Almanac 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.
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 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 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 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 Three Card Monte Stand This Jeki Yoo prop is a version of Mike Skinner’s wonderful Three-Card Monte routine.
Trick Appearing Glass Another appearing glass trick has become popular with magicians. With this version you’re supplied with a neat plastic glass, and a special paper bag.
Trick 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.
Trick Liquify Tobias Dostal’s trick is a hit with magicians, and his product has been beautifully produced by Murphy’s Magic.
