Magic changed dramatically over time from simple tricks to more complex as the public demanded to be amazed.

In 1584, The Discoverie of Witchcraft was published and revealed many of the conjuring tricks of the day.

Moving to the 1800s, Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, the father of modern magic took the craft from the street and circuses to the stage. Harry Houdini, the King of Cards and the King of Handcuffs, was born Ehrich Weiss in 1874 and became famous as an escapologist.

Modern Magic was first published in 1876 and Expert at the Card Table in 1902. The Society of Americal Magicians was founded in Martinka's Magic Shop in May of 1902, while The Magic Circle, a prestigious organization of magicians, in July of 1905.

In 1918, Houdini first performed the Vanishing Elephant. Sawing in half was first performed by P. T. Selbit in 1921.

The Magic Castle, a center for magical excellence, was formed from a 1908 Victorian mansion in Hollywood in 1963.

Thirteen Steps to Mentalism by Corinda was published in 1968. Is that what Nissa and her brothers practice in The Crimson Orb? Watch for publication by Assent Publications next summer and find out.

The History of Magic

The first known magician was Dedi. It is reported that he performed the cups and balls trick in ancient Egypt around 2700 BCE. Acetabularii performed the same trick in Rome somewhere around 50-300 CE.
In the Dark Ages, magic was associated with the occult and not used as entertainment, but by 1000 street performers made a living out of sleights of hand.

Join me again next week for more on the History of Magic.

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