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.

1st edition, 1903, Henry J. Wehman; 83 pages.

CHAPTER I.
1. A Few Incidents in the Life of Howard Thurston, Premier Card Manipulator of the World
   CHAPTER II.
2. Indispensable Sleights
   CHAPTER III.
3. The Continuous Front- and Back-Hand Palm, with Cards and Tricks in Connection TherewithCHAPTER IV.
4. The "Thurston" System of Expert Card Manipulation (Now Published for the First Time)
   CHAPTER V.
5. An Entirely New and Original Collection of Miscellaneous Card Tricks, Including the Correct Method of Performing Thurston's New Rising Cards

1st edition 1903; PDF 48 pages.
word count: 12421 which is equivalent to 49 standard pages of text