Secret Methods of Magic

"Secret Methods of Magic" is a book that is received by the narrator, Andrew Westley, written by his great-grandfather and has recently been published. The book itself appears to be no more than notes on magical illusions, which is a topic that does not interest Andrew.

Hastings

Hastings is the name of the town where Alfred Borden was born and raised by his father and mother. This is where he first took interest in magic and in the woodworking skills that his father used, bring the two together to shape his life from the age of twelve. In Hastings, Alfred was introduced to magic while in the employment of his father by a man that used the Three Card Monte to gain additional funds, and in doing so, created the beginnings of Alfred's obsession. Later, Angier discovered Hasting, and it is in Hasting that...