The Phantom of the Card Table
Encyclopedia
The Phantom of the Card Table is a manuscript published in 1931 by Eddie McGuire on the card skills and techniques of Walter Irving Scott
aka 'The Phantom'.
had been in correspondence with some of the top names, notably T. Nelson Downs in New York
. He spoke often of his association with an amazing card cheat, Walter Scott, and his unbelievable skills at the card table.
In New York, on 14 June 1930, McGuire arranged a special presentation to the Inner Circle of the New York magic elite. Scott wowed his audience and became an overnight sensation. However he had no interest in pursuing a life among this community and was only pushed to perform by McGuire.
The manuscript was used by McGuire to fulfil his own ambitions and his search for publicity. He wanted desperately to know the secrets of the highest professionals and used his presence as Scott's intermediary to ingratiate himself. For others, such as Dai Vernon
, McGuire was a pest who constantly used his position to condescend and frustrate Vernon's efforts to meet Scott in person.
Scott claimed that McGuire had used him to get to the group in New York. The manuscript was another weapon in McGuire's arsenal and no more than three dozen copies were first published. They were sold for between $50 and $100 in 1931. Scott called it a mistake and "regretted it to this day".
Eventually, despite fervent attempts to maintain his status, the lack of appearances by Scott led McGuire to become redundant and in 1934 disappeared/retired from the magic community for unknown reasons.
The legend of Scott continued to grow however and in 1951 Arthur T. Johnson, a magician from New York, produced an edition of The Phantom of the Card table and handed it out anonymously at a magician's convention so that the material would not be in danger of being forgotten.
Johnson discovered McGuire to still be alive and with his co-operation the manuscript was run as a three-part series in The Linking Ring
magazine, beginning with the November 1953 issue. Added was an introduction, a reprint of McGuire's 1932 article 'A Talk to Card Enthusiasts'. Originally printed in 'Seven Circles', a conjuring magazine, it was no more than a puff piece and a thinly veiled attack on Dai Vernon.
The series revitalised interest in Scott but yet again McGuire found himself the subject of ridicule.
In 1976 the publisher Gambler's Book Club reprinted the manuscript at 64 pages. McGuire is credited as the author.
Walter Irving Scott
Walter Irving Scott was an American musician, cardsharp and amateur magician. His glowing reputation among magicians and card men revolves around his time as a card cheat and a single demonstration of sleight-of-hand to some of the era's best magicians in New York in 1930...
aka 'The Phantom'.
Contents
The manuscript was a collection of notes, letters and typed up explanations on the secrets of Scott's work from special techniques to cheating devices.History
For several years Eddie McGuire, an amateur magicianMagic (illusion)
Magic is a performing art that entertains audiences by staging tricks or creating illusions of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats using natural means...
had been in correspondence with some of the top names, notably T. Nelson Downs in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. He spoke often of his association with an amazing card cheat, Walter Scott, and his unbelievable skills at the card table.
In New York, on 14 June 1930, McGuire arranged a special presentation to the Inner Circle of the New York magic elite. Scott wowed his audience and became an overnight sensation. However he had no interest in pursuing a life among this community and was only pushed to perform by McGuire.
The manuscript was used by McGuire to fulfil his own ambitions and his search for publicity. He wanted desperately to know the secrets of the highest professionals and used his presence as Scott's intermediary to ingratiate himself. For others, such as Dai Vernon
Dai Vernon
Dai Vernon , aka The Professor, was a Canadian magician. His expert sleight-of-hand technique and extensive knowledge garnered him respect among fellow magicians. His influence was considerable in the magic world, and he was a mentor to numerous famous magicians...
, McGuire was a pest who constantly used his position to condescend and frustrate Vernon's efforts to meet Scott in person.
Scott claimed that McGuire had used him to get to the group in New York. The manuscript was another weapon in McGuire's arsenal and no more than three dozen copies were first published. They were sold for between $50 and $100 in 1931. Scott called it a mistake and "regretted it to this day".
Eventually, despite fervent attempts to maintain his status, the lack of appearances by Scott led McGuire to become redundant and in 1934 disappeared/retired from the magic community for unknown reasons.
The legend of Scott continued to grow however and in 1951 Arthur T. Johnson, a magician from New York, produced an edition of The Phantom of the Card table and handed it out anonymously at a magician's convention so that the material would not be in danger of being forgotten.
Johnson discovered McGuire to still be alive and with his co-operation the manuscript was run as a three-part series in The Linking Ring
The Linking Ring
The Linking Ring is a monthly print magazine, published by the International Brotherhood of Magicians. It is also available in electronic form to members of the IBM. All members of the IBM are entitled to receive this periodical. It was first published in 1923...
magazine, beginning with the November 1953 issue. Added was an introduction, a reprint of McGuire's 1932 article 'A Talk to Card Enthusiasts'. Originally printed in 'Seven Circles', a conjuring magazine, it was no more than a puff piece and a thinly veiled attack on Dai Vernon.
The series revitalised interest in Scott but yet again McGuire found himself the subject of ridicule.
In 1976 the publisher Gambler's Book Club reprinted the manuscript at 64 pages. McGuire is credited as the author.