Cunning Magic Information Cunning magic refers to a type of magic that relies heavily on trickery, illusion, and deception. It is often associated with magicians and performers who use sleight of hand and misdirection to create the illusion of magic. This type of magic is all about fooling the audience and making them believe that something impossible has happened. Cunning magic has a long history and can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where performers would use various tricks and techniques to entertain and astound their audiences. One of the most famous examples of cunning magic is the cup and ball trick, where the performer moves a small ball between three cups and asks the audience to guess which cup the ball is under. In addition to tricks like the cup and ball, cunning magicians also use a range of other techniques to create their illusions.
By the 1940s they had essentially vanished from the country. The historian Owen Davies believed that the primary reason for the decline in the cunning craft was the declining belief in the existence of malevolent witchcraft in the country (something brought about by modernization and increasing education and literacy rates), and therefore the collapse of any need for the anti-witchcraft measures that the cunning folk offered as their primary service. According to Nigel Pennick, the last genuine cunning man was practicing in Cambridgeshire in the 1960s.[ii]
Let me see how many trades have I to live by First, I am a wise-woman, and a fortune-teller, and under that I deal in physicke and fore-speaking, in palmistry, and recovering of things lost. In nineteenth-century Norwich, a wise woman who went by the pseudonym of Virtue used to demand gifts from her neighbours, threatening them with cursing if they refused.
In addition to tricks like the cup and ball, cunning magicians also use a range of other techniques to create their illusions. These can include things like misdirection, where the magician directs the audience's attention away from what they are actually doing, and sleight of hand, where they manipulate objects in a way that is imperceptible to the audience. Cunning magic is often seen as a form of entertainment rather than a true display of supernatural power.
Witchcraft, Women & the Healing Arts in the Early Modern Period: Home
This guide is an online version of the exhibit by the same title, which was on display at Sterne Library, Fall 2018 through Spring 2019.
- Home
- Physicians & Witchcraft
- Wise-Women & Cunning Folk Healers
- Female Midwives
- The Witches' Flying Ointment
- A Strange Affliction in Salem
However, it requires a great deal of skill and practice to master. The best cunning magicians are able to create illusions that are almost impossible to figure out, leaving their audiences in awe and wonder. While cunning magic is primarily used for entertainment purposes, it can also be used for more nefarious purposes. In some cases, magicians may use their skills to deceive and manipulate others for personal gain. This can include things like scamming people out of money or using illusions to create a false sense of security. Overall, cunning magic is an intriguing and captivating form of entertainment that has been used for centuries. It relies on the art of illusion and trickery to create the appearance of magic. Whether performed on a grand stage or in an intimate setting, cunning magic never fails to amaze and astonish its audience..
Reviews for "The Magical Legacy of Harry Houdini: Embracing the Spirit of Cunning Magic"
1. Sara - 2/5:
I had high hopes for "Cunning Magic Information" as I am a fan of magic and wanted to learn some new tricks. However, I was disappointed with this book. The explanations were unclear and lacked detail, making it difficult to follow along. Additionally, the tricks showcased in the book were not as impressive as I expected. Overall, I would not recommend this book to those looking to learn new magic tricks.
2. Mark - 1/5:
I found "Cunning Magic Information" to be a complete waste of time. The book is filled with generic and basic magic tricks that are easily found on the internet. The information provided was outdated and did not offer anything innovative or fresh. I expected to learn some advanced techniques, but instead, I was left with tricks that even a beginner magician would already know. I regret purchasing this book and would not recommend it to anyone serious about magic.
3. Emily - 2/5:
The title of "Cunning Magic Information" sounded promising, but unfortunately, the book did not live up to my expectations. The explanations were convoluted and lacked clarity, making it difficult to understand and replicate the tricks. I found myself constantly rereading sections and still struggled to follow along. Additionally, the book did not offer any unique or interesting tricks that I hadn't already seen before. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would advise others to look for better magic resources.
4. Michael - 1/5:
"Cunning Magic Information" was a huge disappointment for me. The book didn't provide any practical or useful information about magic tricks. The explanations were vague and poorly written, making it almost impossible to understand and apply the techniques. It feels like the author just compiled basic information from other sources without adding any personal insights or expertise. Save your money and look for better magic resources elsewhere. This book is not worth your time.