Hey, just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the new Jim Steinmeyer book "Hiding the Elephant - How magicians invented the impossible"?

Though I have not read the book, I was surprised to find that it is in the local public library.

I read it last spring or early in the summer sometime. I remember enjoying it but decided not to lend it to non-magician friends as Steinmeyer, not surprisingly, does discuss illusion principles at some length. Sorry Jim.

The Rise of the Indian Rope Trick by Peter Lamont is also very entertaining and I wouldn't hesitate to hand that out to laypeople.

The books was informative, insightful, interesting .. and a snore if you are a layperson. It is quite intriguing to follow the history and progression of some magic principles, but a non-magician would probably not get through it.

I really liked the book! Jim really know what he is talking about when it comes to explaining magic's principles in a way that wouldn't harm anyone's effects at the moment. The book would be great for anyone who just wants to know why magic works not just how it works. Anyone who will actually take the time to read the book will not be disapointed!

Cheers,

Cameron Fisk

This book is now available in paperback for around $15 list price--probably cheaper on the net.

I also found "Hiding The Elephant" in our local library system, and I found it a fabulous read.

Particularly I enjoyed learning about David Devant, the magician who always said his magic was done by kindness.

I finally got hold of "Hiding The Elephant" as a Christmas present and think it is absolutely terrific. An entertaining, thorough historical analysis of the effects concerned, the pacing is fantastic as Jim guides us through his own passion-fuelled research (love the chapter where he and Alan Wakeling gradually pieced together the clues of Morrit's "Disappearing Donkey").

He does explain illusion principles, he also thoroughly backs up his reasons for doing so and thoroughly discusses the philosophy of magic, the importance of performance and the "empty safe" that magicians guard. This is no tabloid exposé; the feeling left isn't "it's easy once you know how", as is the case with more populist exposures, instead the reader is left in awe of the journey, the passion and the thought that went into each effect. The Yah-Boo brigade will probably find the whole thing too much effort and stick to their "Blaine Copperfield Secrets 4 U" e-books, which is unfortunate because this is exactly the sort of writing that should be required reading for anyone who just doesn't get it. As well as for magicians wanting a thorough historical analysis of the principles they use.

I loved it soo much. It was interesting and I learned a lot about the illusionists of our past. I also just read Alexander which was a great one too.

Ben

I recently came across a new hardbound copy of this at Powells in Portland on sale for $5.00. I had passed on this when it originally came out but am glad I finally picked up a copy. It is well written, very informative, and I thought an enjoyable and interesting read. I will certainly be buying his new book for the public on Chung Lee Soo.

I think this is an incredible book and I wouldn't hesitate to let any non-magicians read it (I've let several actually, and all really enjoyed it). The interest it will generate in the craft of magic far outweighs any notions of "exposure." I read the excerpt of his new book about Chung Ling Soo in Genii magazine and it looks like it's going to be another great read.

I'm not finished, but I enjoy reading about the History of Magic, a I love this book.

This is a brilliant book. jim pepper's it with magic theory which I really enjoy. I found this was better and more relevant to a magician than strong magic. uh-oh, did he just say that? yes.

my only complaint about the book is the bibliography. while I understand that jim put tremendous effort in compiling the book, it seems that he took some liberties in regards to thoughts of the performers of the day. of course,this is understandable because he was weaving a historical story and he did a fantastic job doing so.

I'm just a reference freak with a research background. anyone you has ever delved into the world of primary sources knows that battle that jim fought.

this book is a must for every magician.

oliver