good time to acquire one of these for your collection.

Pages: 138

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Gibecière by Stephen Minch - Vol 7 No 2 (Summer 2012, (Instant Download)

Gibecière by Stephen Minch - Vol 1 No 1 (Winter 2005, (Instant Download)