Thurston explains fundamental sleights such as the Pass, Palm, Force, Change, Back-Palm and his system of expert card manipulation, which appeared for the first time in this book. It also describes a unique gimmick to make the Back-Palm almost effortless.Thurston also lays claim to what we today call the Si Stebbins stack. He writes that it is his invention but he also thanks Si for his contributions and help.The 1st edition, was in 1903, Henry J. Wehman; 83 pages.This is the 2021 re-edited print CHAPTER I. A Few Incidents in the Life of Howard Thurston, Premier Card Manipulator of the World CHAPTER II. Indispensable Sleights CHAPTER III. The Continuous Front- and Back-Hand Palm, with Cards and Tricks in Connection Therewith CHAPTER IV. The "Thurston" System of Expert Card Manipulation (Now Published for the First Time) CHAPTER V. An Entirely New and Original Collection of Miscellaneous Card Tricks, Including the Correct Method of Performing Thurston's New Rising Cards