Conjuring Arts in the NY Times!
On Sunday, March 7, 2010, the New York Times published an article on the Millionaires’ Magician, Steve Cohen, titled “Grand Illusions”. Mr. Cohen has been known to frequent the library when researching effects for his show Chamber Magic which plays at the Waldorf-Astoria here in New York. The article features a profile of Mr. Cohen as well as some of the tricks he performs. Additionally there are portions of the article which focus on where and how he acquires his secrets, one of which is Conjuring Arts!
If you don’t have access to the print edition of the article, it is available electronically here.
Shipping Now! Gibecière Winter 2010
Magic lovers rejoice! 
Due to the great efforts of our editor Stephen Minch the new issue of Gibecière (Winter 2010) is now off the press and making its way to subscribers from our offices in New York. This issue of the journal is robust and includes a fascinating article by Martin Gardner on the history of a specialized spelling effect with cards. Also included is an article by William Kalush on the general history of the speller which includes a facsimile reproduction of Dr. Elliott’s handwritten manuscript on the 3 card speller. Once again we are privileged to include another glimpse at the history of Japanese magic by Mitsunobu Matsuyama. After all that we still found room to include a translation of a newly discovered and possibly unique 19th century French pamphlet by Antoine Castelli entitled Amusemens physiques. Join or renew now to be sure you won’t miss this issue!
Ricky Jay on 60 Minutes
Ricky Jay is featured on a recent 60 Minutes piece, titled “Scams: Pigeon Fever”, to discuss the nature of scams and human gullibility. Mr. Jay explains why experts in certain fields are more likely to be hoodwinked, demonstrates the blind faith people put in authority, and cautions against anything that seems too good to be true. Additionally they have a scene in Mr. Jay’s library where we get to see some excellent pieces from his collection as he discusses some prominent historical scams.
Watch the whole piece above or watch the excerpts featuring Mr. Jay below:
Magic: The Science of Wonder
A new magic event looms on the horizon! Magic: The Science of Wonder is a new museum exhibit which is going to be shown in Texas at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Featuring many notable performers, including John Carney and Richard Hatch, as well as a plethora of artifacts, video, props, and other potentially intriguing displays, this exhibit holds some promise. It aims to showcase the interrelationship of science and magic by not only demonstrating some perplexing effects but also introducing some of the subtle and crafty methodology magicians use to enhance their illusions.
They have also provided video clips of John Carney and Richard Hatch performing some particularly elegant magic:
Watch Richard Hatch’s beautiful routine with the Cups and Balls:
Watch John Carney as he does one of the most dazzling effects with coins ever conceived:
Magic Show
There is a traveling exhibit of magic related art roaming around England called Magic Show. Check it out to see if it interests you and then see if it is possible for you to see it in person. One of the curators and artists is Jonathan Allen who, in 2007, guest edited an issue of Cabinet magazine devoted to magic. There are more than 20 artists represented, and it looks like a very fascinating affair. In particular, the Center for Tactical Magic sounds like a most glorious addition to any venture so, perhaps, pay particular attention to their shenanigans if you get the opportunity.
Find more information on this event here.
Additionally, there is a catalog available for the exhibition which might prove a suitable substitute for the actual experience if need be: catalog.
Jim Bard Houdini Bust
A new piece of Houdini memorabilia has been kind enough to grace the library with its presence. It is a reproduction of a bust that Houdini gave to Jim Bard in the early 1900s which is quite striking. Since only two busts of Houdini are known to have survived, the Houdini-Bard and one sold at the Sidney Radner auction, the reproductions are a welcome addition.
Each bust is handcrafted using methods and materials faithful to those used a hundred years ago when the original was made. The bust is just over a foot tall and the detailing is impeccable. Only 100 were made, so we feel very fortunate to have obtained the copy we did. Mr. Bard obtained the bust directly from Houdini as a gift. Later on, a young Jim Baldauf befriended Mr. Bard, who was then in his eighties, and was given this rare artifact as a gift. Additionally, he also received some other memorabilia, including a stage coat designed, made, and worn by Bess Houdini. It is through Mr. Baldauf that these spectacular reproductions are being offered.
The Secret Life of Houdini was one of the factors inspiring Mr. Baldauf to take on the task of reproducing these fascinating pieces due to the references to Jim Bard, and he has been kind enough to donate part of the proceeds from the sale of these to the Conjuring Arts Research Center.
Those that are interested can find more details here: Viking Magic
David Blaine: How I held my breath for 17 min
In this highly personal talk from TEDMED, magician and stuntman David Blaine describes what it took to hold his breath underwater for 17 minutes — a world record (only two minutes shorter than this entire talk!) — and what his often death-defying work means to him. Warning: do NOT try this at home.
Willard: A Life Under Canvas
Here is the untold true story of the Willard family and the four men who toured rural America as Willard the Wizard. Besides scouring old magazines, newspapers, letters, scrapbooks and photographs, author David Charvet had the full cooperation of Eugene, Madeline and Frances Willard who grew up backstage on the Willard the Wizard show. Here is the ultimate behind-the-scenes story of a traveling tent show as told by those who lived it. Willard – A Life Under Canvas is number 14 in our series of Magical Pro-Files. It contains 370 pages with 276 photographs and because the entire book is printed in two colors, many of the photos appear in duotone, giving them the feel of a hot, dusty tent show. Eight pages of full color show Harry Willard in action along with some beautiful portraits of his well-worn apparatus.This edition is limited to 1,000 hand-numbered copies. Price $85 plus $5 postage.
DELUXE EDITION features a tipped-in, hand-tinted portrait of Harry Willard along with an extra page with a color photograph of Eugene, Madeline and Frances Willard. Each of them, along with the author David Charvet, has signed this page. The book is housed in a matching slipcase stamped in two colors. Only 150 copies of this hand-numbered, deluxe edition have been produced.
Price: $195 // Available from Mike Caveney’s Magic Words at www.mcmagicwords.com
MAGIC, 1400s – 1950s
This book celebrates more than 500 years of the dazzling visual culture of the world’s greatest magicians. Featuring more than 1,000 rarely seen vintage posters, photographs, handbills, engravings and paintings, this 650-page volume traces the history of magic as a performing art from the 1400s to the 1950s. Combining sensational images with lucid and incisive text, Magic explores the evolution of the magician’s craft, from medieval street performers to the brilliant stage magicians who gave rise to cinematic special effects.
“Anyone familiar with TASCHEN books knows they are of the highest quality and some might say as beautiful as the art they showcase. Expensive books they are (a few limited editions sell for upwards of $10,000), MAGIC is no exception and priced at $200. However, for a 650 page master archive of our arts history (1400-1950), is a fair price in my opinion and well worth it. I have already placed my order and can’t wait to divulge its pages.” —- dananddave.com
Available at www.dananddave.com
Erdnase: Bible Edition
Chung Ling Soo would call it a Gift from the Gods. The Professor would say it is heaven sent. After 105 years, your prayers have finally been answered. The Conjuring Arts Research Center is proud to announce the publication of a brand new edition of S.W. Erdnase’s landmark 1902 book The Expert at the Card Table. Printed on the same paper as a bible, with gilt edges, a ribbon place holder and bound in soft leatherette.
The new typesetting includes numbered lines so you can now reference sleights via the Bible verse method. Carry “The Cardman’s Bible” comfortably in your shirt pocket without the slightest tell.
To order visit www.erdnase.com // Price: $15.00
