Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear

I ALWAYS LIKE Jim Steinmeyer's books because of the amount of work and research he puts into each volume...and this one is no exception. In fact, I must say that with my almost-lifetime love of magic - in all of its various forms - this book certainly sheds "new light" on the subject, and gave me a very sobering look into the "back stories" of the art. And, it has a Foreword by Teller of the magic-duo "Penn & Teller"...that's a great read all by itself.The book's title, "Hiding The Elephant", is based on the infamous 1918 illusion that Harry Houdini did on the stage at the New York Hippodrome, when he caused "Jennie The Elephant" to vanish into thin air. Or, did he ? That's what this book is all about, and the well-known term "Smoke & Mirrors" comes into play throughout the books 362 Pages, proving that "the hand may be quicker than the eye", but it's deception, and, misdirection that makes the trick - or, illusion - work.Steinmeyer takes a chronological look at the history of these, sometimes, seemingly impossible vanishing illusions, as well as the tricks used by those who caused disembodied heads to appear, ghosts to float, ladies to be sawed-in-half...and, donkeys, cars, and, elephants, and almost anything else you can name, to disappear.THE NAMES OF THOSE chronicled within the book are some of the most-famous of all-time: Kellar, Herrmann, Dante, Houdini, Bamberg, the Davenport Brothers, Robert-Houdin, Thurston, the Maskelynes', Goldin...well, you get the picture. But I was a little upset that Blackstone, as well as "Carter The Great" weren't profiled in here. Both had superb careers, and Blackstone was one of Houdini's greatest rivals, and in-reality a better magician & illusionist than Houdini, who excelled more as an escape artist than as a magician.Speaking of "rivalry", this is the part of the book that I hadn't fully known about. I didn't realize the backstabbing, the belittling, the thievery that went on behind-the-scenes of these legendary icons...with almost all of those mentioned, taking part in those activities. Page-after-page stories of tricks, illusions, designs of apparatus, and, sometimes actual items, being stolen by one illusionist/magician from the other ! I was shocked at this new light that was shed on a profession I have loved, followed, and, at one time, participated-in myself...it gave me new insight and soured me on those who took part in any of the above-mentioned callous deeds.As the well-known magician/actor/writer, Ricky Jay states, Steinmeyer's book is "An enthralling history of great illusionists that reveals not only how magicians act but how they think.""HIDING THE ELEPHANT", by Jim Steinmeyer, has 362 Pages that contain 16 Chapters, 65 Illustrations, 8 Pages of rare photos, and, a great section on Acknowledgements & Notes. In reading it, prepare yourself for a look back at Magic's History going from the 1800's-to-today, and learn, as I did, that in the World of Magic not everything is as it seems: On Stage, OR, Off.

I'm no magician and never have been, but have always enjoyed a good (sometimes even bad) magician at work. This book brings the history of magic to light while revealing how the biggest illusions were invented and refined, which means, yes, you learn how it's done. But as the book points out, knowing how it's done isn't that important, it's how it's performed which turns a trick into magic. The men who created and performed these illusions are characters over and above their on-stage personas which adds to the fun. It's a book even the most casual magic fan will enjoy, if not inspire.

A very well written and well researched history of magic, covering many magicians from the 1800s and 1900s. Of all the book concentrates on the history of specific performers and the development of magic tricks, it does reveal a few secrets — just enough to satisfy curious readers. It's made me more excited about going to my next magic show.I do want to mention, however, that the Kindle edition's selected typeface makes it difficult to read. Normally, I can read a book without glasses by simply enlarging the font. For this title, however, I needed to enlarge the typeface several times to ensure that it was large enough to read without glasses. This was clearly a problem with the typeface selected for this title.

This is a fascinating history of the "golden age of magic" from about the last third of the 19th Century to about the first third of the 20th Century. If you're a professional magician or serious hobbyist you simply must read this book. If you're not a magician but enjoy well-written popular history you'll like it as well.Although the book does reveal some of the workings of some older illusions, there are no "Masked Magician" or William Poundstone style exposures for exposure's sake here. None of the revelations are gratuitous; they're necessary to appreciate the story.Steinmeyer is not only a master illusion designer and builder but a true scholar of his art and a very good writer. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I bet you will too.

Really enjoyable read if you're interested in this subject. Regarding the transaction, vendor was fast to ship, item as described. Thank you.

An insightful review of theater, magic and society as it developed through the years, this fascinating story provides a look at how magicians think. Highly recommended for lovers of magic, theater and history.

Jim Steinmeyer is a marvellous writer and he turns his full powers to a subject he loves and knows well - the history of the Golden Age of Magic. Whether or not you are interested in magic, theater or history, you'll still be knocked out by this book. It was the best book I read this past summer, not just because of all the "gee, whiz" cool stuff in it, but because of the human element involved in the stories here. In its depiction of the personalities, egos, and creative mad scientists involved, Hiding the Elephant really shines. I read the whole book in one day, then passed it to a friend who did the same thing. Neither of us could put it down. Highly recommended.

When researching Victorian stage magicians, I came across Jim Steinmeyer's book. Not only does he give an incredible account of history, Steinmeyer does so with entertaining narrative. He connects how the profession grew, the competition behind finding the best spectacle to gain an audience, and how the history helped push the use of technology and stage presence. Steinmeyer brings you into the book by framing it with a historical trick he tried. Once I started reading the book, I couldn't stop until I had devoured the whole thing. It interested me so much that I've continued researching stage magicians!

The research that's gone into this book is extraordinary. Only a true devotee would have undertaken such a mammoth (pun not intended) task. I think it's a very worthwhile read if you're a student of the history of magic, but a bit too dry and obscure if you're not. By necessity it's a bit repetitive in places.

paperback,351 pages,good size print.The story of the golden age of magic.19th and early 20th century.An absolutely fascinating account of now forgotten magicians.Jim Steinmeyer has a wonderful way of writing. his inside knowledge,his honesty,humour andobvious love of this wonderful world of illusions. I had no prior knowledge of any of the 25men who star in this book. (with the exception of Houdini) Bamberg,DeKolta,Devant,Kellar,Jarrett,Maskelyne,Morritt,Thurston to name a few.Absolutely absorbing from start to finish.Note: with such a history of wonderful characters and stories-Television/Film should comeknocking on the door of 'The Great Magicians'.

This is a first glance review.Yesterday I arrived home to find in my post-box, a book I had ordered through Amazon. Its title, Hiding the Elephant.I knew it would be a good read, because it's written by magical genius Jim Steinmeyer, The man behind so many of the impossible effects we see on television, and on stages all around the world. What I wasn't prepared for, was upon opening, finding it to be one of the greatest magical history books ever written.Its basic premise, is to give the reader an insight to the goings on behind some of the greatest Illusions and illusionists. Think of a name, and it will be there. Not just modern day wonderworkers, but truly great names from the past.for me, the highlight so far in what has been just a casual glance, is the history behind Jim's re creation of morrits vanishing donkey.The secret had been lost for 70 years, and had to be pieced together using almost Sherlock holmesian logic .the result, something that truly mystifies.I cant wait to get home, and settle into my arm chair tonight, and wallow in stories about Paul Valladon, and the princess of Karnack illusion, Houdini and his elephant, Devant, Maskelyne, Cooke, Selbitt, Goldin, and ....the list goes on, and on.

readable

Steinmeyer is a genius. Love this.