The first-ever magic book ...

... was written by Leonardo da Vinci's best friend. It has finally been translated and published in English.

"De viribus quantitatis (On The Powers Of Numbers) was penned by Luca Pacioli, a Franciscan monk who shared lodgings with Da Vinci and is believed to have helped the artist with 'The Last Supper.'" Written between 1496-1508, the manual contains the first printed reference to card tricks as well as guidance on juggling and eating fire. It is also the first work to note that Da Vinci was left-handed.

April 10, 2007 8:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

1 Comments

By Peter on April 13, 2007 9:52 PM

If you can promise me that Tom Hanks won't star in a movie based on it, I might read it.
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