August 26 holds a special place in magic history. On this date, the magic community lost two influential figures whose contributions continue to be felt by performers, inventors, collectors and magic enthusiasts around the world.
Jerry Andrus died on August 26, 2007, while Percy Abbott died on the same date in 1960.
Although their careers followed very different paths, both men helped shape modern magic. Andrus expanded what magicians believed was possible through original sleight of hand and optical illusions, while Abbott helped build the businesses, products and community that allowed generations of magicians to pursue the art.
Jerry Andrus: A Magician Who Thought Differently
Jerry Andrus was born on January 28, 1918, in Sheridan, Wyoming. His family later moved to Albany, Oregon, where he spent most of his life and transformed his home into a creative workshop he called the “Castle of Chaos.”
Andrus became interested in magic at approximately 12 years old after seeing a performance by a reformed spiritualist medium. Largely self-taught, he chose to develop his own techniques and ideas rather than simply repeat established methods.
That independent approach turned Andrus into one of magic’s most respected original thinkers.
Among his best-known creations were the Linking Pins, the Andrus Card Control and Zone Zero. In Zone Zero, a ball appears to vanish after being placed into an open hole in a board that can be shown on both sides. The unusual effect perfectly represents Andrus’ ability to create magic that seemed to operate by its own rules.
His work was admired by some of the most accomplished magicians in the world. His original sleights, routines and principles became part of the working knowledge of serious close-up magicians.
Andrus was equally fascinated by optical illusions and human perception. He created visual displays that appeared to bend straight lines, alter shapes and make stationary objects seem to move. These illusions were not merely puzzles; they demonstrated how easily the eyes and brain can produce an inaccurate picture of reality.
As a scientific skeptic, Andrus used magic and optical illusions to educate audiences about fraudulent psychics, supernatural claims and other forms of deception. He understood the important difference between a magician who openly creates an illusion for entertainment and someone who uses deception to mislead or exploit others.
Jerry Andrus died in 2007 at the age of 89. His original magic, writings and optical illusions continue to challenge and inspire new generations.
Percy Abbott: Building the Magic Capital of the World
Percy Abbott was born in Australia on May 3, 1886. He developed an early interest in theater, magic and ventriloquism before becoming both a performer and a dealer in magical equipment.
After performing throughout Australia and the Far East, Abbott traveled to the United States. He eventually formed a partnership with legendary magician Harry Blackstone Sr. in Colon, Michigan.
Although that original partnership did not last, Abbott remained in Colon and continued building a future in magic.
In 1934, he established the Abbott Magic Company with Recil Bordner. The business grew into one of the world’s most important manufacturers and retailers of magic tricks, stage illusions, books and equipment.
For countless magicians, an Abbott’s catalog was more than a collection of products. It was a source of inspiration that offered a glimpse into an entire world of secret apparatus, colorful stage props and seemingly impossible illusions.
Abbott also helped create one of magic’s longest-running traditions. The first Abbott’s Magic Get-Together was held on September 15, 1934, and attracted approximately 80 magicians. The gathering continued growing, eventually bringing performers, dealers, lecturers and magic enthusiasts from around the world to the small Michigan community.
The influence of Abbott’s Magic and its annual convention helped Colon earn its famous title: “The Magic Capital of the World.”
Percy Abbott retired in 1959 and sold his interest in the company to Recil Bordner. His memoir, A Lifetime in Magic, was published shortly before his death.
Abbott died from a heart attack on August 26, 1960, at the age of 74. However, the company and annual gathering he helped establish continue carrying his name and preserving his place in magic history.
Two Different but Lasting Magical Legacies
Jerry Andrus and Percy Abbott contributed to magic in very different ways.
Andrus was an inventor and independent thinker who challenged conventional ideas about sleight of hand, illusion and perception. Abbott was a performer, manufacturer and businessman who helped create the products, gatherings and infrastructure that allowed the magic community to flourish.
One gave magicians new mysteries to perform. The other helped give them a place to find those mysteries, share ideas and become part of a larger community.
On August 26, we remember Jerry Andrus and Percy Abbott—not only for what they accomplished during their lifetimes, but for the wonder, creativity and fellowship their work continues to inspire throughout the world of magic.
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