Tahir Shah – Sorcerer’s Apprentice

India is a realm of enchantment, where mystics and godmen captivate audiences with extraordinary feats of magic. From bustling cities to remote villages, these divine figures perform astonishing acts, such as transforming rods into snakes, consuming glass, and even levitating. While some enjoy royal status with countless devotees, others, often impoverished, travel from village to village, promising cures for the sick or rain during droughts.

As a child in rural England, Tahir Shah discovered the art of illusion from an Indian magician. Two decades later, he embarked on a quest to find this conjurer, the guardian of his great-grandfather’s tomb. “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” chronicles his journey into the world of Indian godmen, learning from sadhus, sages, and sorcerers along the way. His travels spanned from Calcutta to Madras and Bangalore to Bombay, all in pursuit of the miraculous.

In Calcutta, Shah becomes the apprentice of Hakim Feroze, a demanding master of illusion who subjects him to intense physical challenges. After enduring grueling trials, Feroze finally reveals the secrets of his laboratory, showcasing the miracles of India’s godmen, including how to swallow stones and stop one’s pulse. As part of a cryptic test, Shah is tasked with uncovering the secrets of Calcutta’s Underworld, mingling with the city’s hangman, baby-renters, and skeleton dealers. Just as he begins to make progress, Feroze instructs him to embark on a ‘Journey of Observation.’

This quest unveils the bizarre and wondrous aspects of the Subcontinent, introducing Shah to a myriad of characters. These illusionists possess extraordinary abilities, from immunity to snake venom to transforming water into petrol. Throughout his journey, Shah witnesses a ‘duel of miracles,’ encounters a destitute billionaire, and even meets a part-time god. “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” reveals the clever confidence tricks and scams that expose a side of India often overlooked by writers.

About the Author

Tahir Shah is the author of fifteen books, each chronicling his adventurous explorations across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. He believes in uncovering the hidden facets of the places he visits, often avoiding popular tourist spots in favor of observing life in local cafés and bustling streets. Shah encourages everyone to be explorers, asserting that wonder can be found anywhere with a fresh perspective.

His upcoming novel, “TIMBUCTOO,” is inspired by the true story of the first Christian to journey to Timbuctoo and back—a tale that has fascinated him since he discovered it in the London Library two decades ago.

Shah has also released “TRAVELS WITH MYSELF,” a diverse collection of reportage covering topics from women on America’s Death Row to his experiences in a Pakistani torture jail. Another recent work, “IN ARABIAN NIGHTS,” explores the role of storytelling in cultures like Morocco, illustrating how narratives transmit values and ideas across generations. This book follows his acclaimed “CALIPH’S HOUSE: A Year in Casablanca,” recognized as one of Time Magazine’s Top 10 Books of the Year.