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63-460: Most magic clubs will charge a fee for membership. Fees will vary from club to club, depending on what services are offered. Although larger than local clubs, these allow amateur magicians to become members. Many local clubs are affiliated with these and require membership in one of them as a prerequisite. This magic -related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Magic (illusion) Magic , which encompasses

126-453: A certain degree of sleight of hand and carefully functioning mechanisms and devices to be performed convincingly. This form of magic was popular around the turn of the 19th century—today, many of the original mechanisms used for this magic have become antique collector's pieces and may require significant and careful restoration to function. Magicians describe the type of tricks they perform in various ways. Opinions vary as to how to categorize

189-422: A computer screen. The computer screen affords ways to incorporate magic from the magician's wand to the computer mouse. The use of computing technologies in performance can be traced back to a 1984 presentation by David Copperfield , who used a Commodore 64 to create a "magic show" for his audience. More recently, virtual performers have been experimenting with captivating digital animations and illusions that blur

252-533: A conventional magic show. Bizarre magic often uses horror, supernatural, and science fiction imagery in addition to the standard commercial magic approaches of comedy and wonder. Shock magic is a genre of magic that shocks the audience. Sometimes referred to as "geek magic", it takes its roots from circus sideshows , in which 'freakish' performances were shown to audiences. Common shock magic or geek magic effects include eating razor blades, needle-through-arm , string through neck and pen-through-tongue. Comedy magic

315-469: A feat of magic supposed to have been able to be performed by the ancient magoi. The performance of tricks of illusion, or magical illusion, and the apparent workings and effects of such acts have often been referred to as "magic" and particularly as magic tricks. One of the earliest known books to explain magic secrets, The Discoverie of Witchcraft , was published in 1584. It was created by Reginald Scot to stop people from being killed for witchcraft. During

378-601: A fourth "to the readers". Scott enumerates 212 authors whose works in Latin he had consulted, and twenty-three authors who wrote in English. The names in the first list include many Greek and Arabic writers; among those in the second are John Bale , John Foxe , Sir Thomas More , John Record , Barnabe Googe , Abraham Fleming , and William Lambarde . But Scot's information was not only from books. He had studied superstitions respecting witchcraft in courts of law in country districts, where

441-416: A given effect, and disagreement as to what categories actually exist. For instance, some magicians consider "penetrations" a separate category, while others consider penetrations a form of restoration or teleportation. Some magicians today, such as Guy Hollingworth and Tom Stone have begun to challenge the notion that all magic effects fit into a limited number of categories. Among magicians who believe in

504-405: A head off, and then "restore" it, make something appear to move from one place to another, or they may escape from a restraining device. Other illusions include making something appear to defy gravity, making a solid object appear to pass through another object, or appearing to predict the choice of a spectator. Many magic routines use combinations of effects. Among the earliest books on the subject

567-676: A high level of world renown. He opened a second theatre in Glasgow in 1845. Towards the end of the century, large magic shows permanently staged at big theatre venues became the norm. The British performer J N Maskelyne and his partner Cooke were established at the Egyptian Hall in London 's Piccadilly in 1873 by their manager William Morton , and continued there for 31 years. The show incorporated stage illusions and reinvented traditional tricks with exotic (often Oriental ) imagery. The potential of

630-442: A limited number of categories (such as Dariel Fitzkee , Harlan Tarbell , S.H. Sharpe), there has been disagreement as to how many different types of effects there are. Some of these are listed below. Many magic routines use combinations of effects. For example, in " cups and balls " a magician may use vanishes, productions, penetrations, teleportation and transformations as part of the one presentation. The methodology behind magic

693-407: A live audience, who provide the remote viewer with a reassurance that the illusions are not obtained with post-production visual effects . Many of the principles of stage magic are old. There is an expression, "it's all done with smoke and mirrors", used to explain something baffling, but effects seldom use mirrors today, due to the amount of installation work and transport difficulties. For example,

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756-679: A popular theatrical art form. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, magicians such as John Nevil Maskelyne and David Devant , Howard Thurston , Harry Kellar , and Harry Houdini achieved widespread commercial success during what has become known as "the Golden Age of Magic", a period in which performance magic became a staple of Broadway theatre , vaudeville , and music halls . Meanwhile, magicians such as Georges Méliès , Gaston Velle , Walter R. Booth , and Orson Welles introduced pioneering filmmaking techniques informed by their knowledge of magic. Magic has retained its popularity into

819-446: A theatre or auditorium. This type of magic is distinguished by large-scale props, the use of assistants and often exotic animals such as elephants and tigers. Famous stage illusionists, past and present, include Harry Blackstone, Sr. , Howard Thurston , Chung Ling Soo , David Copperfield , Lance Burton , Silvan , Siegfried & Roy , and Harry Blackstone, Jr. Parlor magic is done for larger audiences than close-up magic (which

882-440: Is Gantziony's work of 1489, Natural and Unnatural Magic , which describes and explains old-time tricks. In 1584, Englishman Reginald Scot published The Discoverie of Witchcraft , part of which was devoted to debunking the claims that magicians used supernatural methods, and showing how their "magic tricks" were in reality accomplished. Among the tricks discussed were sleight-of-hand manipulations with rope, paper and coins. At

945-493: Is a form of street performing or busking that employs a hybrid of stage magic, platform, and close-up magic, usually performed ' in the round ' or surrounded by the audience. Notable modern street magic performers include Jeff Sheridan , Gazzo , and Wittus Witt . Since the first David Blaine TV special Street Magic aired in 1997, the term "street magic" has also come to describe a style of 'guerilla' performance in which magicians approach and perform for unsuspecting members of

1008-454: Is commonly used by children's magicians and mentalists . Corporate magic or trade show magic uses magic as a communication and sales tool, as opposed to just straightforward entertainment. Corporate magicians may come from a business background and typically present at meetings, conferences and product launches. They run workshops and can sometimes be found at trade shows, where their patter and illusions enhance an entertaining presentation of

1071-542: Is considered the first published material on illusionary or stage magic . Scot believed that the prosecution of those accused of witchcraft was irrational and not Christian , and he held the Roman Church responsible. Popular belief held that all obtainable copies were burned on the accession of James I in 1603. Scot's book appeared entitled "The Discoverie of Witchcraft, wherein the Lewde dealing of Witches and Witchmongers

1134-525: Is for a few people or even one person) and for smaller audiences than stage magic. In parlor magic, the performer is usually standing and on the same level as the audience, which may be seated on chairs or even on the floor. According to the Encyclopedia of Magic and Magicians by T.A. Waters, "The phrase [parlor magic] is often used as a pejorative to imply that an effect under discussion is not suitable for professional performance." Also, many magicians consider

1197-508: Is notablie detected, in sixteen books ... whereunto is added a Treatise upon the Nature and Substance of Spirits and Devils" , 1584. At the end of the volume the printer gives his name as William Brome. There are four dedications: to Sir Roger Manwood , chief baron of the exchequer; another to Scot's cousin, Sir Thomas Scot; a third jointly to John Coldwell , then dean of Rochester , and to William Redman , then Archdeacon of Canterbury ; and

1260-406: Is often referred to as a science (often a branch of physics) while the performance aspect is more of an art form. The Discoverie of Witchcraft The Discoverie of Witchcraft is a book published by the English gentleman Reginald Scot in 1584, intended as an exposé of early modern witchcraft . It contains a small section intended to show how the public was fooled by charlatans , which

1323-471: Is the use of magic in which is combined with stand-up comedy. Famous comedy magicians include The Amazing Johnathan , Holly Balay , Mac King , and Penn & Teller . Quick-change magic is the use of magic which is combined with the very quick changing of costumes. Famous quick-change artists include Sos & Victoria Petrosyan. Camera magic (or "video magic") is magic that is aimed at viewers watching broadcasts or recordings. It includes tricks based on

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1386-516: The methods they use to achieve their effects , although they often share their techniques through both formal and informal training within the magic community . Magicians use a variety of techniques, including sleight of hand , misdirection , optical and auditory illusions , hidden compartments , contortionism and specially constructed props , as well as verbal and nonverbal psychological techniques such as suggestion , hypnosis , and priming . The term "magic" etymologically derives from

1449-624: The 17th and 18th centuries. Some of the principles of conjuring and sleight of hand outlined by Scot are still used by modern magicians. These include sleight of hand tricks involving balls, coins, and playing cards, and the use of confederates. The book is still highly sought after by collectors and historians of magic. The debate over the contested Christian doctrine continued for the following decades. Gabriel Harvey , in his Pierce's Supererogation (1593), wrote: Scotte's discoovery of Witchcraft dismasketh sundry egregious impostures, and in certaine principall chapters, and speciall passages, hitteth

1512-512: The 17th century, many books were published that described magic tricks. Until the 18th century, magic shows were a common source of entertainment at fairs . The "Father" of modern entertainment magic was Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin , who had a magic theatre in Paris in 1845. John Henry Anderson was pioneering the same transition in London in the 1840s. Towards the end of the 19th century, large magic shows permanently staged at big theatre venues became

1575-442: The 18th century, magic shows were a common source of entertainment at fairs , where itinerant performers would entertain the public with magic tricks, as well as the more traditional spectacles of sword swallowing , juggling and fire breathing . In the early 18th century, as belief in witchcraft was waning, the art became increasingly respectable and shows would be put on for rich private patrons. A notable figure in this transition

1638-641: The 20th century included Okito , David Devant , Harry Blackstone Sr. , Harry Blackstone Jr. , Howard Thurston , Theodore Annemann , Cardini , Joseph Dunninger , Dai Vernon , Fred Culpitt , Tommy Wonder , Siegfried & Roy , and Doug Henning . Popular 20th- and 21st-century magicians include David Copperfield , Lance Burton , James Randi , Penn and Teller , David Blaine , Criss Angel , Derren Brown , Dynamo , Shin Lim , Jay & Joss and Hans Klok . Well-known women magicians include Dell O'Dell and Dorothy Dietrich . Most television magicians perform before

1701-400: The 21st century by adapting to the mediums of television and the internet , with magicians such as David Copperfield , Penn & Teller , Paul Daniels , Criss Angel , David Blaine , Derren Brown , Mat Franco , and Shin Lim modernizing the art form. Through the use of social media , magicians can now reach a wider audience than ever before. Magicians are known for closely guarding

1764-553: The Great. Herrmann was a French magician and was part of the Herrmann family name that is the "first-family of magic". The escapologist and magician Harry Houdini (1874–1926) took his stage name from Robert-Houdin and developed a range of stage magic tricks, many of them based on what became known after his death as escapology . Houdini was genuinely skilled in techniques such as lockpicking and escaping straitjackets, but also made full use of

1827-557: The Greek word mageia (μαγεία). In ancient times, Greeks and Persians had been at war for centuries, and the Persian priests, called magosh in Persian, came to be known as magoi in Greek. Ritual acts of Persian priests came to be known as mageia , and then magika —which eventually came to mean any foreign, unorthodox, or illegitimate ritual practice. To the general public, successful acts of illusion could be perceived as if it were similar to

1890-601: The Table. He throws up a Pack of Cards, and causes them to be living birds flying about the room. He causes living Beasts, Birds, and other Creatures to appear upon the Table. He blows the spots of the Cards off and on, and changes them to any pictures. From 1756 to 1781, Jacob Philadelphia performed feats of magic, sometimes under the guise of scientific exhibitions, throughout Europe and in Russia . The "Father" of modern entertainment magic

1953-508: The attack on Scot's position. Scot found contemporary support in the influential Samuel Harsnet , and his views continued to be defended later by Thomas Ady Candle in the Dark: Or, A Treatise concerning the Nature of Witches and Witchcraft (1656), and by John Webster in The Displaying of Supposed Witchcraft (1677) and was known to typical lay sceptics such as Henry Oxinden. The book

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2016-446: The audience close to the magician, sometimes even one-on-one. It usually makes use of everyday items as props, such as cards (see Card manipulation ), coins (see Coin magic ), and seemingly 'impromptu' effects. This may be called "table magic", particularly when performed as dinner entertainment. Ricky Jay , Mahdi Moudini , and Lee Asher , following in the traditions of Dai Vernon , Slydini , and Max Malini , are considered among

2079-574: The devil and the occult. During the 19th and 20th centuries, many stage magicians even capitalized on this notion in their advertisements. The same level of ingenuity that was used to produce famous ancient deceptions such as the Trojan Horse would also have been used for entertainment , or at least for cheating in money games . They were also used by the practitioners of various religions and cults from ancient times onwards to frighten uneducated people into obedience or turn them into adherents. However,

2142-472: The fact-checking website Snopes dedicated a page to debunking the trick. German magician Wittus Witt performed interactive magic tricks live on TV from 1993 to 1997. Viewers were able to call Wittus Witt live in the television studio and perform a magic trick with him directly. In total, Witt performed this special magic 87 times, every other week. Theatrical magic describes a dramaturgically well thought-out performance that has been specially designed for

2205-512: The famous Pepper's Ghost , a stage illusion first used in 19th-century London, required a specially built theatre. Modern performers have vanished objects as large as the Taj Mahal, the Statue of Liberty, and a space shuttle, using other kinds of optical deceptions. Magic is often described according to various specialties or genres. Stage illusions are performed for large audiences, typically within

2268-589: The foremost practitioners of close-up magic. Escapology is the branch of magic that deals with escapes from confinement or restraints. Harry Houdini is a well-known example of an escape artist or escapologist . Pickpocket magicians use magic to misdirect members of the audience while removing wallets, belts, ties, and other personal effects. It can be presented on a stage, in a cabaret setting, before small close-up groups, or even for one spectator. Well-known pickpockets include James Freedman , David Avadon , Bob Arno , and Apollo Robbins . Mentalism creates

2331-1021: The impression in the minds of the audience that the performer possesses special powers to read thoughts, predict events, control other minds, and similar feats. It can be presented on a stage, in a cabaret setting, before small close-up groups, or even for one spectator. Well-known mentalists of the past and present include Alexander , The Zancigs , Axel Hellstrom , Dunninger , Kreskin , Deddy Corbuzier , Derren Brown , Rich Ferguson , Guy Bavli , Banachek , Max Maven , and Alain Nu . Theatrical séances simulate spiritualistic or mediumistic phenomena for theatrical effect. This genre of stage magic has been misused at times by charlatans pretending to actually be in contact with spirits or supernatural forces. For this reason, some well-known magicians such as James Randi (AKA "The Amazing Randi") have made it their goal to debunk such paranormal phenomena and illustrate that any such effects may be achieved by natural or human means. Randi

2394-442: The lines between magic tricks and reality. In some cases, the computer essentially replaces the online magician. In a 2008 TED Talk, Penn Jillette discussed how technology will continue to play a role in magic by influencing media and communication. According to Jillette, magicians continue to innovate in not only digital communication but also live performances that utilize digital effects. The 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns ushered onto

2457-562: The medicinal value of the unicorn 's horn, and thought that precious stones owed their origin to the influence of the heavenly bodies. The book also narrates stories of strange phenomena in the context of religious convictions. The devil is related with such stories and his ability to absorb people's souls. The book also gives stories of magicians with supernatural powers performing in front of courts of kings. The Discoverie of Witchcraft and The First Part of Clever and Pleasant Inventions by Jean Prevost, both published in 1584, are considered

2520-881: The nayle on the head with a witnesse; howsoever I could have wished he had either dealt somewhat more curteously with Monsieur Bondine [i.e. Bodin ], or confuted him somewhat more effectually. William Perkins sought to refute Scot, and was joined by the powerful James VI of Scotland in his Dæmonologie (1597), referring to the opinions of Scot as "damnable". John Rainolds in Censura Librorum Apocryphorum (1611), Richard Bernard in Guide to Grand Jurymen (1627), Joseph Glanvill in Philosophical Considerations touching Witches and Witchcraft (1666), and Meric Casaubon in Credulity and Uncredulity (1668) continued

2583-407: The nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Mechanical magic is a form of stage magic in which the magician uses a variety of mechanical devices to perform acts that appear to be physically impossible. Examples include such things as a false-bottomed mortar in which the magician places an audience member's watch only to later produce several feet away inside a wooden frame. Mechanical magic requires

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2646-421: The norm. As a form of entertainment, magic easily moved from theatrical venues to television magic specials. Performances that modern observers would recognize as conjuring have been practiced throughout history. For example, a trick with three cups and balls has been performed since 3 BC and is still performed today on stage and in street magic shows. For many recorded centuries, magicians were associated with

2709-509: The performances of his rivals, John Henry Anderson and Alexander Herrmann . John Henry Anderson was pioneering the same transition in London . In 1840 he opened the New Strand Theatre, where he performed as The Great Wizard of the North . His success came from advertising his shows and captivating his audience with expert showmanship . He became one of the earliest magicians to attain

2772-411: The products offered by their corporate sponsors. Pioneer performers in this arena include Eddie Tullock and Guy Bavli . Gospel magic uses magic to catechize and evangelize. Gospel magic was first used by St. John Bosco to interest children in 19th-century Turin , Italy to come back to school, to accept assistance and to attend church. The Jewish equivalent is termed Torah magic. Street magic

2835-440: The profession of the illusionist gained strength only in the 18th century, and has enjoyed several popular vogues since. Opinions vary among magicians on how to categorize a given effect, but a number of categories have been developed. Magicians may pull a rabbit from an empty hat, make something seem to disappear, or transform a red silk handkerchief into a green silk handkerchief. Magicians may also destroy something, like cutting

2898-484: The prosecution of witches was unceasing, and in village life, where the belief in witchcraft flourished in many forms. He set himself to prove that the belief in witchcraft and magic was rejected by reason and by religion and that spiritualistic manifestations were wilful impostures or illusions due to mental disturbance in the observers. His aim was to prevent the persecution of poor, aged, and simple persons, who were popularly credited with being witches. The maintenance of

2961-418: The public on the street. Unlike traditional street magic, this style is almost purely designed for TV and gains its impact from the wild reactions of the public. Magicians of this type include David Blaine and Cyril Takayama . Bizarre magic is a branch of stage magic that creates eerie effects through its use of narratives and esoteric imagery. The experience may be more akin to small, intimate theater or to

3024-656: The range of conjuring techniques, including fake equipment and collusion with individuals in the audience. Houdini's show-business savvy was as great as his performance skill. There is a Houdini Museum dedicated to him in Scranton, Pennsylvania . The Magic Circle was formed in London in 1905 to promote and advance the art of stage magic. As a form of entertainment, magic easily moved from theatrical venues to television specials, which opened up new opportunities for deceptions, and brought stage magic to huge audiences. Famous magicians of

3087-541: The restricted viewing angles of cameras and clever editing. Camera magic often features paid extras posing as spectators who may even be assisting in the performance. Camera magic can be done live, such as Derren Brown 's lottery prediction. Famous examples of camera magic include David Copperfield's Floating Over the Grand Canyon and many of Criss Angel 's illusions. Classical magic is a style of magic that conveys feelings of elegance and skill akin to prominent magicians of

3150-460: The seminal works of magic. Scot's volume became an exhaustive encyclopædia of contemporary beliefs about witchcraft, spirits, alchemy , magic, and legerdemain , as well as attracting widespread attention to his scepticism on witchcraft. William Shakespeare drew from his study of Scot's book hints for his picture of the witches in Macbeth , and Thomas Middleton in his play of The Witch likewise

3213-406: The stage was exploited for hidden mechanisms and assistants, and the control it offers over the audience's point of view. Maskelyne and Cooke invented many of the illusions still performed today—one of his best-known being levitation . The model for the look of a "typical" magician—a man with wavy hair, a top hat, a goatee, and a tailcoat—was Alexander Herrmann (1844–1896), also known as Herrmann

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3276-505: The subgenres of illusion , stage magic, and close-up magic , among others, is a performing art in which audiences are entertained by tricks, effects, or illusions of seemingly impossible feats, using natural means. It is to be distinguished from paranormal magic which are effects claimed to be created through supernatural means. It is one of the oldest performing arts in the world. Modern entertainment magic, as pioneered by 19th-century magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin , has become

3339-577: The superstition he blamed largely on the Roman Catholic Church , and he attacked writers including Jean Bodin (1530–1596), author of Démonomanie des Sorciers (Paris, 1580), and Jacobus Sprenger , supposed joint author of Malleus Maleficarum (Nuremberg, 1494). Of Cornelius Agrippa and Johann Weyer , author of De Præstigiis Demonum (Basle, 1566), whose views he adopted, he spoke with respect. Scot did adopt contemporary superstition in his references to medicine and astrology. He believed in

3402-405: The term "parlor" old fashioned and limiting, since this type of magic is often done in rooms much larger than the traditional parlor, or even outdoors. A better term for this branch of magic may be "platform", "club" or "cabaret". Examples of such magicians include Jeff McBride , David Abbott , Channing Pollock , Black Herman , and Fred Kaps . Close-up magic (or table magic) is performed with

3465-535: The theater and theater-like situations. It is not about individual tricks that are strung together, but about logical connections of tricks that lead to a story. The protagonists of this magic stage art were the German magician Fredo Marvelli , Punx , and Alexander Adrion . In the United States, they included Richard Hatch and Max Maven . Mathemagic is a genre of stage magic that combines magic and mathematics . It

3528-475: The time, fear and belief in witchcraft was widespread and the book tried to demonstrate that these fears were misplaced. Popular belief held that all obtainable copies were burned on the accession of James I in 1603. During the 17th century, many similar books were published that described in detail the methods of a number of magic tricks, including The Art of Conjuring (1614) and The Anatomy of Legerdemain: The Art of Juggling ( c.  1675 ). Until

3591-506: The two issues differ slightly in the imprint on the title page. Another reissue was dated 1654. A third edition in folio, dated 1665, included nine new chapters, and added a second book to "The Discourse on Devils and Spirits". The third edition was published with two imprints in 1665, one being the Turk Head edition, the scarcer variant was at the Golden-Ball. In 1886 Brinsley Nicholson edited

3654-516: The world stage a surge of online magic shows. These shows are performed via video conferencing platforms such as Zoom . Some online magic tricks recreate traditional card tricks and require user participation, while others, like Plato's Cursed Triangle, are based on mathematical, geometrical, and/or optical illusions. One such online magic trick, called Esmeralda's Crystal Ball, became a viral phenomenon that fooled so many computer users into believing that their computer had supernatural powers, that

3717-406: Was Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin , originally a clockmaker, who opened a magic theatre in Paris in 1845. He transformed his art from one performed at fairs to a performance that the public paid to see at the theatre. His speciality was constructing mechanical automata that appeared to move and act as if alive. Many of Robert-Houdin's mechanisms for illusion were pirated by his assistant and ended up in

3780-520: Was indebted to this source. Through bibliographies, one may trace modern grimoires to this work. The chapter on magic tricks in Scot's Discoverie was later plagiarised heavily; it was the basis of The Art of Juggling (1612) by S. R., and Hocus Pocus Junior (1634). Scot's early writings constituted a substantial portion (in some cases, nearly all) of the text in English-language stage magic books of

3843-421: Was the "foremost skeptic" in this regard in the United States. Children's magic is performed for an audience primarily composed of children. It is typically performed at birthday parties, preschools, elementary schools, Sunday schools, or libraries. This type of magic is usually comedic in nature and involves audience interaction as well as volunteer assistants. Online magic tricks were designed to function on

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3906-513: Was the English showman, Isaac Fawkes , who began to promote his act in advertisements from the 1720s—he even claimed to have performed for King George II . One of Fawkes' advertisements described his routine in some detail: He takes an empty bag, lays it on the Table and turns it several times inside out, then commands 100 Eggs out of it and several showers of real Gold and silver, then the Bag beginning to swell several sorts of wild fowl run out of it upon

3969-453: Was well-received abroad. A translation into Dutch, edited by Thomas Basson, an English stationer living at Leiden , appeared there in 1609. It was undertaken on the recommendation of the professors, and was dedicated to the university curators and the burgomaster of Leiden. A second edition, published by G. Basson, the first editor's son, was printed at Leiden in 1637. In 1651 the book was twice reissued in London in quarto by Richard Cotes;

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