Romano, Chuck: The Mechanics of Marvels ©2006 Charles J. Romano, Aurora, IL Hardcover, 8.5x11", 480 pages

Image courtesy eBay seller Inisor

Comments: This book expands Jim Wobensmith's 1928 patent list to 500 Magic Patents and contains the complete drawings and text for 100 patents.

Contents: (Chapters courtesy Evan Shuster, magicbooks.be)

9 Foreword (Jim Steinmeyer)
11 Authors Note
15 Preface (Chuck Romano)

27 Part I Illusions
29 Human Transposition, Appearance, and Disappearance
130 Mirror Illusions
164 Mirror Illusions - Pepper's Ghost Type
169 Levitation
208 Vivisection
244 Miscellaneous Stage and Pit Illusions
244 Travel Illusions
245 Projection Picture Auxiliary
250 Transformation by Lighting
256 Simulating Natural Phenomena
256 Midget Illusions
237 Puppet Shows
257 Shadowgraphs
257 Continuously Flowing Liquid
261 Amusement Houses — Illusion Type
261 Mirror Mazes

263 Part II Small Trick Apparatus
265 Breakaway Fans
265 Card Tricks
265 Coin Tricks
314 Coining Devices
314 Drawer Boxes
314 Trick Drinking Mugs
314 Trick Knives, Swords and Daggers
333 Printing Devices
333 String Tricks
333 Magic Hats
358 Miscellaneous Small Trick Apparatus
425 Tenyo Co., Ltd. Products

427 Part III Miscellaneous
429 Advertising Devices
429 Stage Settings and Spectacles
435 Costume
442 Aerated Water Fountains

442 Stage Noise Apparatus
443 Amusement Houses Surprise and Shock Devices
444 Trick Chairs
444 Collapsible Tables
444 Trick Appendages
445 Sculpture (Magic Theme)
445 Toys or Games (Magic Related)
445 Magic Merchandising Vehicles
454 Magic Banks
454 Magic Sets
460 Magic Association Patents

477 Bibliography & Suggested Reading

480 About the Author