Hugard's Magic Monthly

volumes 1 thru 6

With Master Index to volumes 1-XXI  by William L. Broecker

Hugard’s Magic Monthly – Hardbound Reprint Set (1990s Magico Editions)
Own six oversized hardbound volumes (Vol. VI missing) of one of magic’s most important journals—2,800+ pages, 1,560+ tricks and sleights, columns by the greats, and a 150-page Master Index to the entire run. These are 1990s reprints stored in our shop since new; they’re not pristine, but they’re solid, collectible reference copies. With reprints issued only twice and printing costs soaring, sets like this are harder to find—and harder to replace.

 

Hugard’s Magic Monthly – Hardbound Reprint Set (1990s Magico Editions)

Format: 6 oversized hardbound volumes (8½″ × 11″) • Note: Volume VI (Vols. XVII–XIX) is missing/not available
Includes: The Master Index (Vols. XX–XXI) with history, contributor bios, and the 1945 Jean Hugard Testimonial program

Why this set matters;

Originally published from June 1943 to April 1965, Hugard’s Magic Monthly is a cornerstone of conjuring literature—245 issues spanning the tricks, sleights, reviews, gossip, and inside baseball of three golden decades. Edited by Jean Hugard (of Modern Magic Manual fame) and later carried forward by respected hands, the magazine tracks the living history of magic with authority and style.

Across these reprint volumes you’ll find 1,560+ tricks and sleights, plus hundreds of tips, reviews, columns, and historical notes. Regular contributors include a who’s-who: Bert Allerton, Jerry Andrus, Annemann, Al Baker, Ross Bertram, Fred Braue, Milbourne Christopher, Paul Curry, Dr. Jacob Daley, Martin Gardner, Frank Garcia, Ed Marlo, Harry Lorayne, James Randi, Stewart James, Peter Kane, Sid Lorraine, and many more.

About this specific set;

These are the respected Magico hardbound reprint editions produced in the 1990s—designed for serious study in a durable, library-friendly format.

What’s included:

• BK1 — Vols. I–IV (~325 pages)
• BK2 — Vols. V–VII (~352 pages)
• BK3 — Vols. VIII–X (300+ pages)
• BK4 — Vols. XI–XIII (440+ pages)
• BK5 — Vols. XIV–XVI (440+ pages)
• BK6 — Missing / Not Available (this would be Vols. XVII–XIX)
• BK7 — Vols. XX–XXI (400+ pages)
  • Contains the 150-page Master Index by W. L. Broecker, guiding you to effects, contributors, and topics across the entire run.
  • Includes Broecker’s overview of the magazine’s history and biographies of key contributors.
  • Bonus: a faithful reproduction (100+ pages) of the Jean Hugard Testimonial program, New York, April 28, 1945.

Total content: 2,824+ pages of tricks, thinking, and history from magic’s most storied era.

Important condition note (please read)

These books are not pristine/new. They’ve been stored in our magic shop showroom/warehouse since the 1990sand show natural shelf wear and age from long-term storage (light rubbing, minor edge/corner wear, occasional storage marks). They are unread shop stock—not previously owned by a customer. One volume remains in original shrink wrap. Solid working/collector copies, ideal for study and reference.

Collector’s note

Reprints of Hugard’s have been issued only twice, and these 1990s Magico editions are increasingly sought after. Predicting which reprint becomes the darling of collectors is always tricky, but history favors well-produced library bindings—especially with a comprehensive Master Index included. With printing costs continuing to rise, acquiring comparable coverage piecemeal will almost certainly exceed this set’s price, particularly as near-complete runs tighten on the secondary market.

 

Bottom line: If you perform, study, research, or collect, this set earns its shelf space. It’s a working archive of classic thought and method—ready to inform your repertoire and deepen your understanding of the craft.

 

List of Select Contributors from Hugard’s Magic Monthly (1943–1965)

• Bert Allerton
• Jerry Andrus
• Ted Annemann
• Jack Avis
• Al Baker
• Ross Bertram
• Fred Braue
• Milbourne Christopher
• Stewart Cramer
• Paul Curry
• Dr. Jacob Daley
• Will Dexter
• Victor Farelli
• Martin Gardner
• Frank Garcia
• Cliff Green
• S. Leo Horowitz
• Stewart James
• Peter Kane
• George Kaplan
• Max Katz
• Ken Krenzel
• Harry Lorayne
• Sid Lorraine
• Ed Marlo
• Orville Meyer
• James Randi
• Clayton Rawson
  …plus many more luminaries...