Indian Conjuring is L. H. Branson’s account of the magic, illusions, and street performances associated with the conjurers of India. Writing from personal observation, Branson explains many famous feats — including the celebrated rope trick — and seeks to separate genuine skill from exaggeration and legend.
The book sits at the intersection of travel writing, folklore, and the early study of popular performance, offering a window onto colonial-era fascination with Indian “mysteries.” Branson’s tone is that of an informed skeptic eager to demystify, yet his descriptions preserve valuable detail about traditional entertainers and their craft. It remains an entertaining and informative source for readers interested in conjuring, Indian popular culture, and the ethnography of performance.