This timeline of magic is a history of
the performing art from B.C. to the present.
Timeline of magic
2700 B.C. - The reputed first known performance of a conjuring effect (
balls) was done by the magician
Dedi
Djedi (also Dedi or Djedi of Djed-Sneferu) is the name of a fictional ancient Egyptian magician (paranormal), magician appearing in the fourth chapter of a story told in the legendary Westcar Papyrus. He is said to have worked miracle, wonders d ...
in ancient
Egypt
Egypt ( ar, مصر , ), officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia via a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula. It is bordered by the Medit ...
. Dedi had done other effects, such as decapitating a bird, then reattaching the head to resurrect it. (This is disputed as there is nothing in reference to Dedi, specifically in the Westcar Papyrus, to indicate that he performed the cups and balls for anyone. The famous drawing of two men seemingly performing the cups and balls, from the tomb of
Baqet III
Baqet III was an ancient Egyptian official and '' Great Chief of the Oryx nome'' (the 16th nome of Upper Egypt) during the 11th Dynasty in the 21st century BCE. Apart from the position of governor of the entire nome, Baqet III also held the titl ...
at
Beni Hasan
Beni Hasan (also written as Bani Hasan, or also Beni-Hassan) ( ar, بني حسن) is an ancient Egyptian cemetery. It is located approximately to the south of modern-day Minya in the region known as Middle Egypt, the area between Asyut and Mem ...
is believed by most experts to show a game using pots or cups but details of the game are unknown.) (Note: Since there is no indication that Dedi performed the Cups and Balls, and the Beni Hasan tomb painting is considered unlikely to represent the effect, there is no certain evidence for the existence of the cups and balls during this period.)
1300–650 B.C. - References to magic are abundant in the ancient Greek myths among the classical founding pagan cultures of Europe, connected to the neighbouring Egyptian and Persian ones. Often centered around women of divine origin, nymphs and priests, from Ariadne to Calypso, Circe to Medea, Hermes to Hecate, magic, divination and necromancy are widespread and intertwined with chthonic Gods and monsters, oracles and heroes.
50–300 A.D. - The Acetabularii performed the
Cups and balls in ancient
Rome
, established_title = Founded
, established_date = 753 BC
, founder = King Romulus (legendary)
, image_map = Map of comune of Rome (metropolitan city of Capital Rome, region Lazio, Italy).svg
, map_caption ...
using stones and small vinegar cups (hence the name Acetabularii). The Acetabularii are a group of magicians specializing on the cups and balls effect.
400–1000 - The
Dark Ages; little is known about the history of magic, but much of it was associated with the
occult and magic as entertainment is not prominent.
Magic as entertainment in fact has been a cornerstone in the entertainment industry, the theater itself started as a place of magic and wonder with children being a primary focus (now more than ever). The influential pasts historic moments in magic has built what we now see in many venues of entertainment.
1000–1500 - The
Middle Ages
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries, similar to the post-classical period of global history. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire ...
, where much magic was associated with the occult and
witchcraft
Witchcraft traditionally means the use of magic or supernatural powers to harm others. A practitioner is a witch. In medieval and early modern Europe, where the term originated, accused witches were usually women who were believed to have ...
. The growing trading nature of society allowed some street or circus performers to make a living out of old classics such as the cups and balls and in fact more modern ideas such as cheating by short changing via sleights with coins and other small objects.
1584 -
Reginald Scot
Reginald Scot (or Scott) ( – 9 October 1599) was an Englishman and Member of Parliament, the author of '' The Discoverie of Witchcraft'', which was published in 1584. It was written against the belief in witches, to show that witchcraft di ...
publishes ''
The Discoverie of Witchcraft
''The Discoverie of Witchcraft'' is a partially sceptical book published by the English gentleman Reginald Scot in 1584, intended as an exposé of early modern witchcraft. It contains a small section intended to show how the public was fooled by ...
'', a book designed in part to counter the activities of persecutionists, but at the same time revealing many
conjuring
Conjuration or Conjuring may refer to:
__NOTOC__ Concepts
* Conjuration (summoning), the evocation of spirits or other supernatural entities
** Conjuration, a school of magic in ''Dungeons & Dragons''
* Conjuration (illusion), the performance of s ...
secrets of the day. Magic and witchcraft were linked, and many copies of Scot's book were burnt in the early 17th century.
1634 - ''Hocus Pocus Junior: The Anatomie of Legerdemain'' was published. This book is one of the first to include the "Cups and Balls" effect described as it was originally performed, along with the "patter" which was used during the performance. This book had twelve editions.
* Steve Burton published a hardcover edition of the 1634 first edition (1997)
1720- Isaac Fawkes, English magician, retires. His performances at fairs left him with a fortune of nearly ten thousand pounds. Among his tricks were a card on the ceiling with any card called for and his bag of many eggs. His booth is featured in
Bartholomew Fair
The Bartholomew Fair was one of London's pre-eminent summer charter fairs. A charter for the fair was granted to Rahere by Henry I to fund the Priory of St Bartholomew; and from 1133 to 1855 it took place each year on 24 August within the preci ...
by Hogarth with a sign that says "Dexterity of Hand." He also presented impressionists and contortionists as part of his shows.
1750 -
Joseph Pinetti
Giovanni Giuseppe Pinetti, (Joseph Pinetti Willedall de Merci) was known in France as Chevalier Joseph Pinetti (1750–circa 1803). He was born in Orbetello (in Tuscany, Italy) and probably died in Russia. He was known as ''The Professor of Natu ...
, "considered to be the major figure of 18th century magic," is born. Pinetti is said to be the first recorded performer to do the "thumb tie effect" and he also performed second sight, exhibited automata and the orange tree illusion.
1805 - Year of birth of
Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin
Jean may refer to:
People
* Jean (female given name)
* Jean (male given name)
* Jean (surname)
Fictional characters
* Jean Grey, a Marvel Comics character
* Jean Valjean, fictional character in novel ''Les Misérables'' and its adaptations
* J ...
(died 1871). The "father of modern magic", who brought it from the street and circus side shows to an elegant stage or drawing room setting.
1808 -
Mayette Magie Moderne opened up in Paris becoming the first
magic store
A magic store (also magic shop or magician's supply shop) is an establishment which sells materials for performing magic tricks. Magic shops often also sell practical joke
A practical joke, or prank, is a mischievous trick played on someone, g ...
.
1874 - Year of birth of
Harry Houdini, A.K.A. King of Cards and King of Handcuffs (died 1926 because of a ruptured appendix). Real name Ehrich Weiss, he achieved fame as an
escapologist
Escapology is the practice of escaping from restraints or other traps. Escapologists (also classified as escape artists) escape from handcuffs, straitjackets, cages, coffins, steel boxes, barrels, bags, burning buildings, fish-tanks, and oth ...
.
1876 - The first publication of ''
Modern Magic
''Modern Magic'' by Professor Hoffmann (real name ''Angelo Lewis'') is a treatise in book form, first published in 1876, detailing the apparatus, methods and tricks used by the magicians and conjurors of that era. Hoffmann was considered to b ...
.'' Written by Professor Louis Hoffmann (1839–1919) (real name Angelo John Lewis), it was a definitive work on the state of the art of that time.
1877 -
Martinka and Co. was founded by Francis and Antonio Martinka, it was run by Houdini in 1919 and is still in existence.
1886 -
Tam Shepherds Trick Shop opened up in Glasgow becoming the oldest
magic store
A magic store (also magic shop or magician's supply shop) is an establishment which sells materials for performing magic tricks. Magic shops often also sell practical joke
A practical joke, or prank, is a mischievous trick played on someone, g ...
in the United Kingdom.
1894 - Year of birth of
Dai Vernon
Dai Vernon (pronounced alternatively as "DIE" or as "DAY" as in David; June 11, 1894 – August 21, 1992), a.k.a. The Professor, was a Canadian magician. His sleight of hand technique and knowledge, particularly with card tricks and close ...
(died 1992). A.K.A. "The Professor" and "The Man That Fooled Houdini", he was born as David Frederick Wingfield Verner in Ottawa. One of the most influential 20th-century performing-arts magicians.
1898 - Davenports Ltd. was founded by Lewis Davenport and Davenports Magic has earned the unique distinction of being the oldest family-owned magic shop in the world.
1902 - ''
The Expert at the Card Table
''The Expert at the Card Table'', is an extensive book on the art of sleight of hand published in 1902 by S. W. Erdnase, a pseudonymous author whose identity has remained a mystery for over a century. As a detailed manual of card sharps, the book ...
'' is published by The Charles T. Powner Co. Written by
S. W. Erdnase
S. W. Erdnase is a pseudonym used by the author of ''The Expert at the Card Table'', a book detailing sleight of hand, cheating and legerdemain using playing cards. Still considered essential reading for any card magician, the book (usually known a ...
, is considered by serious card workers as one of the most important books written on the subject.
1902 - May 10, The
Society of American Magicians
The Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) is the oldest fraternal magic organization in the world. Its purpose is "to advance, elevate, and preserve magic as a performing art, to promote harmonious fellowship throughout the world of magic, and ...
is founded at
Martinka's Magic Shop in New York City, New York. It is the oldest magic society in the world.
1905 - July -
The Magic Circle was formed. Its first President was
David Devant. This is a prestigious organization for magicians and has strict rules against exposure. (It expelled its founder twice for alleged exposure, something it has done to many famous magicians.)
1907 - Jan 15 - The
Australian Society of Magicians
Australian Society of Magicians is an organisation for professional and amateur stage magicians, with approximately 1,000 members worldwide. The headquarters is in Sydney
Sydney ( ) is the capital city of the state of New South Wales, and ...
the fourth oldest magical society in the world, was founded in Sydney, Australia. Meetings were first held at Queen’s Hall, Sydney.
1911 - ''Our Magic'' by
Nevil Maskelyne
Nevil Maskelyne (; 6 October 1732 – 9 February 1811) was the fifth British Astronomer Royal. He held the office from 1765 to 1811. He was the first person to scientifically measure the mass of the planet Earth. He created the ''British Nau ...
and
David Devant – arguably one of the most important books of magic theory – is published.
1911 - The Mysto Magic Company incorporated by Gilbert, Gilbert, and Petrie.
1918 - Houdini first performs Morritt's Vanishing Elephant at the Hippodrome on January 7.
1918 - Th
South African Magical Society(SAMS) was formed. SAMS is also affiliated to the London
Magic Circle
A magic circle is a circle of space marked out by practitioners of some branches of ritual magic, which they generally believe will contain energy and form a sacred space, or will provide them a form of magical protection, or both. It may be mark ...
.
1921 -
P.T. Selbit
P. T. Selbit (1881–1938) was an English magician, inventor and writer who is credited with being the first person to perform the illusion of sawing a woman in half. Among magicians he was known for his inventiveness and entrepreneurial insti ...
performs the first "
Sawing in half", something that is, in the present day, synonymous with the art of stage magic.
1926 - On All Hallows Eve at 1:26 pm, Harry Houdini dies. A statuary bust of Houdini was placed at the grave. Possibly the only one of its kind in a Jewish cemetery.
1930 -
Gilbert Genesta died.
1934 -
Johnny Max Thompson was born in Chicago, Illiois, U.S ( died 2019). He was awarded one of the highest honors in the magician community, a master fellowship with the Academy of magic arts, widely known as a mentor and teacher of magic.
Circa 1940 - Edward M. Massey invents the finger chopper, which becomes many young magicians' first trick.
1955 & 1948 - Penn Jillette and Teller were born. The duo has been featured in the show “ Fool us”.
1949 - The first publication of ''Royal Road to Card Magic'' Written by Jean Hugard and Fred Braue, it's still an important first text for card workers today.
1952 - The first publication of ''Modern Coin Magic'' Written by JB Bobo, considered by some the "bible" of
coin magic
Coin magic is the manipulating of coins to entertain audiences.
Money Magic, pp. 175-221. Because coins are small, most coin tricks are considered close-up magic or table magic, as the audience must be close to the performer to see the effects. T ...
, many other works reference this one.
1956 -
David Copperfield
''David Copperfield'' Dickens invented over 14 variations of the title for this work, see is a novel in the bildungsroman genre by Charles Dickens, narrated by the eponymous David Copperfield, detailing his adventures in his journey from inf ...
is born on September 16, as David Seth Kotkin.
1960 -
Lance Burton
William Lance Burton (born March 10, 1960) is an American stage magician. He performed more than 15,000 shows in Las Vegas for over 5,000,000 people until retiring after 31 years in 2010.
Professional history
Burton first became interested in ma ...
is born on March 10, as William Lance Burton in Louisville, Kentucky.
1963 -
The Magic Castle
The Magic Castle is a clubhouse for magicians and magic enthusiasts, as well as the clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts. It is in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, California and it bills itself as "the most unusual private club in t ...
is formed by Bill, Irene, and Milt Larsen in
Hollywood USA by converting a 1908
Victorian mansion to a centre of magical excellence. Many leading magicians have performed there.
Dai Vernon
Dai Vernon (pronounced alternatively as "DIE" or as "DAY" as in David; June 11, 1894 – August 21, 1992), a.k.a. The Professor, was a Canadian magician. His sleight of hand technique and knowledge, particularly with card tricks and close ...
was a resident magician in the latter part of his life.
1968 - The book ''
Thirteen Steps To Mentalism'' by
Corinda was published and is one of the most famous books on
mentalism
Mentalism is a performing art in which its practitioners, known as mentalists, appear to demonstrate highly developed mental or intuitive abilities. Performances may appear to include hypnosis, telepathy, clairvoyance, divination, precognitio ...
.
1972 - New York's first magic show spot The
Magic Towne House
The Magic Towne House was a magic show spot on three floors at 1026 Third Avenue, north of 60th Street, New York City, in the 1970s and 1980s. It was a venue for adults in the cabaret as well as having a children's theater for patrons of all ag ...
is opened by Ed Davis and taken over by
Dorothy Dietrich
Dorothy Dietrich (born October 31, 1969) is an American stage magician and escapologist, best known for performing the bullet catch in her mouth (although Adelaide Herrmann reputedly did this earlier) and the first woman to perform a straitjack ...
(then a teenager) and
Dick Brookz. It featured such notables as
Frank Garcia, Jack London,
Harry Blackstone, Jr., etc. Performers who got their start their included
Eric DeCamps,
Rocco Silano
Rocco Silano is an American magician, author, and lecturer.
Biography
Silano was born June 12, 1962, in Paterson, New Jersey. Early on in his career, Rocco studied with and was managed by sleight-of-hand expert and Tony Slydini protégé Bill ...
,
Johnny Ace Palmer,
Jeff McBride
Jeff McBride (born September 11, 1959), also known as "Magnus", is an American magician and magic instructor. He is known for his sleight of hand skills and specializes in the manipulation of playing cards, coins, and other small objects. His s ...
and
Michael Chaut. Years later Chaut would organize
Monday Night Magic after The
Magic Towne House
The Magic Towne House was a magic show spot on three floors at 1026 Third Avenue, north of 60th Street, New York City, in the 1970s and 1980s. It was a venue for adults in the cabaret as well as having a children's theater for patrons of all ag ...
closed in the 1980s.
1974 - The musical ''The Magic Show'' starring
Doug Henning
Douglas James Henning (May 3, 1947 – February 7, 2000) was a Canadian magician, illusionist, escape artist and politician.
Early life
Henning was born in the Fort Garry district of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and began practising magic at Oaken ...
opens on Broadway and ushers in a new "Golden Age" of magic.
1977 -
''Marco the Magi presents Le Grand David and his own Spectacular Magic Company'' premieres on February 20 in Beverly, Massachusetts. It runs for 35 years (until Spring of 2012) and becomes the longest running "Resident Magic Show" in history.
1977 -
Jeff Sheridan
Jeff Sheridan (born 1948) is an American magician who started his career by specializing in street magic. Sheridan began working in New York City around 1967. He studied briefly at the School of the Visual Arts in NYC in the late 1960s. He autho ...
, a street magician in New York's Central Park, publishes ''STREET MAGIC - An Illustrated History of Wandering Magicians and Their Conjuring Arts''. Published by Dolphin Books, an imprint of Doubleday & Company.
1980 - In July,
Dorothy Dietrich
Dorothy Dietrich (born October 31, 1969) is an American stage magician and escapologist, best known for performing the bullet catch in her mouth (although Adelaide Herrmann reputedly did this earlier) and the first woman to perform a straitjack ...
, in her teens becomes the first, and as of 2019, and the only woman to do the "jinxed"
bullet catch
The bullet catch is a stage magic illusion in which a magician appears to catch a bullet fired directly at them — often in the mouth, sometimes in the hand or sometimes caught with other items such as a dinner plate. The bullet catch ma ...
in her mouth, often referred to as "the stunt that scared Houdini." It was done under test conditions at the annual International Brother of Magicians Convention at Point State Park in front of hundreds of paying attendees and the general public. It was televised world wide and got international press.
1988 - The
Houdini Museum
The Houdini Museum is located at Scranton, Pennsylvania. Harry Houdini appeared in Scranton and did several special challenges there. His brother, Hardeen, also appeared in Scranton and in its sister city, Wilkes-Barre. The longest engagement ...
opens in Scranton, PA. The only building in the world dedicated to Houdini. The exhibit was originally in NYC at The
Magic Towne House
The Magic Towne House was a magic show spot on three floors at 1026 Third Avenue, north of 60th Street, New York City, in the 1970s and 1980s. It was a venue for adults in the cabaret as well as having a children's theater for patrons of all ag ...
, NY's first and original Houdini Museum.
1994 - The first
WWW
The World Wide Web (WWW), commonly known as the Web, is an information system enabling documents and other web resources to be accessed over the Internet.
Documents and downloadable media are made available to the network through web se ...
magic stores appear following the older text type
newsgroups
A Usenet newsgroup is a repository usually within the Usenet system, for messages posted from users in different locations using the Internet. They are discussion groups and are not devoted to publishing news. Newsgroups are technically distinc ...
and
bulletin boards
A bulletin board (pinboard, pin board, noticeboard, or notice board in British English) is a surface intended for the posting of public messages, for example, to advertise items wanted or for sale, announce events, or provide information. B ...
. Pictorial and information sites soon follow, changing the way
magic
Magic or Magick most commonly refers to:
* Magic (supernatural), beliefs and actions employed to influence supernatural beings and forces
* Ceremonial magic, encompasses a wide variety of rituals of magic
* Magical thinking, the belief that unrela ...
is learned and distributed.
1997 - The
Masked Magician
Val Valentino (born Leonard Montano, June 14, 1956)Brownfield, Paul (October 31, 1998)"Fox Isn't Disillusioned as Masked Magician Series Ends". ''Los Angeles Times''. is an American magician. Valentino starred in a series of four television sp ...
,
Val Valentino
Val Valentino (born Leonard Montano, June 14, 1956)Brownfield, Paul (October 31, 1998)"Fox Isn't Disillusioned as Masked Magician Series Ends". ''Los Angeles Times''. is an American magician. Valentino starred in a series of four television sp ...
, provokes much controversy by exposing magic secrets on major
Fox TV specials.
David Blaine
David Blaine (born April 4, 1973) is an American illusionist, endurance artist, and extreme performer. He is best known for his high-profile feats of endurance and has set and broken several world records.
Early life
Blaine was born and r ...
brings "Street Magic" to America.
1998 - ''World Of Illusion'' at Madison Square Garden launched the career of
Criss Angel
Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos ( el, Χριστόφορος Νικόλαος Σαραντάκος; born December 19, 1967), known professionally as Criss Angel, is an American magician, illusionist and musician. Angel began his career in New ...
, followed by ''
Criss Angel Mindfreak
''Criss Angel Mindfreak'' is an American reality television series that aired on A&E from July 20, 2005, to September 8, 2010. It centers on stunts and street magic acts by magician Criss Angel
Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos ( el, Χρισ ...
'' which ran until 2003.
2011 -
Dynamo
"Dynamo Electric Machine" (end view, partly section, )
A dynamo is an electrical generator that creates direct current using a commutator. Dynamos were the first electrical generators capable of delivering power for industry, and the foundati ...
releases a magic series ''
Dynamo: Magician Impossible'', and goes on to release 3 more series in the following years.
2011 - Destroyed by vandals, Houdini's gravesite bust returned secretly at cost of $10,000 by
Houdini Museum
The Houdini Museum is located at Scranton, Pennsylvania. Harry Houdini appeared in Scranton and did several special challenges there. His brother, Hardeen, also appeared in Scranton and in its sister city, Wilkes-Barre. The longest engagement ...
's
Dorothy Dietrich
Dorothy Dietrich (born October 31, 1969) is an American stage magician and escapologist, best known for performing the bullet catch in her mouth (although Adelaide Herrmann reputedly did this earlier) and the first woman to perform a straitjack ...
and
Dick Brooks
Richard Brooks (April 14, 1942 – February 1, 2006) was an American NASCAR driver. Born in Porterville, California, he was the 1969 NASCAR Rookie of the Year, and went on to win the 1973 Talladega 500. Brooks held off veteran Buddy Baker b ...
.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Timeline Of Magic
Magic
Magic or Magick most commonly refers to:
* Magic (supernatural), beliefs and actions employed to influence supernatural beings and forces
* Ceremonial magic, encompasses a wide variety of rituals of magic
* Magical thinking, the belief that unrela ...
Magic
Magic or Magick most commonly refers to:
* Magic (supernatural), beliefs and actions employed to influence supernatural beings and forces
* Ceremonial magic, encompasses a wide variety of rituals of magic
* Magical thinking, the belief that unrela ...