Johann Nepomuk HOFZINSER was a contemporary of Johann NESTROY. In his Salon in Vienna's Wollzeile, (and later in the Himmelpfortgasse and the Walfischgasse), respected people from Vienna's high society met to admire his "Hours of Deception". HOFZINSER skillfully mixed social satire with recent happenings and magic tricks.
HOFZINSER began his work as a clark in the Financial Department. Just like the well-known Austrian poet Franz GRILLPARZER, he was later sponsored by the duke STADION. His prestidigitation led him into the upper class of Vienna's society. The local and international press loved his inventive presentations: "HOFZINSER made magic reputable ". His creative ideas infuence modern artists even now. He is rightfully referred to as the father of the parlour- and card-magic. The card-experiment "To think and forget", "Vision of an Insane", watch-tricks, the "Rose-Mirror", the "Appearing Lady" and his unforgettable card-magic were all parts of his repertoire.  

HOFZINSER is called the father of Card-Magic by the most prominent representatives of modern card-artistry. "The Professor" Dai VERNON often mentioned him in his books. He said that his motto "be natural" leads back to HOFZINSER's performances.
What we know about Johann Nepomuk HOFZINSER is based on the work of Ottokar FISCHER (1873-1940), who published his findings in his books "Kartenkünste" (1910) and "Zauberkünste" (1942, published by Fredo MARVELLI). From then on, nobody cared about the existing material, until (by mere chance), another part of HOFZINSER's puzzle was solved. During long years of intensive and laborious research, MAGIC CHRISTIAN has discovered new sources about the life and magic of HOZINSER and has changed our understanding about this genious of Austrian magic. It eventually turned out that the material was enough to publish three books filled with humour, historical facts and tricks. Completely new tricks stand side by side with the "Piecen" (experiments) discovered by FISCHER. For the first time, this master of parlour-magic is presented as a real person. A fascinating description of his surroundings and his character adds up to the addictive character of the book. HOFZINSER is presented as legendary magician, romantic poet, hated critic, keen balloonist and friend of varios well-known celebrities of his time. MAGIC CHRISTIAN has discovered new material and revised existing sources to present the life of HOFZINSER for the first time as it really was.
Because of the importance of this work, the author and the publishers have decided to limit the edition to 999 (numbered) books. In the appendix, there is a list of all subscribers which is read like the who is who of the magic community.   

1st Volume (German): 352 Pages, 178 Images, Size 28,5cmx20cm, luxurious binding. The subscription costs € 75,00.

The 2nd volume is available at Edition Volker Huber or at Magic Christian since May 2004. 408 Pages, 245 Images, Size 28,5cmx20cm, luxurious binding. The price is € 88,00. For owners of the first volume only € 75,00

The appearance of the 3rd volume describing HOFZINSER's parlour-magic in detail is planned to be ready for the 200th anniversary of his birthday in 2006. Orders at Edition Huber, Offenbach or at Magic Christian, Vienna.