Article Title: History Behind The Hat: The Story Of The
Magician
Author: Jim Kapowski

The concept of magician as entertainer has its roots deep in
human history, but mostly dates back to the sixteenth century.
Prior to this time, those who practiced magic claimed to have
supernatural powers. When this idea clashed with Christianity
in the Western world, new magicians, who entertained audiences,
emerged.

Chevalier Joseph Pinetti impressed audiences in the late 1700s
with his tricks as an escapist and mentalist. Illusionists
emerged in the nineteenth century, using devices to produce
elaborate stage shows. One of the first magicians to use live
animals was

"Hermann the Great," who performed disappearing acts and
levitation tricks with the animals. Later, famous magicians
Siegfried and Roy gained fame in part because of their
elaborate show and tigers.

Harry Houdini, perhaps the most well known magician of all
time, developed elaborate escape tricks including handcuffs and
locked chambers in the early 1900s. His death on Halloween is
now also known as "National Magic Day." Houdini also created
grand illusions, some of which magician David Copperfield
emulated. During Houdini's time, Vaudeville acts included and
promoted magic tricks.

Over time, the interest in magic has come and gone, although it
enjoyed a revival in the 1970s that continues today. Many
magicians, similar to other performers, develop a unique style
or focus on a particular type of illusion. David Copperfield
makes large objects disappear. Lance Burton employs many birds,
and Penn and Teller are known for their unique style. Most
recently, David Blaine gained fame for his street magic and
outrageous stunts.

Magicians of all sorts keep their secrets very secret. The
appeal of magic is trying to figure out how magicians
accomplish those amazing feats. For those interested in
learning magic, many sources are available for the entry-level
magician. Some well-known tricks are "out in the open," and
beginning magic kits can help a beginner learn the tricks of
the trade. Many books and other resources are available for
card tricks as well. Many stores carry magical wares as well.

For those who are serious about the craft, two organizations
are devoted entirely to magic, both with headquarters in St.
Louis, Missouri. The Society of American Magicians and the
International Brotherhood of Magicians have chapters throughout
the world, provide information, and hold conferences. For those

seeking information, these are good places to begin. Your local
library is also a good place to find more information, as is the
Internet. However, online sources in particular are varied in
quality and information, so beginning with one of the
organizations may be a better way to begin.

The allure of magic is very real. Throughout the past few
decades, magicians have taken magic to a new level, with
elaborate stunts and full-out entertainment spectacles. From
amazing card tricks to large disappearing acts, magic will
likely continue to enthrall audiences worldwide for years to
come. It is a performance art unlike any other, and the mystery
associated with magic adds a level of intrigue that does not
exist with other performance arts.


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can be found at: http://www.magicmagicians.com