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FIRST INTRODUCTION
I want to say right at the start that I am not
claiming any originality for the contents of this manuscript. In
a number of instances I think I have added some forces and
methods that are my own, but it would be hard to prove because
of the sameness in basic principles.
In my professional work I found that many times I had need of a
good force and on the spur of the moment it was hard if not
impossible for me to think of the most suitable method for the
conditions under which I was working. I know that this is a
situation in which every worker has found himself, and because
of that I know just how useful this compilation will be.
It was over a year ago when Arthur Lloyd, the Human Card Index,
whose name and act (the only one of its kind) has graced
practically every vaudeville theatre in the world, spoke to me
about the usefulness of a complete compilation on the subject of
forcing. I immediately agreed, and for one year have picked up
and filed every possible method that I could locate. I know well
enough that the collection is not complete. No collection of
anything pertaining to Magic is complete insofar as methods go.
But I do know that this is the first time such a collection has
been offered and therefore I have done my best to make it as
representative as possible.
If there are more than 101 methods between the covers of this
work, don't thank me for being generous. You are getting
everything that I have filed and without counting them I
selected the title because it looks good on paper and sounds
well. There are no less than 101 methods in all so I have not
fallen below the mark, which to me is something.
Introductions should be short and to the point. I fear that I
have already said a little too much that is or will be of little
interest to the reader who would rather delve into the secrets.
So thanks again, Arthur Lloyd, for the idea that has grown into
101 Methods of Forcing.
Theo. Annemann.
April 12, 1932
SECOND INTRODUCTION
I suppose that it is alright
for the writer to attach two introductions by himself even
though it may not be done as the usual thing.
Nearly two years have passed
since I laboriously turned out the original 101 manuscript,
which, though a disgrace to make Gutenberg turn over in his
grave, did pave the way to this more extensive and (thanks only
to Max Holden) much better appearing product.
That makes it about three years
since Arthur Lloyd gave me the idea of compiling such a
collection. Time does fly but after the first one hundred and
fifty methods were together, time didn't mean a thing because
there just seemed to be no more. The last fifty-two were the
greatest struggle I've ever had and as far as I am concerned,
the mention of the word "force" is now known to put me in a
pretty dangerous frame of mind.
I must thank Jean Hugard here
for invaluable help inasmuch as he dug up about 25 of the later
additions and it was a great help indeed. Otherwise I can't give
any credit out, not just because it doesn't seem to be done
anymore, but because such a thing is impossible and would start
some sort of a riot, I am sure.
A year from now I'll probably
remember it all as a lot of fun. Right now I can only send it
out with a prayer and thanksgiving that I have finished.
November 28, 1933 Theo.
Annemann.
NOTE BY AUTHOR
I have found it next to
impossible to actually classify every method because it would
mean cross indexing practically everything I have written.
In separating them under four
headings I have placed Cards in general, Prepared decks for
forcing, Numbers and Miscellaneous by themselves which is
something if not everything.
Practically all of the number
methods can be used in some manner with book tests. Name and
word methods come under the same heading and combine in many
cases with those used for cards. Then there are novel methods
which use apparatus well known to magicians and common objects
to be found most everywhere.
Under one of the headings you
will find the particular method you need at the moment. And if
you have need of a force that can't be solved by this
compilation, I certainly will go on record as saying that as far
as I'm concerned, it doesn't exist.
"202 METHODS OF FORCING" E-Book
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