The History of Magic: More Than Just a Rabbit Out of a Hat

In the Middle Ages, Europeans believed strongly in magic. While some still condemned it as evil, and thought magicians to be on the same level as witches, wizards and the like, it now had many supporters as well. They credited it with the power to heal, protect, or influence destiny. During this time people also believed you could tell a person’s character by studying their hand, facial features, or even the moles on their skin.

From the 1500’s to the 1700’s, in spite of its detractors and a lessening of interest in some quarters, the popularity of magic remained strong all around the world. Even the highly educated people believed in its power.

Origins of Modern Magic

When you see a magician wearing tails, you’re seeing the legacy of French magician Jean-Eugene Robert Houdin, who was among the first magicians to dress in elegant evening wear for his show.

In Paris, in 1848, Robert Houdin made history with his Soirees Fantastiques (Fantastic Nights). He later rented a large room in London and charged admission to his shows. Houdin was one of the magical pioneers who used electricity and electro-magnetism in his magic shows. He was also the first to present effects that defied gravity. He became known as the Father of Modern Magic, and died in 1871. It is worth noting that during his amazing career he even aided the French government in quelling a rebellion in North Africa by performing an effect using electro-magnetism.

In 1873, an English magician named John Neville Maskelyne entered the magic scene. Along with his colleague, George Cooke, he opened a showroom in Piccadilly, London. The show achieved such enormous success that it played until 1903, when it acquired a new associate named David Devant and moved to St. George’s Hall. Devant later went on to become famous in his own right.

In the middle of the 19th century an attraction named “Pepper’s Ghost” arrived in London. There were several versions of that effect. However, the public was suitably impressed with the magic show, even though they had to pay to see it. They entered a small room where there was a stage with a chair; someone from the audience was chosen, went on stage and sat in the chair. The audience watched breathlessly as they saw the volunteer slowly dissolve into thin air and be replaced by a gorilla. They continued to watch as the gorilla slowly dissolved away and the volunteer appeared once more just as surprised as the rest of the audience.

Magic in the World Today

Modern magicians are a different breed than their predecessors. They’ve become performers — illusionists, mentalists, escape artists and the like, not laying claim to occult powers, but aiming to entertain their audiences on a grand scale.

Milbourne Christopher had the first magic show on national TV. Doug Henning revived magic on TV and create a renewed interest in it. Siegfried and Roy transformed Las Vegas into the home of magic. David Copperfield opted for a flashier look than normally seen on TV and used rock music to thrill his audiences while he presented his magic. David Blaine introduced the element of paranormal phenomena into his tricks, along with amazing feats of physical endurance all the while cultivating a mysterious image.

Although audiences today may be more savvy about how magic is performed, they still flock to see live magic shows or watch them on TV. It’s human nature. As long as the world remains the mysterious place it is, man will always have a deep and abiding interest in magic.

Research Sources:

The History of Magic

http://library.thinkquest.org/J0111851/history_of_magic.htm

Magic A Brief History

http://sunniebunniezz.com/magic/magichistory.htm