> Magic History

Modern Spirit Photos
These modern day spirit photos were provided by Dr. Taff in conjunction with the release of "Shutter," a film from Fox.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Spiritualism
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.

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 History of S.S. Adams Co.
You've seen the many gags and magic tricks sold in stores everywyhere. Here are several articles about the history of the S.S. Adams Co.