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Hiding the Elephant by Jim Steinmeier

Created by: Jim Steinmeier

Hiding the Elephant is a captivating piece of magic that delves into the Golden Age of Magic, offering a blend of storytelling and historical intrigue. This trick is not just about the illusion but also about the rich narrative behind it, making it a perfect choice for magicians who appreciate the art's history and enjoy engaging their audience with tales of mystery and wonder. It's suitable for stage and parlor performances, where the magician can fully immerse the audience in the story of the Egyptian Hall and the great magicians of the past.

Key features

  • Combines magic with storytelling for a unique performance experience

  • Draws inspiration from the Golden Age of Magic

  • Suitable for stage and parlor settings

  • Appeals to magicians interested in the history of magic

Pros

  • Engages the audience with a rich narrative

  • Offers a unique blend of history and magic

  • Versatile for different performance settings

Cons

  • May require additional research to fully appreciate the historical context

  • Not a traditional 'trick' with a clear visual effect, more narrative-driven

Effect

"Hiding the Elephant" is a book by Jim Steinmeyer that explores the history and secrets behind some of the most famous stage illusions in magic. While not a trick itself, the book provides deep insights into the methods and creative thinking used by legendary magicians to create large-scale illusions. The title refers to the famous challenge of making an elephant disappear on stage, a feat accomplished by Harry Houdini and others.

Full Details

The book covers the Golden Age of Magic, focusing on the ingenuity of magicians like Harry Houdini, Howard Thurston, and Charles Morritt. It reveals how they developed groundbreaking illusions through clever engineering, misdirection, and storytelling. While it doesn’t expose modern secrets, it explains historical techniques in a way that inspires magicians to think creatively about their own performances.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This book is ideal for magicians interested in the history of magic, stage illusions, and the psychology behind deception. It’s especially valuable for performers who want to understand how classic illusions were constructed and how to apply similar principles to their own acts.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

Since "Hiding the Elephant" is a book rather than a trick, there is no performance difficulty. However, the concepts discussed require a deep understanding of magic theory and presentation. The book is best suited for intermediate to advanced magicians who appreciate the art of illusion design.

What Magicians Say

Phill Evans, a magician featured in the AlakazamMagicUK interview, praises the book, saying:
"I'm fascinated by stories from the Golden Age of Magic. The characters, plots, skullduggery, creativity, skills, and romance of those times fuel my imagination."

He highlights Jim Steinmeyer’s storytelling ability and the book’s value in understanding the creativity behind historical illusions. Another magician might appreciate how the book blends history with practical insights, making it both educational and inspiring.

For magicians who enjoy learning about the craft’s rich history, "Hiding the Elephant" is a must-read. It offers a unique perspective on how some of magic’s greatest feats were achieved.

What people are saying about Hiding the Elephant

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Jim Steinmeier is not only a font of knowledge but a brilliant storyteller. His book 'Hiding the Elephant' tells the story of changeling Sue, showcasing his ability to weave magic and history into compelling narratives.

Phill Evans says...

I'm fascinated by stories from the Golden Age of Magic. The characters, plots, skullduggery, creativity, skills, and romance of those times fuel my imagination. How I would have loved to experience a performance by one of the greats in the Egyptian Hall.

Review videos