Remembering Maurice Fogel on His Birthday: The Mentalist Who Redefined Showmanship

 Today, July 7, we remember and celebrate the birthday of one of the most fascinating performers in magic history—Maurice Fogel.

Born in London on July 7, 1911, Maurice Fogel became one of the most successful mentalists of the 20th century. Known professionally as "The World's Greatest Mind Reader," Fogel captivated audiences with a combination of psychological mystery, daring stunts, and unforgettable showmanship that helped shape the modern art of mentalism.

Fogel's career began in traditional stage magic before he transitioned into mentalism, where he truly found his calling. Long before television made mind reading popular, audiences packed theaters to watch him seemingly predict thoughts, reveal hidden information, and demonstrate astonishing feats of intuition. While he never claimed genuine supernatural powers, he understood the value of leaving audiences wondering exactly what they had witnessed.

Perhaps no performance demonstrated his brilliance as a showman better than his famous Bullet Catch. Rather than simply presenting the illusion, Fogel transformed it into an unforgettable theatrical experience. His version involved six rifles, creating tremendous suspense before the dramatic climax. It became one of the signature routines of his career and is still remembered as one of the greatest presentations of the dangerous illusion.

Beyond his performances, Fogel also contributed to the magic community through his writings. His publications, including Fogelism and the Top Secret series, offered insights into performance, presentation, and the psychology behind creating memorable entertainment. Many magicians continue to study his ideas decades after they were first published.

One of Fogel's greatest strengths wasn't just fooling audiences—it was making them care. He understood that great magic isn't simply about secrets; it's about building anticipation, creating emotion, and giving spectators a story they'll tell for years afterward. That philosophy remains just as relevant to performers today as it was during his career.

Maurice Fogel passed away in 1981, but his influence can still be seen in the work of countless mentalists and magicians who followed. His commitment to presentation, drama, and audience engagement helped elevate mentalism into a respected theatrical art form.

On what would have been his 115th birthday, we celebrate not only an extraordinary performer but also a master showman whose legacy continues to inspire magicians around the world.

Happy Birthday, Maurice Fogel. Thank you for reminding us that the greatest illusion of all is creating a sense of wonder.

Hundreds of Magicians Attempt World Record Escape in Honor of Harry Houdini

 One hundred years after the passing of the world's most famous escape artist, Harry Houdini's influence on magic remains stronger than ever.

This past week, hundreds of magicians from around the globe traveled to Appleton, Wisconsin—Houdini's childhood hometown—to celebrate the centennial of his death during a special gathering hosted by the Society of American Magicians. The event served as both a tribute to Houdini's incredible legacy and a reminder of how deeply he continues to inspire performers more than a century after he first amazed audiences.

One of the highlights of the celebration was an ambitious world-record attempt. Hundreds of magicians simultaneously performed Houdini's famous Siberian Chain Escape, successfully completing the escape together in under a minute. The spectacle drew large crowds and showcased the enduring popularity of one of Houdini's most iconic escapes.

The festivities didn't stop there.

Attendees were also treated to thrilling recreations of several classic Houdini escapes, including the legendary Milk Can Escape and a dramatic 100-foot suspended straitjacket escape performed high above Houdini Plaza. These performances captured the same sense of danger, mystery, and showmanship that made Houdini a worldwide sensation over a century ago.

Throughout the convention, visitors explored exhibits featuring rare Houdini artifacts, attended lectures by historians and performers, browsed dealer rooms filled with the latest magic creations, and celebrated the man whose marketing genius helped transform magic into mainstream entertainment. The event also included appearances by members of the Houdini family, making the celebration even more meaningful.

While Harry Houdini is remembered for his impossible escapes, his greatest contribution to magic may have been his ability to inspire wonder. He understood that every performance should feel like an event, and his commitment to publicity, storytelling, and unforgettable presentations forever changed the art of magic.

Today, nearly 100 years later, magicians continue to study his techniques, recreate his famous escapes, and build upon the foundation he created.

As the magic community celebrates this historic milestone, Houdini's message remains as relevant as ever: never stop amazing your audience, never stop pushing the boundaries of what's possible, and always leave them wondering... "How did he do that?"

Happy 100th Anniversary, Harry Houdini. Your legacy continues to inspire magicians around the world.

Source: Wisconsin Public Radio, WBAY-TV, and event organizers for the Society of American Magicians.

Erik Tait FISM winning act

 

Matthew Laslo on Fool Us

 

Electric Rope Suspension (Electrik Rope) by Klamm Magic

 Rare, discontinued Klamm Magic effect from the late 1990s. Includes the original gimmick, rope, and instructions.  Uses a standard incandescent light bulb. Excellent condition.

it teaches six routines:
Electrified rope
Light bulb suspension
Bullet in Bulb
Happy Birthday Bulb
Light Touch
Cut & Restored Electrified Rope
 
on collectors/auction sites it sold for $100.00 
Our Price $69.95

It's a fine line...

 

Remembering Edwin Dawes: The Historian Who Preserved Magic's Greatest Stories

 

July 6 marks the birthday of one of magic's greatest historians, Edwin Alfred Dawes (1925–2023).

While many magicians are remembered for fooling audiences with impossible illusions, Dawes earned his place in magic history by preserving the stories behind those performers. His decades of research ensured that the accomplishments of legendary magicians would never be forgotten.

Born on July 6, 1925, in Yorkshire, England, Dawes developed a fascination with magic as a young child after watching family members perform simple tricks. That curiosity eventually grew into a lifelong passion—not only for performing magic but for documenting its rich history.

Outside of magic, Dawes enjoyed a distinguished career as a biochemist and university professor. Within the magic community, however, he became internationally respected as one of the foremost authorities on the history of conjuring.

He authored countless articles and several important books chronicling the lives and careers of famous magicians, including Harry Houdini, David Devant, John Nevil Maskelyne, and many others. His meticulous research has been cited by historians and performers around the world and continues to inspire anyone interested in the heritage of the art.

Edwin Dawes reminded magicians that every illusion has a story—and that preserving those stories is just as important as creating new ones.

Today, on what would have been his birthday, we celebrate a man whose work ensured that the history of magic will continue to educate and inspire generations to come.