David Copperfield S History Of Magic

In this personal journey through a unique performing art, David Copperfield profiles some of the world's most groundbreaking magicians. From the sixteenth-century magistrate who wrote an early book on conjuring, to the roaring twenties and the man who fooled Houdini, to the woman who levitated, vanished, and caught bullets in her bare hands, David Copperfield's History of Magic takes you on a wild journey through the remarkable feats of some of the greatest magicians in history. The result is a sweeping tale that reveals how these astonishing performers were outsiders who used magic to escape class, challenge conventions, transform popular culture, explore the innermost workings of the human mind, and inspire scientific discovery. Their incredible stories are complemented by more than 100 never-before-seen photographs of artifacts from Copperfield's exclusive Museum of Magic, including a sixteenth-century manual on sleight-of-hand; Houdini's straitjackets, handcuffs, and water torture chamber; Dante's famous sawing-in-half apparatus; Alexander's high-tech turban that allowed him to read people's minds; and even some coins that may have magically passed through the hands of Abraham Lincoln. By the end of the book, you'll be sure to share Copperfield's passion for the power of magic. --

Pull back the curtain on the real history of magic – and discover why magic really matters If you read a standard history of magic, you learn that it begins in ancient Egypt, with the resurrection of a goose in front of the Pharaoh. You discover how magicians were tortured and killed during the age of witchcraft. You are told how conjuring tricks were used to quell rebellious colonial natives. The history of magic is full of such stories, which turn out not to be true. Behind the smoke and mirrors, however, lies the real story of magic. It is a history of people from humble roots, who made and lost fortunes, and who deceived kings and queens. In order to survive, they concealed many secrets, yet they revealed some and they stole others. They engaged in deception, exposure, and betrayal, in a quest to make the impossible happen. They managed to survive in a world in which a series of technological wonders appeared, which previous generations would have considered magical. Even today, when we now take the most sophisticated technology for granted, we can still be astonished by tricks that were performed hundreds of years ago. The Secret History of Magic reveals how this was done. It is about why magic matters in a world that no longer seems to have a place for it, but which desperately needs a sense of wonder.

Follow the fascinating stories of the world's greatest necromancers, from sorcerer-priests in ancient Egypt to such modern miracle workers as Houdini and David Copperfield.

Professional magician Joshua Jay's (author of Magic: The Complete Course) brief and fascinating essays offer an inside look at how the very best magicians think about magic, how they practice and put together a show, what inspires them, and the psychology behind creating wonder and being tricked when we expect both, as well as why we seek magic in the first place.

Teach Yourself 25 Easy Tricks with Everyday Objects! Imagine walking into any room and performing a variety of magic tricks with common objects that almost everyone has. In this book there are easy to learn tricks with coins, straws, pens, rings, and more. Amaze your friends and family, because these magic tricks are easy to learn and fun to perform. Get it now. Discover How to do Simple Magic Tricks * Vanishes * Transformations * Magical repairs * Transportations * Objects through tables * Ring jumps … and more. These close-up magic tricks come with easy to follow instructions and pictures. Easy enough for kids to learn but good enough to fool adults. Limited Time Only… Get your copy of Easy Magic Tricks today and you will also receive: *Free SF Nonfiction Books new releases *Exclusive discount offers *Downloadable sample chapters *Bonus content … and more! Discover your inner magician, because these magic tricks will leave everyone in the room stunned. Get it now.

Steinmeyer presents the seminal biography of the magician's magician, Howard Thurston, a man who surpassed Houdini in the eyes of showmen and fans, and set the standard for how stage magic is performed today.

David Copperfield, the world's foremost illusionist, gathers together in this anthology a stunning collection of stories about the world of magic. Contributing writers include Harlan Ellison, Larry Bond, Dtephen Donaldson, John Jakes, and many more. This unique volume includes Copperfield's own introduction to each story and discussions of the magic involved in each plot.

Acclaimed television producer and author John Fisher has assembled an unparalleled cast in the pages of Heroes of Magic. Combining firsthand experience and behind-the-scenes stories with deep historical understanding, each profile captures the essence of its subject. Weaving together life stories, anecdotes, and historical accomplishments, these pages contain rich and personal profiles of lives often shrouded in secrecy.Here, both struggles and triumphs are all on exhibit. From the kindhearted conjuring of David Devant to the thought-thievery of Maurice Fogel; from the laugh-provoking trickery of Tommy Cooper and Jay Marshall to the adroit sleight-of-hand of Ricky Jay and Cardini; from the grand illusions of Richiardi and Robert Harbin to the elegant sorcery of Fred Kaps and Rene Lavand, these magicians attained a status of something much more than mere entertainers.Each one created miracles that persist, and personas that inspire the imagination, one generation after another. Through the pages of Heroes of Magic, and the insider's view they provide, now you can understand what made that possible.448 oversize pages in deluxe cloth bound hardcover with dust-jacket, illustrated with hundreds of photographs.With an introduction by Joel Hodgson, creator of Mystery Science Theater 3000, and an afterword by noted theatrical illusion designer Paul Kieve.