Illusionology - Tapa dura

Illusionology reveals the practical science of magic. Purportedly written in 1915 by one of America's top scientists, William Schafer, the book is an expose of the tricks of the masters for new initiates of the Illusionists' Guild. As well as revealing inside info about many famous tricks - levitating a lady, making things disappear and mind-reading, among others - and providing instructions, it gives explanations of the science that makes the magic possible. In the course of the book, we learn that Schafer has been perfecting a machine that exploits 'radiant matter' to effect the full dematerialization of a person. On the final spread, Schafer tries out the invention - and is never seen again!

Emily Hawkins is a highly experienced writer and editor who also wrote the New-York-Times bestseller Oceanology. David Wyatt has illustrated books by world-famous authors including Philip Pullman, Alan Garner and Terry Pratchett. Levi Pinfold won the Booktrust Early Years Award (Best Emerging Illustrator) for his debut picture book The Django. Tomislav Tomic was the sole illustrator of Trick of the Tale and has contributed to Wizardology and Monsterology.