For a period routine I'm developing, I want to refer to a successful magician who performed during the Victorian era in England. Instead of make one up, it would be great if I could name a real magician who performed then.

Specifically someone who performed close-up and/or parlor magic, not a big stage magician like Devant (unless he did perform parlor shows, and I just need some education...)

So that would basically mean: English, sometime in the 1800s. Any names?

Thanks,

Devant did do a lot of parlor magic, but I would place him later than the Victorian period...more like the Edwardian era.

Why not use Buatier DeKolta?

There is an OOP book, Victorian Magic by Geoffrey Lamb.

Used copies can be found, but are often pricey. It is a very good and detailed book, though.

This will give you many names, along with biographies of the magicians.

BTW - Unless you specifically need the magician to be English, there are many Victorian era magicians who were from other countries, even though some of them played in England during their careers. DeKolta was actually French, although conflicting online info label him as American. Irrelevant, in light of the fact that he did play in England.

You may also want to check the magician bios at http://www.magictricks.com

A bit of research should reveal names of magicians who fit your criteria.

Send a PM to rickmagic1. He specializes in this.