Conjuring Asia : magic, orientalism, and the making of the modern world

The promise of magic has always commanded the human imagination, but the story of industrial modernity is usually seen as a process of disenchantment. Drawing on the writings and performances of the so-called 'Golden Age Magicians' from the turn of the twentieth century, Chris Goto-Jones unveils the ways in which European and North American encounters with (and representations of) Asia - the fabled Mystic East - worked to re-enchant experiences of the modern world. Beginning with a reconceptualization of the meaning of 'modern magic' itself - moving beyond conventional categories of 'real' and 'fake' magic - Goto-Jones' acclaimed book guides us on a magical mystery tour around India, China, and Japan, showing us levitations and decapitations, magic duels and bullet catches, goldfish bowls and paper butterflies. In the end, this mesmerizing book reveals Orientalism as a kind of magic in itself, casting a spell over Western culture that leaves it transformed, even today. Magic, Orientalism, and the Making of the Modern World 6 Contents 8 Figures 9 Acknowledgements 10 Introduction: magic in the world 12 PART I 22 1 Modern magic in history and theory 24 2 A theory of modern magic 66 3 Oriental(ist) magic 110 PART II 164 4 Indian magic and magic in India 166 5 Chinese magic and magic in China 216 6 Japanese magic and magic in Japan 276 Conclusion: magic in the world 315 Index 321 Magic,Orientalism,and the Making of the Modern World Analyzing the secretive work of magicians, Goto-Jones charts the history of modern stage magic across India, China and Japan, looking at representations of, and encounters with, Asia in the cultural imagination of the West. Utilizing biographies, travelogues and reviews of magical performances, the book explores the relationship between modern magicians and magic. Magic In The World -- Modern Magic In History And Theory -- A Theory Of Modern Magic -- Oriental(ist) Magic -- Indian Magic And Magic In India -- Chinese Magic And Magic In China -- Japanese Magic And Magic In Japan -- Magic In The World. Chris Goto-jones, Leiden University. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. This Book Charts The History Of Modern Magic Across India, China And Japan, Analyzing Representations In The Cultural Imagination Of The West.