(Reviewed by Dr. Joel A. Moskowitz M D • Magic Currents • April) "INDOCILIS PRIVATA LOQUI" is not what this book demands. "The Magic Circle: Performing Magic through the Ages" by Michael Bailey is not to keep "mum" about. The Latin injunction emblazoned on the signature shield of Britain's most secret club translates "keep mum"; quite the contrary. The English language is bereft of superlatives with which to praise this excellent book, Michael Bailey, ex-President (shouldn't it be Prime Minister?) (1998-2003) invites the reader of this 288 pp hard backed book into the sanctum of magicdom's most intriguing organization. Together with photos (some in color) of the premises, an assortment of artful poster reproductions of magical greats, and well-crafted text, the grateful reader will enjoy reveling in magical history. (read more...)
The fly leaf incorrectly advises that this book will be an invaluable addition to any would-be magician's bookshelf. This is too narrow an audience. Learned conjurers, practiced performers, lovers of the history of stage craft and just plain folk will be delighted to read about those who through the ages have amazed and challenged the beliefs of audiences worldwide.
In the spring of 1905 Neil Weaver (who?) and friends were finalizing their plans for The Magic Circle. Contemporaneously Londoners were being introduced to a new illusion invented by Nevil Maskelyne and Charles Morritt appropriately entitled simply "Oh!" Banquets of the fledgling society were magical events where the soveriegns that the waiters received as tips turned into tadpoles in their pockets and guests were startled to find a white rabbit on every plate waiving the Union Jack.
Neil Weaver earned his living selling shoes. The son of an amateur conjurer, he himself was a keen hobbyist. Perhaps such trivial details will not be of interest to the sophisticated but other hobbyists will take some pride that arguably this most elite magic society was begun by such as they. Author/Magician Bailey carefully details the origins of diabolical means to create wonder: Did you know that The Discoverie of Witchcraft actually originated from a Frenchman who was living in London called John Cautaures, whom Scot described as the finest sleight-of hand performer he'd ever seen. The roots of ‘honest deception' trace back to Dedi of early Egyptian history. The production of a rabbit from a hat competes with the cups and balls as the trick most associated with magic. Included in the art and from the archives of The Magic Circle is a photo of the cups and balls used by His Royal Highness Prince Charles; a graphic of Robert-Houdin performing "Second Sight" and "La Suspension Etherene" (broom suspension); Bautier de Kolta and his Vanishing Lady and much, much more.
Extensive commentary ranges from Erich Weiss in England (Houdini) to Robert Harbin (inventor of the Zig Zag Girl illusion). Hardly anyone who is/was anyone in magic does not receive attention in Bailey's highly researched tomb: David Copperfield, Doug Henning, Blackstone Sr. and Jr., Penn and Teller, Paul Daniels and Alan Shaxon, Dell-ODell and Lesley and Sydney Piddington, etc. After all, one would not be surprised that all these luminaries of wizardry would want to be members of this highest exclusive society, The Magic Circle. "The House of 10,000 Secrets" is yours for the small price of admission, US $39.95. Published by Tempus Publishing Ltd, Cirencester Road, Chalford, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 8PE in 2007, with the price of £18.88 it is more easily procured from Independant Publishers Group, 814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610 (Phone 312 337 0747) www.igpbook. com.
You will not be surprised that it is highly recommended
