|
|
manananmaclir![]() New user Port Hadlock 60 Posts ![]() |
This may not be the best place to put this, but it seems like this could go in three different places, so a coin toss picks this one. I'm about halfway through the Magician and the Cardsharp, about Dai Vernon's search for a gambler who could deal out of the center of the deck, and it got me thinking. What must read books are out there on the history of magic, personalities in magic, or books that are contemporary of the period they cover, but do a really good job of it? I have Jim Steinmeyer's Hiding the Elephant and his book on Ching Ling Soo, and can recommend both highly. Any others come to mind?
|
cirrus![]() Inner circle his minions made 1751 Posts ![]() |
On the history of magic? There is a nice history lesson in magic and meaning by Eugene Burger and Robert Neale. You might like that book. History of magic: the Discovery of witchcraft is a nice book also.
btw: How can a coin toss decide between 3 things? |
manananmaclir![]() New user Port Hadlock 60 Posts ![]() |
It was a three sided coin?
![]() |
cirrus![]() Inner circle his minions made 1751 Posts ![]() |
You SHOULD read Magic and Meaning. It's a must read for all magicians.
|
manananmaclir![]() New user Port Hadlock 60 Posts ![]() |
I'll definitely pick a copy up.
|
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts ![]() |
There are many books. You can be as busy reading as you want to be! Just a few:
General history: Magic: a pictorial history of conjurers in the theater - David Price Panorama of Magic - Melbourne Christopher The Illustrated History of Magic - Melbourne Christopher The Great Illusionists - Edwin Dawes Paul Daniels and the Story of Magic - John Fisher Magic 1400s-1950s - Steinmeyer (Taschen publication) Book on more specific period: Victorian Magic - Geoffrey Lamb Biographies and autobiographies: Pleasant Nightmares (book on Bill Neff) - William Rauscher Ghostmasters (spook show magicians) - Mark Walker The Coney Island Fakir-The magical life of Al Flosso - Gary R. Brown John Calvert=Magic and Adventures Around the World - William Rauscher Jack Gwynne - David Charvet Siegfried and Roy-Mastering the Impossible Life and Times of a Small Town Showman - Augustus Rapp Willard-A life under canvas - David Charvet Willard the Wizard - Bev Bergeron I Can Still See Me - Celeste Evans Germain The Wizard - Stuart Cramer (Miracle factory publication and the original cramer books) Illusion Show - David Bamberg Alexander-the man who knows - David Charvet The Magic and Illusions of Lee Grabel - Ormond NcGill There are also books that document history of some of the actual magic: The Albo Classic Magic Series, and his books on Okito and Thayer Magic. These largely document apparatus and posters. Wittus Witt has a gorgeous book on magic set collecting.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Bob Sanders![]() 1945 - 2024 Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20503 Posts ![]() |
Michael just gave you the best "cheat sheet" out there. Reading is fundamental.
The other thing we too often overlook are the folks who were there! Go to the conventions and meet the people who did it. Many will sit in the lounge or lobby and give you stories that are never going to be in the books. Meet them and have the conversations of your life. Give yourself a chance to talk with someone you'll never forget. Most are glad you want to know. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
manananmaclir![]() New user Port Hadlock 60 Posts ![]() |
Oh wow.... that's a fantastic list, Michael. Thank you. And yes, Bob, that's very good advise. Looks like I have some selective book purchasing to do. Conventions will likely have to wait a bit, simply for fiscal purposes.
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Periods & styles of Magic » » Histories, biographies, and period pieces (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2025 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < ![]() ![]() ![]() |