Timon Krause on Fool Us

 German mentalist Timon Krause delivers a fascinating demonstration of psychological illusion, influence and apparent mind reading on Penn & Teller: Fool Us.

Working with host Alyson Hannigan, Krause creates the impression that he can guide her choices and predict her decisions before they are made. His deceptively simple presentation leaves Penn and Teller unable to determine his complete method, earning him the coveted Fool Us trophy.

This memorable performance is an excellent example of modern mentalism. Instead of relying on large props or elaborate illusions, Timon Krause uses psychology, language, timing and audience interaction to create an impossible experience. Watch the performance and decide for yourself: Were Alyson Hannigan’s choices genuinely free, or was Timon influencing her decisions from the beginning?

Fans of Penn & Teller, mentalism, mind-reading magic and Fool Us winners will enjoy this remarkable performance from one of Europe’s most successful contemporary mentalists.

Pilobolus performs on Penn & Teller's Fool Us

 

Jack Rhodes comedy magic full show

 

Fruit of the Spirit Silks by Barry Mitchell – Complete Unopened Gospel Magic Set

Now available at www.magiciansmagicshop.com

 Bring the message of Galatians 5:22–23 to life with Fruit of the Spirit Silks by Barry Mitchell!

This colorful gospel-magic set includes nine beautifully printed word silks featuring Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. The silks can be presented individually or together and used with many popular silk-magic utility props.
This is the discontinued original edition, complete with:
* Nine colorful 3½” × 17” word silks
* Original demonstration DVD
* Presentation ideas and instructional material
* Zippered plush banana puppet/pouch
* Original packaging
Perfect for gospel magicians, children’s church, Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, family entertainers, Christian schools, and character-education programs.
Condition: Brand-new old stock and unopened in its original packaging.
Retail Price $99.00
Our Price $89.00

Remembering Fred Kaps on the Anniversary of His Death

 

On July 23, 1980, the magic world lost one of its most celebrated and influential performers: Fred Kaps.

Born Abraham Pieter Adrianus Bongers in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Kaps became internationally admired for his originality, technical ability, elegant presentation and unmistakable personality. Although he died at only 54 years old, his performances continue to influence magicians more than four decades later.

The Only Three-Time FISM Grand Prix Winner

Fred Kaps holds a record that has never been matched. He is the only magician to win the FISM World Championship of Magic Grand Prix three times.

Kaps received the prestigious honor in:

• 1950 in Barcelona, Spain
• 1955 in Amsterdam, Netherlands
• 1961 in Liège, Belgium

Guinness World Records officially recognizes Kaps as holding the record for the most FISM Grand Prix victories.

His winning performances demonstrated more than technical skill. Kaps could transform highly practiced sleight of hand into moments that felt spontaneous, surprising and genuinely magical.

Fred Kaps and the Long Salt Pour

One of Fred Kaps’ most famous routines was his interpretation of the Long Salt Pour.

After apparently making a small amount of salt disappear, Kaps would begin producing an impossible stream of salt from his empty hand. The salt continued pouring long after the audience expected the routine to end.

What made the performance memorable was not simply the trick. It was Kaps’ reaction to the growing problem. He appeared increasingly confused and embarrassed as the salt continued pouring and the orchestra struggled to keep playing.

The combination of strong magic, music, timing and physical comedy turned a relatively simple effect into one of magic’s most memorable routines.

Kaps was also known for his Dancing and Floating Cork, color-changing silks, productions of banknotes and candles, card manipulation and numerous other beautifully constructed effects.

Following The Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show”

Fred Kaps also holds a fascinating place in television history.

On February 9, 1964, Kaps appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show during the same broadcast that introduced The Beatles to a massive American television audience.

Following the excitement of The Beatles may have been one of the most difficult positions any variety performer could face. Nevertheless, Kaps delivered a charming and memorable performance before an audience estimated at more than 70 million viewers.

The historic appearance introduced countless Americans to Fred Kaps—even if Beatlemania made it difficult for any other performer on the program to receive equal attention. History.com recounts the extraordinary broadcast.

A Magician’s Magician

Fred Kaps was more than a competition winner or television performer. He was a magician deeply respected by other magicians.

His work demonstrated that a magical effect does not end when the secret method has been mastered. Character, music, movement, timing and audience connection can transform a trick into a complete theatrical experience.

Kaps reportedly spent years perfecting details that audiences might never consciously notice. That dedication helped his performances appear effortless, natural and filled with genuine wonder.

Shortly before his death, Kaps received a Masters Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts. He was also inducted into the Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame.

Remembering Fred Kaps

Fred Kaps died from cancer on July 23, 1980. Today, 46 years after his passing, his record remains unbroken and his performances are still studied by magicians around the world.

His Long Salt Pour continues to demonstrate an important lesson: the secret may create the effect, but presentation creates the memory.

Today, we remember Fred Kaps—a three-time world champion, master showman and one of the most influential magicians of the 20th century.

Happy Birthday Professor Hoffmann

 On July 23, 1839, Angelo John Lewis—the man who would become famous throughout the magic world as Professor Hoffmann—was born in London, England.

Although Lewis studied law at Oxford University and became a barrister, his lasting legacy would come from his fascination with magic and his ability to explain the art clearly through the written word.

The Book That Changed Magic

In 1876, Professor Hoffmann published Modern Magic: A Practical Treatise on the Art of Conjuring. The groundbreaking book covered everything from card and coin magic to cups and balls, handkerchief tricks, stage illusions, show construction and the proper presentation of magic.

At a time when aspiring magicians often had to rely on personal instruction, scattered pamphlets or closely guarded secrets, Modern Magic provided an organized course in conjuring that readers could study at home.

The book became enormously successful and was followed by other important works, including More Magic, Later Magic and Latest Magic. Together, Hoffmann’s writings helped establish the format that countless magic books and courses would follow in the decades ahead.

The International Brotherhood of Magicians describes Modern Magic as “the book that first opened the curtain on the art of conjuring for generations of magicians.” The organization has even released a special reproduction of the historic book.

Teacher or Exposer?

Professor Hoffmann’s work was not welcomed by everyone.

Some magicians believed that publishing detailed explanations of magical methods exposed too many closely guarded secrets. Others recognized that his books helped preserve important knowledge while inspiring new generations of performers.

Regardless of which side of the argument magicians took, there is no denying the enormous influence Hoffmann had on the development of modern magic literature.

His books would inspire generations of magicians, including some of the biggest names from magic’s Golden Age. The lessons he published nearly 150 years ago continue to be studied by magicians, collectors and magic historians today.

Professor Hoffmann’s Lasting Legacy

Professor Hoffmann died in 1919, but his work remains an important part of magic history. He helped transform magical instruction from an often-secretive oral tradition into a carefully organized body of written knowledge.

Every magician who has learned a sleight, routine or performance principle from a book owes at least a small debt to the path Professor Hoffmann helped create.

Today, on the anniversary of his birth, we remember Professor Hoffmann—a lawyer, magician and author whose writing forever changed how the secrets and traditions of magic were passed from one generation to the next.

Andy Martin performing the Head Chopper Illusion