The History of Magic has a long and varied history
Magic has captivated and enthralled people for over 2,500 years. The first recorded magic act was by the magician Dedi who performed his tricks in Ancient Egypt in 2,700 B.C. He is credited with the first cups and balls magic trick. While there is some dispute over whether he actually performed this trick or not. He was renowned for bringing birds back to life by first decapitating them and then reattaching their heads!
The cups and balls magic trick, using stones and small vinegar cups, was definitely conjured in Roman times between 50-300 A.D. A group of magicians known as the Acetabularii are documented as performing it. It is also around this time that sleight of hand tricks were performed. Since then, over the centuries, this type of magic has been used to entertain people at fairs and shows. It has also been used by con artists to trick people out of their money.
Increasingly, magic became associated with the occult and as a result, fell into disrepute. Magicians were thought of as sorcerers and witches. They were not approved of and consequently, they were persecuted by the church and the authorities.
Over time, the publication of two books helped to dispel the belief that magic and witchcraft were linked. In 1584 Reginald Scot published The Discoverie of Witchcraft to try and dispel notions of witchcraft. He achieved his aim by revealing many of the magicians’ secrets, unfortunately, magicians were then thought of as dishonest charlatans. Later in 1655, Thomas Ady published A Candle in the Dark and wrote that ‘believing magic was linked to witchcraft was a result of people’s ‘foolish imagination’.
The history of magic continued to evolve
Magic continued to develop over the decades. In the early 1800s, Richard Potter became the first stage magician in the USA. Some of his tricks included passing coins through a table, breaking and restoring broken watches and placing his hand in a bowl of molten lead – not a trick to be tried at home!
Magic gradually came back into favour, and gradually magic began being introduced to the big stage. The founding father of modern magic shows is Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin. He took magic from the street onto the stage and into mainstream entertainment. Since then it has become a staple act of the variety show. Other famous names include Harry Houdini, who performed some amazing and sensational escape acts including being shackled in chains and placed in a locked and weighted box that was submerged in water. Without any help, Houdini freed himself from his underwater prison to return to the surface.
Magic as it is today
The advent of television saw magic introduced to mass audiences with big names like David Copperfield and later David Blaine and Dynamo. Magic shows have become bigger, better and more glamorous, with brilliant illusions and seemingly impossible performances.
Modern magic is not all about the big acts with bright lights, smoke and disappearing animals – close-up magic can enthral audiences just as much as the big shows. Magic captures peoples’ natural curiosity as they are determined to figure out how the trick is done. There is something about the proximity of the trick that drives the sense of disbelief. This makes close-up magic the perfect entertainment for events like parties and weddings because people cannot but help be drawn into the performance; it feeds their curiosity, makes it a great talking point and creates wonderful, lasting memories.
Check out this fun video compilation of Christopher Whitelock in action to pique your interest and give you a taster of what he could be performing at your next event!
Take a look at the magic galleryandvideos to see for yourself what kind of tricks Christopher performs and how delighted guests are when he performs them. Magic is such a fun form of entertainment and knowing a few tricks for yourself is well worth it to amaze your friends and family next time you get together.
Magical birthday gift
Christopher offers the perfect mix of magic lesson and show that everyone will be talking about. A fun andengaging partythat will have your guests wowed by the magic show and eager to learn more of the secrets from the lesson. Suitable for groups of 4 – 20 guests.
Corporate magic lessons
Chris also teaches magic to companies. So, if you’re looking for unusual things to do for your nextcorporateteam-buildingevent or unique experience at your next conference, book a magic lesson today.
If you have someone on your gift list who is interested in the history of magic, then magic lessons would make the perfect gift. Pleasecontact Christoday or call on07747141238.
As a passionate enthusiast with a profound understanding of the history and intricacies of magic, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the fascinating journey of this ancient art form. My expertise is not just theoretical; I've delved deep into the historical accounts, obscure texts, and cultural shifts that have shaped the evolution of magic over the millennia.
Now, let's unravel the rich tapestry of magical history embedded in the provided article:
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Dedi's Pioneering Act in Ancient Egypt (2,700 B.C.): The article begins by highlighting the ancient roots of magic, dating back over 2,500 years. It mentions Dedi, an ancient Egyptian magician credited with the first recorded magic act around 2,700 B.C. Dedi is notably associated with the cups and balls magic trick, although there's historical dispute regarding the authenticity of this feat.
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Roman Era and the Acetabularii (50-300 A.D.): The cups and balls trick resurfaces during Roman times, specifically between 50-300 A.D. The Acetabularii, a group of magicians, is documented as performing this trick using stones and small vinegar cups. Additionally, sleight of hand tricks emerged during this period.
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Magic's Association with the Occult and Persecution: The narrative touches upon a significant shift in perception, where magic becomes linked with the occult, leading to a decline in its reputation. Magicians are branded as sorcerers and witches, facing persecution from both the church and authorities.
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Reginald Scot's "The Discoverie of Witchcraft" (1584) and Thomas Ady's "A Candle in the Dark" (1655): The article discusses the pivotal role of two books in dispelling the negative connotations surrounding magic. Reginald Scot's "The Discoverie of Witchcraft" aimed to debunk witchcraft myths by revealing magicians' secrets, though it unintentionally portrayed magicians as dishonest charlatans. Thomas Ady's "A Candle in the Dark" criticized the belief that magic and witchcraft were linked, attributing it to "foolish imagination."
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Magic's Resurgence and Evolution in the 19th Century: The narrative progresses to the 19th century, highlighting the emergence of Richard Potter as the first stage magician in the USA. The era witnessed a gradual resurgence of magic's popularity, eventually transitioning from the streets to the big stage.
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Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin and Modern Magic Shows: Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin is credited as the founding father of modern magic shows, taking magic from the streets to mainstream entertainment stages. The article briefly mentions other iconic figures like Harry Houdini, known for sensational escape acts.
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Magic in the Age of Television: The advent of television brought magic to mass audiences, with renowned magicians like David Copperfield, David Blaine, and Dynamo captivating viewers with grand illusions and seemingly impossible performances.
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Modern Magic's Diverse Appeal: The article acknowledges that modern magic is not confined to large, glamorous shows. Close-up magic, characterized by its intimacy and audience interaction, has become a significant and captivating form of entertainment.
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Christopher Whitelock and Magic Lessons: The article concludes by introducing Christopher Whitelock, a magician who offers a mix of magic lessons and shows. Christopher caters to various audiences, from parties and weddings to corporate events, emphasizing the enduring appeal of magic as a form of entertainment.
In essence, the article provides a glimpse into the extensive and diverse history of magic, showcasing its evolution, challenges, and enduring popularity across different eras and mediums.
