Abracadabra

March 24th was master illusionist Harry Houdini's 140th birthday. In honor of the occasion, allow me to recommend some tales and tricks regarding a few fictional -- and real-life! -- magicians:


1. Now You See Me [DVD]

Four talented magicians have been hired by a shadowy employer to perform a different kind of slight-of-hand: the grandest cat-burgling heists that the world has ever seen. To say more would give away much of the plot-twisting fun of this quirky, unique film -- which ended up being a surprise blockbuster last summer.



2. The Prestige [DVD]

Set in Victorian London, two stage magicians are locked in a bitter rivalry to create the perfect illusion. Enlisting the help of assistants, doubles, and even the engineer Nikola Tesla, the magicians race to unlock each other's secrets -- with horrifying results. Based on the book by Christopher Priest, this film was directed and co-written by the director of the Dark Knight trilogy -- Christopher Nolan.



3. Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear by Jim Steinmeyer [NON-FICTION]

The golden age of magicians (1890s-1930s) took place in a time when there was a curious mixing of skepticism and superstition, of science and the supernatural. In this book, Steinmeyer doesn't just reveal the tricks behind the illusions from some of history's best magicians -- he also takes a look at the culture of magic itself. The title is a reference to Harry Houdini, unraveling the "magic" behind his famous 1918 illusion of making Jennie the elephant disappear.



4. Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold [novel]

Set in the "golden age" of magic, this novel stars Carter the Great, a hapless magician who is under suspicion when President Warren Harding turns up dead just hours after appearing beside Carter on stage. What follows is a historical tale that blends mystery, fantasy, and romance, and proved to be a bestseller for the debut author.



5. Half Magic by Edward Eager [novel]

This charming children's book allows four children to become magicians of sorts when they discover a magical charm with the power to grant wishes. There's just one catch: whatever wish you make, it only comes half true. The story is set in the early twentieth century -- but its appeal is timeless.

The Great Illusionist, Harry Houdini

Other magical stories you may like:

-- The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett

-- Magic by William Goldman

-- The Magicians by Lev Grossman

-- The Magician series by Raymond E. Feist

-- Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

-- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

-- The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner

-- The Tempest by William Shakespeare

-- The Illusionist [DVD]

-- Post by Ms. B