Hi all,

I am giving a presentation on how magic has evolved and influenced future magicians to achieve more.

Can somebody please suggest to me some significant events in magic history they think could be an interesting addition to my talk?

I mean things like:

* The first time a lady was cut in half
* David Copperfield making Statue of Liberty vanish

Real events that have shaped and inspired you would be wonderful to know to talk about.

Thanks
Nathan

I think this is the first record of what sounds like a magic performance (although it's not magic as we'd conceive it today): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westcar_Papyrus
Dedi's decapitation trick could be considered the first 'severing' effect.

The publication of "The Discoverie of Witchcraft" (1584): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discoverie_of_Witchcraft

There's a decapitation effect described in there, and several 'geek' style shock effects.

Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin being sent by Napoleon III to Algeria (in 1856) to prevent a war, and reputedly succeeding: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Eugène_Robert-Houdin

In fact, just take a look at this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_(illusion)
Some excellent material there.

Also, check out http://www.amazon.com/The-Official-Manua......61725897

And this guy is an interesting and controversial character: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Jan_Hanussen

If you read "the discoverie of witchcraft" it's surprising how many of the effects are still current, nearly 500 years on. Some gaffs are described that are still popular with dealers today.

Dai Vernon was an enormous influence on modern magicians. His cups and balls routine is performed almost verbatim by many performers today.

Hope that helps. There's certainly a lot to talk about...

Thanks very much! You are a great help!

There are Magician's like Doug Henning who get credit for bringing back magic in the minds of the public at different periods in time. You may want to pick up a few good books on the history of magic.