Both old and young alike are mesmerized by the masters of illusion that perform magic tricks and slight of hand. These magicians practice a centuries-old craft shrouded in secrecy and mystery. Magic depends on the willingness of its practitioners to guard the secrets of their craft, lest the illusion be shattered. With a little abracadabra and a bit of hocus-pocus, The Story of Magic examines the history of magic and the men and women who practice the art. The Story of Magic would be useful for classes on Religion, Culture, Mythology, Physics and Psychology. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• absolve
• animosity
• apparatus
• conjurer
• culmination
• deity
• dexterity
• dismemberment
• edification
• expose
• fraudulent
• horde
• illusions
• implacable
• impresario
• indigenous
• inevitable
• inquisition
• intricate
• intrigue
• legerdemain
• macabre
• manifestation
• manipulate
• meteoric
• mystic
• ominous
• phenomenon
• precedent
• resplendent
• reverberate
• rudimentary
• seduce
• sinister
• tangible
• uncanny

1. Magic appeals to the child in all of us. We are fascinated and drawn to it. Why do you think this is so? Why are people so drawn to and fascinated with magic?

2. Many magic feats depend on agile slight of hand. What is slight of hand? How can a magician use slight of hand to perform seemingly impossible feats?

3. Being a magician is not your run-of-the-mill occupation. What motivates people to become magicians? What are the benefits of the profession? What are the drawbacks? Would you like to be a magician? If so, why? If not, why not?

4. Discuss how magic is a violation of the most basic and elementary forms of knowledge.

5. Magicians often use magic words or chants known as incantations for their magic. What are the origins of the mystical words and incantations?

6. Discuss how magic is both transcultural and transhistorical.

7. Discuss the relationship between magic and religion. What are some of the problems in this relationship?

8. Magicians have used animals in their feats for centuries. Why has there always been such a strong bond between magicians and animals?

9. Discuss the challenge motion pictures posed to magicians and how it changed the way magicians performed.

10. A person who performs magic feats is a combination of personas. How much magician and how much entertainer make up these performers?

11. How did magic go to war during World War II?

12. The magic profession experienced a decline in popularity after World War II. Why? Why was there little or no work for magicians? What changed? How did magicians survive?

1. Create an advertisement for a 19th century magic show.

2. The Turk automaton experienced widespread popularity. Create a billboard for a magic performance starring the Turk automaton.

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