I see a lot of web references to U.F. Grant and his illusions. Is this person still living? and is anyone aware of a web biography for him or a book discussing his work?

Well,

I kinda answered my own question. UF Grant born 01-12-1901 died 03-01-1978


Info on past magicians can be found at http://www.magictricks.com/bios/birthdeathab.htm


Now - anyone know of a biography on him or his work?

The Grant business passed down through his family and is still operating as Makmagic, run by Jimmy King. Strangely, there are none of Grant's card effects advertised by the business.

Responsible for hundreds of tricks, occassionally effects he bought from others lost their creators names over the years in advertising and then got associated with Grant.

A book on Grant would be interesting, but as far as I know there isn't one. A fair few of his card effects can be found in The Encyclopedia of Card Tricks.

Paul Hallas.

...and his plans of illusions are available at Abbott's, such as "Victory Carton Illusions", "Nite Club Illusions" etc. And They are cheap!!!

I'm thinking you'll find the carton illusion is in the Mark Wilson book.

Dear Paul,
I am not talking about a single illusion. There are something around 10 of them including a levitation, a sword box etc.

Tora is absolutely right about the “Victory Carton Illusions” booklet. It contains several very nice, inexpensive, and potentially powerful illusions, and all in a booklet that can be had for less than $5.00 USD.

As an example of how powerful they can play, Hans Moreti paired two of the “Carton” illusions together (a tip over box idea and the sword box idea). He then added a chain escape and costume change to full clown (thus the need for the tip over box feature) and made it the closer of his show for over 25 years! It was some very creative thinking to create a magical masterpiece.

Ozlen,
re;
"I am not talking about a single illusion. There are something around 10 of them including a levitation, a sword box etc."

Yes, I realise that, I DID read your post, but mentioned that one because it might be in a beginners book Range Cowboy already has!

Grant also started a monthly magic magazine around 1935 called The Trixter. I have never seen any copies, but would like to.

Paul Hallas.

Great, thanks guys.
I have seen the Victory Carton Book somewhere. Thats now running at about 10 on the Projects-I-Must-Start scale.

But I will get to the SwordBox eventually.

Right now I'm up to my ears in rope-trick and a levitation based on Fearson which have my attention.


RangeCowboy

....And Please do check Abbott's "Nite Club Illusions" from the same book family. And it is by U.F.Grant also. It is also cheap.