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Cover of The Old and the New Magic

The Old and the New Magic

Written by Henry Ridgely Evans

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MagiciansMagic tricks

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About this book

"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.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Old and the New Magic, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • informative
  • historical
  • analytical

Henry Ridgely Evans's "The Old and the New Magic" is an early 20th-century historical account tracing the evolution of magic from its ancient, superstitious roots to its modern, scientifically-informed performances. The book's central thesis lies in contrasting "old magic," often intertwined with religious mysticism and belief in the supernatural, with "new magic," which leverages scientific principles, psychology, and elaborate stagecraft. An insightful introduction by Dr. Paul Carus establishes this dichotomy, exploring magic's etymological and historical ties to religion and superstition, thereby setting the stage for Evans's detailed examination of influential magicians and their transforming techniques throughout history. It provides a comprehensive look at how ancient practices have been reframed into the illusions we recognize today, highlighting the shift from genuine belief to artistic deception.

“"Magic, in its oldest sense, was an attempt to control the forces of nature through supernatural means, deeply intertwined with the spiritual beliefs of mankind."”

Key themes

The Evolution of Magic: From Superstition to Science
This is the central theme, exploring how magic transitioned from being perceived as supernatural intervention, often linked to religious or mystical beliefs ('old magic'), to a form of entertainment reliant on scientific principles, psychological misdirection, and ingenious stagecraft ('new magic'). The book details the historical trajectory of this transformation, showcasing how human understanding of the world influenced the practice and perception of illusion.
The Nature of Belief and Illusion
This theme delves into why humans are susceptible to illusion and the psychological mechanisms that underpin both 'old' and 'new' magic. It explores how belief systems (religious, superstitious) once provided the framework for interpreting magical acts, and how modern magic exploits cognitive biases, attention, and expectation to create wonder. It questions the line between genuine belief and willing suspension of disbelief.
Magic as a Cultural Barometer
The book positions magic not just as an isolated art form, but as a reflection and product of its historical and cultural context. It shows how the practice and reception of magic change in response to societal values, scientific advancements, and religious doctrines. Magic, in this sense, serves as a 'barometer' indicating the prevailing worldview of different eras.

Worth discussing

How does the book's distinction between 'old' and 'new' magic reflect broader societal shifts from superstition to scientific understanding?

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