Cards and magic, have gone hand-in-hand ever since the 1400s. From witchcraft debunking and poker trickery to street and stage performances, manipulation card tricks captivate the playing card community.
But why does there seem to be an eternal flame lit underneath card magic? Well, our fascination with card illusions can be attributed to the very first magicians who inspired today’s crop of recruits.
An illusionist and magician are interchangeable. Both perform in a public capacity and perform magic tricks like sleight-of-hand and other manipulation tricks with various props like playing cards, rope, handcuffs, etc.
Card Magic
The First Magicians
- Robert Houdin‘s (1805 – 1871) background in clockmaking enticed him to implement electricity into his performances. He was one of the first magicians to do so. But it was a much simpler party trick that secured his claim to fame as the Father of Modern Magic. During the popular act, his son, while blindfolded, tried to guess objects that Robert held in the air.
- Harry Houdini (1874 – 1926) added an “I” to the end of his stage name as a nod to the late Robert Houdin. Houdini was known for escape artist, successfully using strength, intelligence and agility to break free from chain and rope restrictions.