Conjuring by James Randi

Conjuring – more commonly known as magic – is said to be the world’s second oldest profession. This sumptuously illustrated history tells the story of magic and its bizarre history through portraits of the conjurors themselves. Included are Chapters on Horace Goldin and His Buzz-Saw, ‘Kellar, the Man Who Spoke with Devils’ and – yes – ‘Thurston, the King of Cards.’ The dark side of magic is explored in chapters on the fabulous Indian Rope Trick and the deadly Defying the Bullets Trick. In the Rope Trick – a staple of early conjuring history – a boy climbs a stiff rope and disappears into the clouds, where he is hacked apart and his limbs rain down from the sky. The conjuror then places the pieces into a basket from which the intact boy emerges to take up a collection from astonished, horrified spectators. In the Defying the Bullets Trick – so dangerous that not even Houdini would attempt it – the conjuror catches a bullet fired at point-blank range. Several great magicians were killed this way as the victims of mechanical error or sabotage. The rich history of conjuring is complete with unforgettable sections on the Bambergs, both Blackstones, Houdini and his entourage – perhaps the greatest conjuring act of all – not to mention lively pick-pockets, street entertainers, and the newly emerging women magicians. This book is the life’s work of a famed magician, investigator of ‘psychics’ and ‘faith healers'” and esteemed author. It is also grand entertainment, given an amusing edge by James Randi’s notorious skeptical attitude. Indeed, Randi comes to the ironic conclusion that magic itself is nonexistent – if defined as the ability to defy human powers. What does exist is a dazzling collection of artists whose sleight-of-hand abilities and showmanship make this book an awe-inspiring pageant.