The Old and the New Magic

"The Old and the New Magic" by Henry Ridgely Evans is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the evolution of magic from its ancient origins to modern performances, discussing various magicians and techniques throughout history. The main focus is likely on contrasting "old magic," associated with mysticism and superstition, with "new magic," which incorporates scientific principles and psychological illusions. At the start of the text, the author presents an introduction by Dr. Paul Carus, outlining the significance of magic as an art form while emphasizing the divide between its old and new iterations. Carus delves into the historical roots of magic, tracing its etymology and historical context, suggesting that magic has always been intertwined with religion and superstition. He begins to illustrate how ancient practices and beliefs have transformed into the modern magic tricks we recognize today, setting the stage for a detailed examination of notable figures and performances in magic’s rich history.