Jim Steinmeyer – Hiding the Elephant

Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear

Publisher’s Weekly Review:

The essence of a magician’s success lies in forging a genuine connection with their audience. By crafting illusions that captivate the mind, they draw spectators into their world. To truly appreciate the art of magic, one must delve into the intricacies of this creative process.

Jim Steinmeyer, renowned for designing illusions for iconic performers like Siegfried and Roy and David Copperfield, offers a fascinating cultural history of magic’s golden era, spanning from the 1890s to the 1930s. He explores legendary feats, such as the Levitation of Princess Karnak and Harry Houdini’s Disappearing Elephant, alongside the intense rivalries that shaped the craft.

While Steinmeyer unveils certain secrets rooted in engineering, artistry, and audacity, he maintains the integrity of the craft; much of his information has been previously published. What he brings to the table is a deeper context. Magicians thrive on deception, yet this is not akin to the dishonest trickery found in politics. Instead, magic represents a pure form of trickery—audiences willingly engage in the ruse, much like they do with cinematic special effects.

Even as many 19th-century spiritualists were exposed as frauds, their performances captivated audiences. Figures like the Davenport brothers stirred controversy while blending elements of religion, science, superstition, and deceit into their acts.

Steinmeyer meticulously diagrams iconic tricks, celebrating the science and creativity behind them. Readers encounter vibrant personalities that match the spectacle of their performances. For those wishing to preserve the mystery of their illusions, a trip to Las Vegas might be wise. However, for magic enthusiasts eager to explore the craft, this book serves as both a scholarly resource and a heartfelt tribute.