Well, Stuart Joseph, AKA The Great Scot, has decided to start selling e-books of historical magic books. This is a great idea. I have sold and given away over 100 copies of my work on Hocus Pocus, Jr.

However, I question his acumen. Most people in magic are aware of Lybrary.com and Learned Pig.

His latest offering, Hocus Pocus, Jr. First edition is going for $10.00. You can get the same thing from Lybrary.com for $7.00.

Caveat Emptor.

I should add to this -- this is the same fellow who, over a year ago, was advertising "Historically Correct Renaissance Cups and Balls Sets." The sets were not historically accurate. They were made of leather (not accurate) without a recessed bottom (also not accurate). And his ads indicated a complete lack of knowledge of Hocus Pocus Jr., which had the first illustrated cups and balls routine in it. I sent him the drawing and description from Hocus Pocus, Jr.

His statement was "well, they had leather cups back then, so it's accurate enough." This is a fellow who claims to teach historically accurate magic for members of the SCA, renaissance festival performers and historical reenactors.

Sorry folks, it just don't fly.

I will add this. Before you purchase any e-books of historical documents such as Hocus Pocus, Jr., Discoverie of Witchcraft, or the Art of Jugling, check with the Learned Pig and Lybrary.com to make sure they are not already published. There is no sense reinventing the wheel.

I think your instincts are right on, Bill.

Besides, I learned the hard way to never trust a guy wearing a skirt. :>)