August Roterberg

August Roterberg was a German-American magician and magic dealer who significantly influenced the development of close-up magic in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His influence came primarily through his published works and the magic shop he operated in Chicago from 1895. As an author, Roterberg wrote several seminal books on magic, including "New Era Card Tricks" (1897) and "The Modern Wizard" (1895), which are considered foundational texts in modern close-up magic literature. His books were notable for their detailed explanations and innovative techniques, many of which are still referenced by magicians today. Roterberg's magic shop in Chicago became a hub for professional magicians and enthusiasts, where he sold both magical apparatus and books. His establishment was particularly known for its high-quality props and original magical effects, many of which he designed himself. His contributions to magic earned him recognition among his contemporaries, and his influence extended well beyond his death in 1939. The techniques and principles detailed in his books helped establish many of the fundamental moves used in modern card magic.

Limited reader reviews exist online for August Roterberg's magic books, as most were published in the early 1900s before modern review platforms. The few available comments on magic forums and specialty sites focus on his technical writing and teaching methods. Readers appreciated: - Clear instructions for sleight-of-hand techniques - Detailed illustrations of hand positions - Logical progression of lessons - Historical significance in magic literature Common criticisms: - Outdated language can be difficult to follow - Some described moves need more explanation - Physical books are rare and expensive to obtain No ratings are available on Goodreads or Amazon. Magic Castle Library members have commented positively on his books as reference materials, particularly "New Era Card Tricks" (1897). On the Genii magic forum, readers note his influence on modern magic instruction but suggest supplementing with video demonstrations for clarity. Primary sources for reviews: Magic forums, specialty magic book dealers, and magic history websites.

New Era Card Tricks (1897) A compilation of card magic methods, sleights and routines, including several original contributions to card magic methodology.

The Modern Wizard (1895) A treatise on general magic including coin tricks, stage illusions, and mentalism effects commonly performed during the late 19th century.

Card Tricks and How to Do Them (1902) An instructional work focusing on fundamental card handling techniques and basic card magic principles.

Latter Day Tricks (1896) A collection of magic effects using various props and methods that were considered novel during the period.