The Art of Magic: The Companion to the PBS Special

by Carl Waldman, Joe Layden

Explores the history of magic and discusses the dividing line between science, superstition, and entertainment

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Carl Waldman is a freelance writer who divides his time between the streets of New York City and the hills of upstate New York. He is the author of a number of reference books on Native Americans, including Atlas of the North AmericanIndian, Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes, and Biographical Dictionary of American Indian History to 1900. He co-authored other books on history and popular culture, including Encyclopedia of Exploration, Encyclopedia of European Peoples, The Art of Magic, Elvis Immortal, and Forever Sinatra. He also has cowritten several screenplays, including an episode of Miami Vice for NBC and The Legend of Two Path, a drama about the Native American side of Raleigh’s Lost Colony, shown at Festival Park on Roanoke Island in North Carolina. His hobbies include music and he has played in a number of bands and has worked with young people in music workshops. Streetscape is his first mystery.

Reviews

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this book 4.5 stars. An absolutely fantastic account of magic. It begins with the history of magic, an anthropological account, looking at different cultures and their practices. Then the book moves onto individual magicians; it provides almost an encyclopedic description of each magician.

I found it interesting how much overlap magic has with religion and how it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. If the reader has a background in religious studies they will note that the book provides very much an etic approach to religion.

The one thing I found disappointing is that with many magicians they would describe who they are and where they performed, but they would not list specific tricks. It’s hard to appreciate a magician whose performance you know nothing about.

Overall, I would recommend this book! I found it to be inspiring and eye-opening. It allowed me to look at magic in a way I had not previously. I have a newly gained appreciation for magicians.

[MagicDave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of Magic throughout the ages, from ancient times until today. Slightly dates, as a couple of the performers they talk about have since passed away. But, overall a nice look at the history of the profession.