Conjuring Science [recurso electrónico] : a History of Scientific Entertainment and Stage Magic in Modern France

Conjuring Science explores the history of magic shows and scientific entertainment. It follows the frictions and connections of magic and science as they occurred in the world of popular entertainment in France from the mid-eighteenth to the early twentieth century. It situates conjurers within the broader culture of science and argues that stage magic formed an important popular conduit for science and scientific enthusiasm during this period. From the scientific recreations of the fairs to the grand illusions of the theatre stage and the development of early cinema, conjurers used and were inspired by scientific and technological innovations to create illusions, provoke a sense of wonder, and often even instruct their audience. In their hands, science took on many meanings and served different purposes: it was a set of pleasant facts and recreational demonstrations upon which to draw; it was the knowledge presented in various scientific lectures accompanied by optical projections at magic shows; it was the techniques necessary to create illusions and effects on stage and later on at the cinema; and it was a way to separate conjuring from the deceit of mediums, mystical showmen and quacks in order to gain a better standing within an increasingly scientifically-minded society. Cover 1 Half-Title 2 Title 4 Copyright 5 Dedication 6 Contents 8 List of Figures 10 Acknowledgments 12 Introduction 14 1. Science Meets Magic on Stage 23 2. Amusing and Playful Science at Home 48 3. Confronting Ghosts, Mediums, and Fakirs 69 4. Confidence Men, Psychologists, and the Secrets of Professional Illusion-Makers 99 5. Magic as Special Effects 119 Conclusion 138 Notes 146 Bibliography 183 Index 202 Front Matter....Pages i-xii Introduction....Pages 1-9 Science Meets Magic on Stage....Pages 11-35 Amusing and Playful Science at Home....Pages 37-57 Confronting Ghosts, Mediums, and Fakirs....Pages 59-88 Confidence Men, Psychologists, and the Secrets of Professional Illusion-Makers....Pages 89-108 Magic as Special Effects....Pages 109-127 Conclusion....Pages 129-136 Back Matter....Pages 137-201 Conjuring Science explores the relationship between science, magic and entertainment in nineteenth and early twentieth century France, focusing on the world of conjurers and magic shows