The ancient art of magic was practiced by the Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks and other cultures since the dawn of the history of man. http://people.ku.edu/~pmirecki/pubs.html http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/112713/Chinese-religion In the case of these ancient cultures, magic was not an entertainment phenomenon as it is today. It was used in religious practices such as divination, geomancy (Feng Shui, and the casting of spells. Some of the practitioners were, and are, called sorcerers, alchemists and shamans. http://www.esoteric.msu.edu/Dissertations/Magic_PhD.html
Magic, as an entertainment profession, flourished in Europe in the 18th century. http://www.sleightlymagic.com/magic-history.htm These magic acts involve using illusion and sleight of hand to perform various tricks and feats to entertain their audiences. Commonly called "magicians," practitioners of magic may be further classified as illusionists, escape artists, conjurers or mentalists depending on their specific brand of magic. This site includes historical facts, famous magicians, types of magic tricks, as well as Google links, Related Mahalo links, blogs and news to help you find out more about this fascinating phenomenon.
Types of Magic Tricks / Illusions
- Production: Producing something from nothing, such as pulling a rabbit out of a hat or a coin from behind someone's ear
- Vanishing: The opposite of production; making something disappear
- Restoration: An object is destroyed and then restored to its original state; for example, a woman is cut in half and then put back together
- Transformation: One item is transformed into another using a combination of production and vanishing techniques
- Levitation: A person or object is made to hover, unsupported, in the air
- Penetration: One solid object is passed through another, such as when two solid rings are magically linked
- Prediction: The magician makes an apparently impossible prediction—most card tricks fall into this category
- Teleportation: An object is magically moved from one place to another
A Master of Illusion
Pablo Lambertini, master illusionist, makes doves appear and re-appear. He puts on a good show with cards, scarves, fire and magic hoops.
Magic Books
Amazon.com: Magic Books
eBay: Magic Books
Barns & Noble: Magic Trick Books
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References
Fast Facts
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The Three Wise Men in the New Testament of the Christian Bible are also referred to as The Three Magi (magicians)
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Several ancient manuscripts make reference to magic
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Magic flourished as an entertainment phenomenon in the 18th century in Europe
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Magic has been practiced as a profession since the mid-eighteenth century
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Magicians often include a costume or comedy as part of their act
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Magicians are often hired to entertain at children's parties and circuses
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Famous magicians
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