Gibecière by Stephen Minch - Vol 10 No 1 (Winter 2015 , (Instant Download)

Celebrate a decade of unparalleled magical scholarship with Gibecière by Stephen Minch - Vol 10 No 1 (Winter 2015). This extraordinary 10th-anniversary issue delivers a rich tapestry of conjuring history, groundbreaking discoveries, and deep analytical dives, making it an indispensable resource for serious enthusiasts and professional researchers alike. Available as an instant download, this volume continues Gibecière's tradition of presenting meticulously researched and thoughtfully presented articles that illuminate the past and challenge current perceptions of magic.

"The 52 Wonders": A Card Magic Revelation

Prepare for a significant re-evaluation of card magic history with C.H. Wilson's "The 52 Wonders," unearthed and introduced by expert Tyler Wilson. This rare, almost forgotten booklet on card magic from 1877 is presented in its entirety, offering a unique glimpse into 19th-century sleight of hand. Tyler Wilson’s compelling introduction argues that its contents necessitate a critical reassessment of the enduring legacy of S.W. Erdnase, potentially reshaping our understanding of card conjuring's foundational texts. Highlighting its importance to the magic community, this pivotal article is even available as a free download for non-members of Conjuring Arts.

The Bizarre "Legend of Donba-jutsu"

Journey to ancient Japan with Mitsunobu Matsuyama as he meticulously explores "The Legend of Donba-jutsu." This fascinating article recounts a truly bizarre feat, known only in Japan, where a magician supposedly visibly swallowed a live horse. Attributed to Chōjiro Shioya between 1688 and 1704, Matsuyama provides a comprehensive history, details the proposed methods for this incredible illusion, and then offers a thoughtful and thorough refutation, arguing that the trick was likely a confabulation born from Japanese folk tales rather than a verifiable performance. The issue's embossed cover, inspired by this very article, hints at its profound impact.

Ancient Conjuring and Legendary Figures

French scholar Pierre Taillefer contributes two exceptional articles that shed new light on the origins of Western magic. In "Conjurers Around the Mediterranean Basin," Taillefer presents a handsomely researched account of what is known about Western conjurers from antiquity, analyzing their performances and how they were perceived and received during the early Middle Ages and preceding eras. Following this, his article on "Jehan Dalmau" expands our knowledge of one of conjuring’s oldest known past masters: the Sixteenth-Century Spanish magician whose reputation as an exceptionally accomplished card conjurer is evident in scant mentions from figures like Girolamo Cardano and Aretino. Taillefer uncovers a new, crucial chapter in the career of this important historical figure.

Gibecière Vol 10 No 1 is more than just an issue; it's a deep dive into the extraordinary, the obscure, and the influential aspects of magic history. From challenging established card magic narratives to exploring mythical Japanese feats and unearthing ancient European practitioners, this instant download offers an unparalleled journey for anyone passionate about the art and history of conjuring.

Original Specs

Our amazing 10th Anniversary issue includes:

The 52 Wonders by C.H. Wilson, discovered and introduced by Tyler WilsonThe professional magician and researcher of conjuring history, Tyler Wilson, has discovered a rare and virtually unknown booklet on card magic from 1877. Its contents would seem to necessitate a reassessment of the legacy of S.W. Erdnase. Given the importance of this work, we have reproduced it in its entirety, and Tyler Wilson provides the revealing introduction. Even if you are not a Conjuring Arts member you can download this article now free.

The Legend of Donba-jutsu by Mitsunobu Matsuyama In the winter of 2009, our friend and frequent contributor Mitsunobu Matsuyama gave a brief account ofa bizarre feat, known only in Japan, in which the magician visibly swallows a live horse. Legend reports this trick was performed by a conjurer namedChōjiro Shioya sometime from 1688 to 1704. We asked Mr. Matsuyama if he couldelaborate on this unique effect, and he responded with an article that provides the full history and proposed method of the trick and his thoughtful and thorough refutation of that method, arguing that the trick was likely confabulated from Japanese folk tales.(Our embossed cover takes its theme from this article).

Conjurers Around the Mediterranean Basin by Pierre TailleferHave you ever wondered what we know of the Western conjurers of antiquity and what they performed? French scholar Pierre Taillefer has contributed a handsomely researched article that addresses just that question. The short answer is: not a lot. However, what little is known is fascinating. Taillefer organizes all of the available information, along with an analysis of how conjurers were perceived and received during the early Middle Ages and prior. Jehan Dalmu by Pierre TailleferMr. Taillefer follows his study of “Conjurers Around the Mediterranean Basin” with a short article that increases our knowledge of one of conjuring’s oldest known past masters: the Sixteenth Century Spanish magician Jehan Dalmau. Dalmau’s reputation as an exceptionally accomplished card conjurer is clearly evident in the scant mentions of his performances given by Girolamo, Cardano, Aretino and others of the period. Taillefer has turned up a new chapter in the career of this important figure in conjuring.