The devil is in the details. And apparently, he's holding the cards.

Before David Copperfield was making the Statue of Liberty disappear, Charles Carter, better known as Carter the Great, was traveling the world performing grand illusions and convincing audiences that the impossible was just another evening's entertainment.

This Mechanic Threads design features artwork from the cover of Carter Beats the Devil, Glen David Gold's acclaimed novel inspired by the life of the legendary magician. The book blends historical fiction, murder, mystery, and the golden age of magic into a story that's nearly as outrageous as the theatrical posters magicians used to advertise themselves.

The illustration captures everything wonderful about vintage magic advertising: a mischievous devil, a handful of playing cards, and the suggestion that something slightly dishonest is about to happen.

It's a tribute to Carter the Great, a terrific novel, and an era when magicians didn't need social media to convince people they were extraordinary. They just needed a good poster and perhaps a little assistance from the devil.

For magicians, book lovers, and anyone who appreciates the strange and colorful history of our art.

Carter Beats the Devil. The devil, apparently, is still working on his card tricks.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping

Size guide