Magic History
This page lists links and presents articles that discuss the rich history of the magical arts.
New Windows at the Disneyland Main Street Magic Shop
Disneyland's Main Street Magic Shop features new Houdini-themed windows. The new windows seem to cover every aspect of Houdini's career including: escapes, exposure of mediums, his films, King of Cards and more. There are some cool props as well copies of his letters and posters, which you can view in this image gallery.
Disneyland's Main Street Magic Shop features new Houdini-themed windows. The new windows seem to cover every aspect of Houdini's career including: escapes, exposure of mediums, his films, King of Cards and more. There are some cool props as well copies of his letters and posters, which you can view in this image gallery.
Famous Magicians in History
It's said that all artists stand on the shoulders of those who came before them. All magicians owe a debt of gratitude to these famous magicians from history.
It's said that all artists stand on the shoulders of those who came before them. All magicians owe a debt of gratitude to these famous magicians from history.
Harry Houdini
Arguably, the most famous entertainer of all time was a magician. Harry Houdini, who died some 80 years ago, is still a household name today. Try to name a contemporary of Houdini from an era that lacked televisions, video and DVDs. Perhaps today, only Charlie Chaplin can compare.
Arguably, the most famous entertainer of all time was a magician. Harry Houdini, who died some 80 years ago, is still a household name today. Try to name a contemporary of Houdini from an era that lacked televisions, video and DVDs. Perhaps today, only Charlie Chaplin can compare.
Doug Henning
In the 1970s and 80s, Doug Henning was not only the best known magician in the world, he is often credited as reviving magic as a popular theatrical art form. Sadly, he left magic at the height of his career and died in 2000 at the age of 52.
In the 1970s and 80s, Doug Henning was not only the best known magician in the world, he is often credited as reviving magic as a popular theatrical art form. Sadly, he left magic at the height of his career and died in 2000 at the age of 52.
Harry Blackstone Sr.
In the 1930's, Blackstone was the most popular magician in North America - a rival to Houdini late in the escape artist's career, as well as to Thurston. His professional career spanned some 65 years.
In the 1930's, Blackstone was the most popular magician in North America - a rival to Houdini late in the escape artist's career, as well as to Thurston. His professional career spanned some 65 years.
Robert-Houdin
A mid-nineteenth century artist who is fondly recalled as "the father of modern magic," Frenchman Robert-Houdin was a decided force in magic. His professional magic career only spanned some 11 years, but his influence on magic was timeless.
A mid-nineteenth century artist who is fondly recalled as "the father of modern magic," Frenchman Robert-Houdin was a decided force in magic. His professional magic career only spanned some 11 years, but his influence on magic was timeless.
Book Review: Essential Robert-Houdin
I’ve been reading this weighty, 600-plus page book for weeks. While I wasn’t initially sure how much this book would appeal to those who aren’t magic historians, I found it to be a fascinating read. And what really surprised me was the fact that Houdin writings and advice from some 150 years ago are still relevant today.
I’ve been reading this weighty, 600-plus page book for weeks. While I wasn’t initially sure how much this book would appeal to those who aren’t magic historians, I found it to be a fascinating read. And what really surprised me was the fact that Houdin writings and advice from some 150 years ago are still relevant today.
Review of Early TV Magic
If you want to watch magic as it appeared during the early days of television, youÂ’ll enjoy this three-disc DVD set that offers some five hours of footage. The collection includes appearances by Blackstone Sr., Norman Jensen and Gerrie Larson, as well as shows that include: "The Great Merlini," "Mandrake," "Mr. Magic" and "Fun with Felix."
If you want to watch magic as it appeared during the early days of television, youÂ’ll enjoy this three-disc DVD set that offers some five hours of footage. The collection includes appearances by Blackstone Sr., Norman Jensen and Gerrie Larson, as well as shows that include: "The Great Merlini," "Mandrake," "Mr. Magic" and "Fun with Felix."
Modern Spirit Photos
These modern day spirit photos were provided by Dr. Taff in conjunction with the release of "Shutter," a film from Fox.
These modern day spirit photos were provided by Dr. Taff in conjunction with the release of "Shutter," a film from Fox.
The Mysteries of S. W. Erdnase
While researching his new 10-disc DVD set, "The Expert at the Card Table: Artifice, Ruse, and Subterfuge," Geno Munari, President and CEO of Houdini's Magic Shop, delved into the mysteries of author, S.W. Erdnase and revealed some new findings.
While researching his new 10-disc DVD set, "The Expert at the Card Table: Artifice, Ruse, and Subterfuge," Geno Munari, President and CEO of Houdini's Magic Shop, delved into the mysteries of author, S.W. Erdnase and revealed some new findings.
Cups and Balls-Not in the Pyramids?
Some consider the cups & balls to be the oldest recorded magic trick, apparently depicted in paintings on the walls of Egypt's pyramids. According to magic historian Bill Palmer, we now know this to be a myth.
Some consider the cups & balls to be the oldest recorded magic trick, apparently depicted in paintings on the walls of Egypt's pyramids. According to magic historian Bill Palmer, we now know this to be a myth.
DVD Review: "As I Recall..." Slydini
This excellent DVD set is a tribute to the great Slydini. You get to see many of his classic routines that include "Coins Through the Table," "Paper Balls Over the Head" and more, and learn them from Cellini, the noted street artist and Slydini student. Other students perform their favorite Slydini effects and recall their experiences with the master. This is a worthwhile DVD.
This excellent DVD set is a tribute to the great Slydini. You get to see many of his classic routines that include "Coins Through the Table," "Paper Balls Over the Head" and more, and learn them from Cellini, the noted street artist and Slydini student. Other students perform their favorite Slydini effects and recall their experiences with the master. This is a worthwhile DVD.
Remembering Houdini
After he being punched in the abdomen a week earlier, Harry Houdini dies on Sunday, October 31, 1926 at 1:26 PM. For the great showman, Halloween seems a fitting day to die, and this date is now remembered as “National Magic Day.”
After he being punched in the abdomen a week earlier, Harry Houdini dies on Sunday, October 31, 1926 at 1:26 PM. For the great showman, Halloween seems a fitting day to die, and this date is now remembered as “National Magic Day.”
Houdini in the New York Times, 1910-1943
Pittsburgh magician Tom Interval offers an informative site that organizes the hundreds of articles, features, and letters about Harry Houdini that appeared in the New York Times between 1910 and 1943. It’s a wealth of information for magic historians and fans of Houdini.
Pittsburgh magician Tom Interval offers an informative site that organizes the hundreds of articles, features, and letters about Harry Houdini that appeared in the New York Times between 1910 and 1943. It’s a wealth of information for magic historians and fans of Houdini.
Arthur Conan Doyle & Spiritualism
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes books, believed in Spiritualism and was a friend of Houdini. This article discusses that friendship.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes books, believed in Spiritualism and was a friend of Houdini. This article discusses that friendship.
The Discoverie Of Witchcraft
Reginald Scot's famous document, published in 1584, explained the secrets behind conjuring arts and showed that the feats were not based on witchcraft.
Reginald Scot's famous document, published in 1584, explained the secrets behind conjuring arts and showed that the feats were not based on witchcraft.
Spiritualism
An interesting discussion of a dark side of our art-the Spiritualism movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
An interesting discussion of a dark side of our art-the Spiritualism movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
The World's Most Dangerous Magic Trick
Too many magicians have lost their lives performing the infamous bullet catch. Here's a list of those who didn't make their next curtain call.
Too many magicians have lost their lives performing the infamous bullet catch. Here's a list of those who didn't make their next curtain call.
The Magician Who Won a War
The amazing story of how conjuror Jasper Maskelyne used his skills as a magician to hide prime targets from the enemy in WWII.
The amazing story of how conjuror Jasper Maskelyne used his skills as a magician to hide prime targets from the enemy in WWII.