February 25: Henry Irving
On this date in 1865, 27-year-old actor Henry Irving achieved his first theatrical hit with a parody of the Davenport Brothers’ spirit séance, in Manchester, England.
February 2025
Vol.88, No.2
Almanac
February 22: David Devant
This year we celebreate David Devant’s 157th birthday. He was one of Great Britain’s most influential magicians— an exemplum of skilled conjuring, creativity, and good taste.
Almanac
February 21: Human-sized Cannon
In 1906, Horace Goldin filed two patents that diagrammed apparatus for “Producing Stage Illusions.” One patent was for human-sized cannon.
Book Review
Conjuring the Spirit World
The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, has woven together artifacts and ephemera of magicians, seance mediums, spirit photographers, visual artists, and ghost-show operators that explore our multi-faceted fascination with the dead.
Perspectives
Exposing Herbert Albini’s Exposures
One of the highest-paid magicians in early vaudeville was Herbert Albini—a name you may have heard. But he wasn't beloved; and he annoyed his colleagues.
The Eye
Derren Brown on The Simpsons
The Simpsons put out a new holiday special in December called “O C’mon All Ye Faithful,” and features a cartoon version of Derren Brown.
Trick Review
Bammo Buddha Time Machine
As part of his continuing “Bammo” series, the prolific Bob Farmer has produced a download document that explains his clever mash-up of the Princess Card Trick.
Trick Review
Simon Says
This Celebrity Edition of the trick is by Simon Lipkin. It’s very well made and doesn't look like a magic trick at all.
Trick Review
Three Card Monte Stand
This Jeki Yoo prop is a version of Mike Skinner’s wonderful Three-Card Monte routine.
Trick Review
Super Drink
In Juan Pablo’s clever opening effect you give a plain silk handkerchief a little shake and the image of a glass of liquid appears printed on the silk.
Staff Picks
The Magic Apple
Tucked in a strip mall near The Magic Castle, The Magic Apple has become L.A.’s go-to magic shop. Owner Brent Geris shares shop tales, tricks, and how a teacher supply store morphed into a hub for magicians, Hollywood projects, and monthly lectures.
Best In Show
The Perfect Shuffle
Magic isn’t just in the performance—it’s in the tools. From tapered cards to bias coins, meet Eoin O’Hare: the craftsman behind The Perfect Shuffle, who’s turning a century-old craft into modern magic with precision-made jigs, passion, and fire.