David Copperfield's History of Magic

By: David Copperfield, Richard Wiseman, David Britland, Homer Liwag

Narrated by: Feodor Chin, David Copperfield

An illustrated, illuminating insight into the world of illusion from the world’s greatest and most successful magician, capturing its audacious and inventive practitioners, and showcasing the art form’s most famous artifacts housed at David Copperfield’s secret museum.

In this personal journey through a unique performing art, David Copperfield profiles some of the world’s most groundbreaking magicians. From the sixteenth-century magistrate who wrote an early book on conjuring, to the roaring twenties and the man who fooled Houdini, to the woman who levitated, vanished, and caught bullets in her bare hands, David Copperfield’s History of Magic takes you on a wild journey through the remarkable feats of some of the greatest magicians in history.

The result is a sweeping tale that reveals how these astonishing performers were outsiders who used magic to escape class, challenge convention, transform popular culture, explore the innermost workings of the human mind, and inspire scientific discovery.

By the end of the book, you’ll be sure to share Copperfield’s passion for the power of magic.

Good, but wish the author narrated it all

The narrator did fine, but I found myself more engaged in listening while the author spoke.

Weirdly apt title

This is quite good, but it very much is Copperfield’s history, since the focus is largely on his influences and he treats himself as the end point of modern magic.

the wonder of magic

David Copperfield has had me on stage several times for different shows or illustrations I am honored to have seen his performance several times and been part of his wonderful illustrations. His book the history of magic really hits hard and takes you to a journey through your own mind as he illustrated each of the illustrations from grand masters Like Harry Keller Houdini and many others you almost feel their presence. I would highly reccomend this book for anyone who even enjoys a vanishing coin or card trick it will take you on fantastic journey and it will not be something to forget. Thanks David for all you do and for the many hours of practice you have inspired in me. Everyone enjoys magic and wonder to some degree.

Amazing archive

This is an amazing archive of historical magicians. The stories are told very well, which is a testament to David Copperfield’s amazing story telling ability.

Interesting stories / bland reading

Very disappointed David didn’t read it himself. It comes alive when he does. Instead we had to listen to some old timey style reader.