Frederick Falk on Fool Us

 

Major Magic History Collection Finds New Home at Indiana University

 

A major win for the magic community and historians alike—Indiana University’s Lilly Library has officially acquired an extraordinary collection of magic history assembled by renowned magician and historian David Ben.

Ben, who has spent over five decades immersed in the art of magic, began collecting as a teenager and has since built one of the most comprehensive archives in the field. Alongside performing thousands of shows and mastering sleight-of-hand, he quietly curated a collection that now offers a sweeping look at magic’s evolution.

The newly acquired archive spans from the late 1800s to modern day and includes an impressive range of materials—rare books, vintage magazines, manuscripts, photographs, films, puzzles, and more. It paints a detailed picture of not only stage magic but also the culture and creativity that surrounds it.

Among the highlights is a nearly complete run of magic periodicals dating back to the 1890s, showcasing how magicians have consistently shared ideas, methods, and innovations through print for well over a century. The collection also features unique publications like Chaos, a puzzle-driven magazine that blends magic thinking with problem-solving.

What makes this acquisition especially exciting is how it connects with other collections already housed at the Lilly Library, including extensive puzzle archives. Scholars see this as a rare opportunity to explore magic not just as entertainment—but as a field deeply tied to science, psychology, storytelling, and design.

Experts at the university emphasize that magic sits at the crossroads of multiple disciplines, from engineering and mathematics to performance and cultural history. This makes the collection a powerful resource for students and researchers looking to explore creativity from unconventional angles.

Ben chose the Lilly Library in part because of its commitment to preserving magical history, including its earlier acquisition of materials from legendary magician Ricky Jay. His vision is for the library to become a global hub for magic scholarship—bringing together rare materials and making them accessible to future generations.

Unlike many archival donations, Ben remains actively involved in the process, working alongside the library to help catalog and contextualize the materials. His firsthand knowledge ensures that the stories behind the artifacts are preserved along with the items themselves.

With thousands of pieces now in the library’s care, the cataloging process is underway. Once complete, this collection is expected to become one of the most important academic resources for the study of magic anywhere in the world.

Source: Indiana University announcement on the acquisition of the David Ben Collection

The Magic of David Copperfield III Levitating Ferrari 1980 With special guest Jack Klugman

 

The Magic of David Copperfield II - 1979

 

Kostya Kimlat on Fool Us

 

Penn and Teller pull a rabbit out of a hat on Fool Us

 

Backyard Magic Takes Center Stage in Las Vegas

 In a city known for its over-the-top productions and world-class illusionists, sometimes the most memorable magic moments happen in the most unexpected places—even a backyard.

In a uniquely Las Vegas scene, a casual magic gathering turned into an unforgettable moment when a magician casually tossed playing cards over a fence into a neighboring yard. Without missing a beat, another magician in the crowd called out, “That’s Todd’s house!”—drawing laughter and highlighting the tight-knit, almost surreal nature of the Vegas magic community.

It’s moments like these that remind us why Las Vegas remains the magic capital of the world. Beyond the grand stages and dazzling lights, there’s a vibrant underground culture where magicians connect, create, and share spontaneous magic experiences—sometimes just a fence away.

Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal — Article by John Katsilometes