Words on Wonder by S. H. Sharpe

Mint-condition copies from the 1984 first edition
Very few copies available

Introduction by Doug Henning
Only a few hundred printed
24 pages
Saddle-stitched
Cover art by Sandra Kort based on an S. H. Sharpe artwork
One of Todd Karr’s earliest publications (as Wonder Publications)

“I am very thankful that Sam Sharpe is around to remind magicians and all people of the world of the glories of wonder.” – Doug Henning

“This is a book to inspire, give pleasure, delight and insight into the making of a magician.” – Peter Warlock

“If it’s Sam Sharpe, I will want a copy. He hasn’t disappointed me yet.” – Jay Marshall

The wisdom of England’s visionary magic philosopher is once again available to magicians in this new book.

S.H. Sharpe, translator of J.N. Hofzinser’s Card Conjuring, author of the 1932 classic Neo-Magic and seven other works, has toiled for decades preparing this manuscript, and at last it may be shared by other conjurers.

The purpose of magic is to create wonder. But what is wonder? This is the question which S.H. Sharpe attempts to answer in the series of essays constituting Words on Wonder.

In his fascinating exploration, Sharpe searches to discover why wonder has the power to evoke such powerful emotions in an audience. Along the way he clarifies the definition of what a magician is and what illusions do.

Essay topics include intensifying the wonder generated magic acts; the emphasis of manipulative technique over magical effect; and the role of magic in a world filled with electronic miracles.

A highlight of this volume is the anthology of quotations which Sharpe has assembled to conclude this book. The author has chosen almost one hundred quotes which examine the idea of wonder, from thinkers ranging from Sophocles to Albert Einstein, from Shakespeare to H.G. Wells, from Reginald Scot to Professor Hoffmann. The section is
an inspiration to read and will shed new light on the power and spirit of the wonder magicians create.

An eloquent introduction by Doug Henning welcomes the reader to this beautifully produced publication.