The Art of Iugling or Legerdemaine

"The Art of Iugling or Legerdemaine" by Samuel Rid is a treatise written in the early 17th century, likely during the Jacobean era. This book explores the intricate world of juggling and sleight of hand, focusing on the techniques behind various tricks and illusions. It serves as both an instructional guide for practitioners and a cautionary tale regarding the deceptions prevalent in entertainment associated with gambling and fortune-telling. The content of the book is divided into different sections that describe the essential principles of legerdemain—highlighting the importance of agility and deception in performing tricks with balls, coins, and cards. Rid discusses the history of jugglers, the evolution of their craft, and the ethical considerations associated with their performances. Additionally, he offers practical advice on executing various sleight-of-hand feats, such as the cunning conveyance of objects, manipulation of dice, and card tricks that can bewilder unsuspecting audiences. Through a combination of theoretical discourse and practical examples, Rid reveals the methods that can amuse and mystify while warning readers against the perils of gambling and con artistry. (This is an automatically generated summary.)