Magic shows include many diverse art forms including illusion, sleight of hand and misdirection. In fact, anything and everything that cannot be explained, generally falls under the heading "It's magic".
Scientifically of course, there is no such thing as unexplainable magic. Logicians make it a point to scoff at all things magic. They maintain that magic shows featuring dazzling, mystifying acts all have some logical reasoning or mechanism behind it.
This point of view is accepted by the majority of cynical adult audiences around the world today. TV, web sites and other methods by which many of the simpler tricks have been explained have dissipated much of the mysterious aura that previously surrounded such amazing feats as pulling flowers out of the air, rabbits out of a hat and sawing people in half.
This has resulted in conjurors foraging deeper into advanced technology and modern science to help them develop tricks that are spectacular enough to impress, amaze and entertain a more sophisticated crowd. This is not easy as most adults know the simpler "tricks of the trade" and always look for a "logical" reason behind every trick in a magician's repertoire.
Illusions that are commonly used in magic shows fall into several different categories. These include such forms of illusion as teleportation, vanishing and levitation.
There is also production where something is produced from thin air. Transformation (turning something into a totally different type of object) and penetration where solid objects pass through other solid objects (rings being intertwined, apples passing through boxes etc.) are part of the acts that you will see in magic shows.
Magic shows themselves can be categorized by class, as close up to the magic with the audience close to a seated performer. Cabaret magic where magicians perform on the same floor level as the audience. Bizarre magic using horror and shock like swallowing swords, boring holes through arms and skin etc. can also be seen.
There is also platform or stage magic, telepathic magic, childrens magic and street magic. Here the magicians give impromptu performances in front of pedestrians. However, all classes of magic have their own particular audiences. These magic shows attract large crowds for all the magic shows.
Of the hundreds of accomplished magicians currently performing on their own or in magic shows throughout the world, some names stand out. This is due to the sheer magnificence and skill of their performances. Performers like David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, David Blaine, Max Maven and Chris Angel to name a few of the great magicians of today.
It is evident, that no matter how advanced society may be that the thrill of magic will never die. In fact it would be safe to say that magic is here to stay. The many magic shows that we see are a testament to that.
Magicians, especially professional magicians, tend to guard their secrets jealously. It is rare indeed to find a performer who would reveal the secrets of their art to the uninitiated or to colleagues. Very few of these individuals would indeed reveal the magic tricks they have developed on their own for love or money.
Nowadays books, videos, leaflets and other items available at bookstores and on the internet (even whole websites devoted to magic) have gone a long way towards explaining simple magic tricks. Amateur magic enthusiasts can even find the occasional magic convention to show them how to perform some of the more complicated magic tricks. All these things however are recent developments.
Right up till the end of the 19th century there were very few books of teachers of magic. Outsiders wishing to break into the art found it an uphill and often frustrating task. The magic community itself was a closely knit group where magic was concerned, and made it a point of honor to collectively close ranks against all would be new comers.
Discoveries of magic by Reginald Scott, which was printed in 1584, is one of the first books ever printed that gave an insight into magic. Today, even with the existence of such organizations as the International Brotherhood of Magicians, there are still some organizations which make it a condition of membership to NOT divulge their art to non magicians.
Magic tricks themselves can range over a diverse arena that includes everything from the old pulling a rabbit out of a hat trick and mind reading to more complicated forms of magic. These will involve levitation, using handcuffs and replacing your assistant with a Bengal tiger.
Be that as it may, coin and card tricks are still performed in every magicians act. They are some of the easiest and simplest tricks to perform. They require nothing more ingenious than a sleight of hand and a good routine to pull off a creditable performance.
Popular modern magicians include such names as David Copperfield, David Blaine, Siegfried and Roy, Chris Angel and a host of others. These magicians have become household names due to their fantastic, unexplainable and often mind boggling magical performances.
However, the most famous of all magicians is Harry Houdini (1805 - 1871), the son of a Hungarian rabbi who started out as a watch maker. He then went on to become one of the greatest magicians in the world. Houdini is best known for his escapology the ability to escape from any form of restraints - tricks.
As you see there are many different tricks that are employed by magicians. These magic tricks are what makes these magicians so fascinating to us. The many different magic tricks you will find are part of the atmosphere of magic.
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