Magic: A Beginner's Guide (Beginner's Guides)

The mysterious art of magic has been a source of wonderment since before the time of Christ. Shape shifting between the supernatural practices of 'real' magic and demonstrations of dazzling illusion, magic has been used to conjure the evil eye, burn villages to the ground, slice women in half, and save men from being crushed to death by five tonnes of cement. Robert Ralley's history takes us deep into this magical underworld to reveal the astounding stories of some of the world's greatest magicians. From the astrology of the three wise men to Harry Houdini's escapology, and David Blain's endurance tests, Ralley illustrates the changing perceptions of magic and the dangerous balance between illusion, fraud, and devilry that still exists today. The mysterious art of magic has been a source of wonderment since before the time of Christ. Ranging from the supernatural practices of 'black' magic to demonstrations of dazzling illusion, magic has been used to conjure the evil eye, burn villages to the ground, and slice women in half. From the astrology of the three wise men to David Blaine's 'stunts', Robert Ralley delves into this magical underworld and illuminates the dangerous balance between illusion, fraud, and devilry that still exists today

Tracing magic’s fascinating history back to its earliest beginnings, Robert Ralley reveals its influence on religion, science, and society. From charms and curses to rites and spells, spanning the black magic of demons to David Blaine’s endurance tests, Ralley illustrates the changing perceptions of magic, and the dangerous balance between illusion, fraud, and devilry that persists today.