Gibecière 39, the latest installment in our esteemed flagship journal, continues its tradition of illuminating the often-overlooked corners of magic's rich history. Curated by the renowned Stephen Minch, this Winter 2025 edition offers a captivating journey through historical performances, legal battles, and surprising revelations about iconic figures. Available as an instant download, it provides immediate access to scholarly articles that redefine our understanding of conjuring.

A Glimpse into 18th-Century Spanish Spectacles

Enrique Jiménez-Martínez opens this issue with a meticulously researched exploration of conjuring performances across Spain during the 1700s and early 1800s. Readers will be transported to an era when public entertainment was dominated by awe-inspiring magic-lantern shows, dazzling pyrotechnic displays, and the immersive illusions of Phantasmagoria spectacles. Jiménez-Martínez paints a vivid picture of the atmosphere and societal impact of these early forms of magic, offering unparalleled insight into their techniques and popularity.

Pinetti's Enduring Legal Labyrinths

Pietro Micheli returns with the seventh part of his compelling 'Pinetti: New Discoveries' series. This installment meticulously details Giuseppe Pinetti's persistent legal entanglements and conflicts that plagued his career throughout eighteenth-century Europe. Micheli uncovers new documents and interpretations, shedding light on the challenges faced by one of magic's most flamboyant figures, revealing how his groundbreaking artistry often clashed with the legal frameworks of the time.

Mozart: The Maestro of Magic?

Perhaps the most surprising revelation in this issue comes from Reinhard Müller and Rainer Buland, who present a groundbreaking new perspective on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Through a rigorous analysis of Mozart's personal notes and writings, Müller and Buland have meticulously reconstructed some of the card tricks and number divinations that the legendary composer practiced. Their research not only identifies potential magical routines but also speculates on the sources from which Mozart might have acquired his magical knowledge, unveiling a fascinating, little-known dimension of his genius.

Further Historical Connections

The issue concludes with Maxwell Pritchard's supplementary biographical details on Citizen Fondard, a figure briefly mentioned earlier by Jiménez-Martínez. Pritchard's contribution provides additional depth and context, further enriching the historical tapestry woven throughout Gibecière 39. This volume is an indispensable resource for historians, magicians, and anyone fascinated by the intricate evolution of performance art.

Original Specs

Gibecière 39 by Stephen Minch - Vol 20 No 1 ( Winter 2025 , Instant Download )

We are delighted to present the thirty-ninth issue of our flagship journal Gibecière. The issue opens with Enrique Jiménez-Martínez painting a clear picture of conjuring performances in Spain in the 1700s and early 1800s, focusing on the magic-lantern, pyrotechnic and Phantasmagoria spectacles of the time. Following up is the seventh installment of Pietro Micheli’s Pinetti: New Discoveries article series, exploring Giuseppe Pinetti’s continued legal struggles in eighteenth-century Europe. Reinhard Müller and Rainer Buland bring a new perspective to the great composer, Mozart – that of Mozart as a magician. By analyzing Mozart’s notes, Müller and Buland have deduced some of the card tricks and number divinations that Mozart practiced, as well as where he may have learned them from. The issue closes with additional biographical information from Maxwell Pritchard on Citizen Fondard, who is mentioned earlier in the issue by Jiménez-Martínez.

Contents:
Pocket Notes – Stephen Minch
Wizards and Phantoms of Spain – Enrique Jiménez-Martínez
Pinetti: New Discoveries, Part 7 – Pietro Micheli
The Discovery of Mozart’s Magic – Reinhard Müller and Rainer Buland
Furthermore… – Maxwell Pritchard

#Historical Magic Research

Gibecière 39 by Stephen Minch - Vol 20 No 1 ( Winter 2025 , (Instant Download)