The Bob Brethen Papers consist primarily of type-written descriptions of magic tricks. Most common are card tricks, mental tricks, including jinx card tricks, ESP, psychic routines, and memory and number tricks. This collection was originally part of the Smith Magic collection, but has been removed to stand on its own.
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Bob Brethen papers, Ms. 2008.005, Brown University Library.
The Bob Brethen Papers consist primarily of type-written descriptions of magic tricks. Most common are card tricks, mental tricks, including jinx card tricks, ESP, psychic routines, and memory and number tricks. The collection also includes descriptions of ball, chemical, paper, ring, thimble, and cigarette tricks, as well as material on the magician Annemann, including books published, exclusive manuscripts, and tricks. There are some ads and reviews, notably of mental tricks and a "This Week" special on ESP. The collection also contains a large volume of Bob Brethen’s original material, ordered 1-200 and indexed.
The materials are divided into seven series based on type of magic.
Transferred from the Smith Magic Collection. Acquisition information unavailable.