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 enlarge | Author: Jim Steinmeyer
Creator: Teller
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Category: Book
List Price: $14.95
Buy New: $5.00
You Save: $9.95 (67%)
New (10) from $5.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  30 reviews
Sales Rank: 212949
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 384
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.2
ISBN: 0786714018
Dewey Decimal Number: 790
EAN: 9780786714018
ASIN: 0786714018
Publication Date: September 14, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Not your average magic book February 19, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
If you're looking for a book to teach you magic tricks, this is not the book for you. Granted, it describes how some grand illusions work (mostly those that aren't in use any longer), but the book is more about the history of magic. But don't let that turn you off. It's not the dry, boring history you'd find in a textbook. There are anecdotes, personal recollections, and much more. It's a very easy read, and it's absolutely fascinating.
An Instant Classic January 11, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This book is a classic. It is not only one of the best books on the history of magic ever written, but is also a rich portrait of both Victorian and Edwardian England. The magicians become full characters in Steinmeyer's hands. He shows us some of their secrets, yes, but in a full-bodied manner that keeps us mezmerized, even after we know how the trick was done. As a magician myself I fully agree that a trick is never the secret or sleight itself, but is how this sleight is used in an act of fantasy. Learning the "trick," as Steinmeyer says, IS like turning to the last page of a mystery novel. You may know the ending, but you will not appreciate the fullness of the story. This is easily one of my favorite books. I loved it so much I immediately ordered his other books. I started reading Art & Artifice next, and was greatly dismayed to learn that the entire book, word for word (except for a some rearranging and a few brief passages), appears in Hiding the Elephant! Unless you're a completist do not buy both Hiding the Elephant and Art & Artifice. Steinmeyer has plagiarized himself quite dramatically, as Hiding the Elephant is really just an expanded version of Art & Artifice.
 Author loves his subject January 10, 2007
This is a very enjoyable book on the history of magic and how the great illusions were achieved. The author has an obvious love for his subject and has put a great deal of thought into recostructing the secrets of lost illusions e.g. The disappearing donkey.
Great history. December 26, 2006
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book gives you an overview history of some of the greats of magic.
It is a book I go back to from time to time to enjoy the vintage era of magic.
Hiding the Elephant, Buyers Comment November 10, 2006
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I am a student of magic and a dinner-table amateur magician. I found this book very informative on some of the better well-kept secrets the best magicians keep close to thier vest.
I highly recommend the book as a "good read" for anyone who is interested in magic, or who has only a passing interest in this topic. You will be richly rewarded.
Tim Healy
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