Ebook - Jim Steinmeyer - Hiding the Elephant (Digital Download)
Description & Effect
Discover the Hidden Art of Illusion
Jim Steinmeyer's 'Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear' is an enthralling digital journey into the heart of stage magic. Penned by a legendary illusion designer for figures like Siegfried & Roy and David Copperfield, this ebook doesn't just chronicle tricks; it dissects the very essence of creating wonder. Dive deep into the captivating world where the impossible becomes reality, crafted by ingenuity, deception, and a touch of theatrical genius. This isn't merely a peek behind the curtain; it's an invitation to understand the profound connection between performer and audience that defines true magic.
Journey Through Magic's Golden Age
Travel back to the dazzling golden age of magic, spanning from the late 1890s to the 1930s. Steinmeyer meticulously re-creates the atmosphere of an era dominated by fierce rivalries and groundbreaking acts. Explore the intricate mechanics and daring concepts behind legendary illusions such as the Levitation of Princess Karnak and Harry Houdini's famed Disappearing Elephant. More than just a collection of historical anecdotes, this book offers a rich cultural tapestry, revealing how these spectacular feats captivated audiences and shaped popular entertainment.
The Philosophy of Pure Trickery
Steinmeyer brilliantly illuminates the distinct philosophy of stage magic, which he aptly calls 'pure trickery.' Unlike dishonest chicanery, magic operates on an agreed-upon deception, where audiences willingly pay to be delightfully fooled. The ebook explores this nuanced relationship, drawing parallels to modern cinematic special effects and even historical spiritualist movements, like the controversial Davenport brothers, who expertly blended belief and illusion. Discover how engineering prowess, artistic vision, and sheer audacity converge to create moments of profound astonishment.
For the Discerning Magic Enthusiast
This digital download is an indispensable resource for anyone who harbors a deep fascination with the magician's craft. While it reveals the carefully guarded secrets of iconic illusions – relying on publicly available information – Steinmeyer's true gift lies in providing unparalleled context and insight. If you're a magic lover eager to understand the science, art, and cultural impact behind the seemingly impossible, rather than clinging to uninformed belief, then 'Hiding the Elephant' offers an illuminating and rewarding experience.
Original Specs
Hiding the Elephant： How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear
Review of book from Publisher's Weekly：
The success of a magician "lies in making a human connection to the magic." Create an illusion in the audience's mind， and they're hooked. But to understand magicians， we need to understand the art of that creation.
Steinmeyer， who has designed illusions for Siegfried and Roy and David Copperfield， presents a cultural history of magic's golden age (from the 1890s to the 1930s)， some legendary tricks (including the Levitation of Princess Karnak and Harry Houdini's Disappearing Elephant) and the fierce rivalries that dominated the craft.
Steinmeyer reveals certain secrets， which rely on engineering， artistry and sheer chutzpah， but he hasn't betrayed anyone; most of his information has been published elsewhere.
What he adds is context. Magicians advertise deceit， then perform it. Unlike political chicanery， which Steinmeyer dubs dishonest trickery， magic is a kind of pure trickery. Audiences pay for a ruse， not a lecture on fraud. Do we believe movie special effects are real? Of course not， but it doesn't detract from our enjoyment. Similarly， while many 19th-century spiritualists were rightfully debunked as frauds and charlatans， audiences loved the antics. Some， such as the Davenport brothers， were a magnet of controversy and a wild hit， successfully mixing "religion， agnosticism， science， superstition， and fraud."
Steinmeyer diagrams famous tricks， celebrating their science and ingenuity. Readers meet characters as colorful as their acts. Buyer beware： If you want to keep your illusions， go to Las Vegas. But for magic lovers who revel in learning the magician's art， this book part research study， part salute is a find.
