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.
First Introduction
So thanks again, Arthur Lloyd, for the idea that has grown into 101
Methods of Forcing.
Theo. Annemann.
April 12, 1932
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