User:OnBeyondZebrax/sandbox/Magic

Performances of a conjuring nature have been practiced throughout history. The first book of magic tricks appeared in 1584 'sleight-of-hand' manipulations with rope, paper and coins. During the 1600s many similar books were published that described magic tricks. Until the 18th century magic shows were a common source of entertainment at fairs. A founding figure of modern entertainment magic was Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin magic theatre in Paris in 1845. John Henry Anderson was pioneering the same transition in London in the 1840s. Towards the end of the 1800s, large magic shows permanently staged at big theatre venues became the norm. As a form of entertainment, magic easily moved from theatrical venues to television magic specials.

Opinions vary among magicians as to how categorize a given effect, but a number of categories have been developed. Production is an effect in which a magician produces something (e.g., a rabbit from an empty hat). Vanish is an effect in which something disappears, ranging from a coin to an assistant. Transformation is an effect which transforms something from one state into another (e.g., a silk handkerchief changes color). Restoration is an effect in which a magician destroys an object, then restores it to its original state (e.g., a rope is cut, and is then "restored"). Teleportation is and effect in which a magician causes something to move from one place to another (e.g., a borrowed ring is found inside a ball of wool). Escape is a trick in which a magician escapes from a restraining device. Levitation is a trick in which a magician makes something appear to defy gravity. Penetration is an effect in which a solid object appears to pass through another. Prediction is a trick in which the magician predicts the choice of a spectator. Many magical routines use combinations of effects.

Traditionally, magicians refuse to reveal the methods behind their tricks to the audience.mMembership in professional magicians' organizations often requires a commitment never to reveal the secrets of magic to non-magicians. The teaching of performance magic was once a secretive practice. Magic performances tend to fall into a few specialties or genres. Stage illusions use large-scale props and even large animals. Platform magic is performed for a medium to large audience. Micromagic is performed with the audience close to the magician. Escapology involves escapes from confinement or restraints. Pickpocket magicians take audience members' wallets, belts, and ties. Mentalism creates the illusion that the magician can read minds. Comedy Magic is the use of magic combined with stand-up comedy, an example is Penn & Teller,

Some modern illusionists believe that it is unethical to give a performance that claims to be anything other than a clever and skillful deception. Others argue that they can claim that the effects are due to magic. These apparently irreconcilable differences of opinion have led to some conflicts among performers. Another issue is the use of deceptive practices for personal gain outside the venue of a magical performance. Examples include fraudulent mediums, con men and grifters who use deception for cheating at card games.