Magic, Inc. is a publisher of
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 ...
books and retailer of magic products in
North America.
It is one of the oldest continuously family-run
brick-and-mortar
Brick and mortar (also bricks and mortar or B&M) refers to a physical presence of an organization or business in a building or other structure. The term ''brick-and-mortar business'' is often used to refer to a company that possesses or leases r ...
magic companies in North America.
Location
The original store, then called the Ireland Magic Company, was located on 109 N. Dearborn in the
Chicago Loop
The Loop, one of Chicago's 77 designated community areas, is the central business district of the city and is the main section of Downtown Chicago. Home to Chicago's commercial core, it is the second largest commercial business district in Nort ...
. In 1963, the store was renamed Magic, Inc. and moved to its long-occupied location at 5082 N. Lincoln Ave.,
Chicago
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
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,
Illinois
Illinois ( ) is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its largest metropolitan areas include the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Metro East section, of Greater St. Louis. Other smaller metropolitan areas include, Peoria and Rockf ...
.
As of 2016, the store relocated to a new space at 1838 W. Lawrence Avenue, in Chicago.
The company's store has been frequented by several magicians and illusionists such as
Penn & Teller
Penn & Teller, Penn Jillette and Teller, are American magicians, entertainers, and scientific skeptics who have performed together since the late 1970s. They are noted for their ongoing act that combines elements of comedy with magic.
The duo h ...
,
Harry Blackstone Sr. &
Jr., and
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 ...
.
History
In 1926, Laurie L. Ireland founded the original business, the Ireland Magic Company. Soon after his death in 1954,
James "Jay" Ward Marshall married his widow, Frances Ireland, and took ownership of the magic shop.
In 1963, the company was relocated and incorporated as Magic, Inc. by Jay Marshall and Frances Ireland Marshall.
After spending her whole life with magic, Frances Ireland Marshall died at the age of 92 on May 26, 2002.
Jay Marshall later died of a heart attack in 2005. His son Alexander "Sandy" Marshall is now owner of the company.
Publications
The company published several original titles in its early years and up to today, continues to sell copies. Frances Marshall was an early originator of publishing books on a single magic-related topic.
The Ireland Magic Company published ''Match-ic'' (1935) and ''12 Tricks with a Borrowed Deck'' (1940) by American mathematics and science writer
Martin Gardner
Martin Gardner (October 21, 1914May 22, 2010) was an American popular mathematics and popular science writer with interests also encompassing scientific skepticism, micromagic, philosophy, religion, and literatureespecially the writings of Lew ...
.
Products & Services
The company sells a variety of magic products including books and pamphlets, magic sets and accessories, and collectibles. The company also has a staff of professional magicians who provide magic lessons for beginners and experienced magicians alike.
References
External links
Magic, Inc. Homepage
{{Authority control
Entertainment companies of the United States
Magic organizations
Publishing companies of the United States