Erdnase Unmasked

For over a hundred years, the identity of the author of Artifice, Ruse and Subterfuge at the Card Table, known colloquially as The Expert at the Card Table, has perplexed practitioners of magic and historians alike. For many, it is the last great, unresolved mystery of twentieth century magic. That is, until now.

Magicana is pleased to publish the findings of Richard Hatch, the world’s pre-eminent authority on the subject, along with sleight-of-hand artist David Ben’s profile of the author drawn from the content of the book. Together, they make a compelling case that one man – E. S. Andrews – was the author of this seminal text.

This publication also contains Hurt McDermott’s illuminating analysis of why The Expert at the Card Table, and books of its ilk, was published anonymously, and in Chicago. Jason England, a world-renowned authority on advantage play, provides a detailed description of the published variants and ancillary products.

This publication, designed by Michael Albright, is a composite of articles culled from the pages of Magicol, The journal of magic history and collectibles. It also includes a reprint of Martin Gardner’s article, “Editions of Erdnase”, that first appeared in Magicol, (Vol. 2, No. 1, August 1951), a private publication reserved for members of the Magic Collectors Association.

Softbound, 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x 21.5cm), 84 pages. Limited Edition – 500 copies.

Erdnase Unmasked is now sold out.

Originally, it sold from Magicana for $35 USD (plus shipping and handling and HST for Canadian residents). It still may be available from your favourite dealer.