A Landmark Issue in Magic Scholarship

Step into the extraordinary world of magical history with Gibecière, Vol 5 No 2, a spectacular tenth issue from Summer 2010. This volume is a treasure trove for enthusiasts, scholars, and practitioners alike, offering an unparalleled journey through forgotten narratives, groundbreaking research, and deeply compelling stories that challenge the very fabric of known conjuring timelines. Curated by the venerable Stephen Minch, this installment promises a rich tapestry of magical heritage, delivered straight to your digital library for instant access.

Unmasking Early 20th-Century Fraud

The journey begins with Barry Wiley's compelling chronicle of Nellie Bly, the intrepid journalist widely recognized as the first woman in her field. Wiley meticulously details Bly's shrewd and courageous efforts to expose fraudulent supernatural performers and charlatans prevalent in early 20th-century America. This captivating article sheds light on an era when the lines between genuine entertainment and deceit were often blurred, offering a fascinating glimpse into the social history of magic and its public perception.

Tales of Magicians' Tragic Ends

Next, prepare to be mesmerized by the prolific Joshua Jay, who presents a morbidly fascinating catalog of magicians whose lives met with tragic, often mysterious, ends in their unwavering pursuit of the art. While the death of Chung Ling Soo remains a well-documented and somber chapter in magic lore, Jay unearths equally (and just as eerily) compelling stories of other performers. These narratives offer a poignant reminder of the dedication, risks, and sometimes unforeseen consequences inherent in the world of illusion, providing a human dimension to the history of magic that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Rewriting the Timeline of Conjuring

The centerpiece of this volume is an astounding discovery by Conjuring Arts: a previously unexamined 17th-century Italian manuscript. This remarkable document is poised to reshape our understanding of magic history, as its contents both illuminate and profoundly call into question the established timelines of many well-known conjuring tricks. Lori Pieper provides a meticulous English translation, while Stephen Minch and William Kalush offer invaluable context and scholarly commentary. This article is an essential read for anyone interested in the true origins and evolution of magical performance, promising to spark new debates and insights among historians and practitioners alike. Gibecière, Vol 5 No 2, is more than just a collection of articles; it's an indispensable resource for exploring the profound depths of magic's past.

Original Specs

For our spectacular tenth issue, we hear from a familiar voice, welcome a celebrated new contributor, and unearth a centuries-old manuscript that turns the entire timeline of magic history on its ear.

First, Barry Wiley chronicles the remarkable Nellie Bly, considered the first female journalist, and her shrewd exposure of fraudulent supernatural performers in early 20th Century America.

Next we hear from the prolific Joshua Jay, who gives us a morbidly fascinating catalog of magicians who have met with tragic ends in the pursuit of their art. Chung Ling Soo’s death is well-chronicled, but these magicians’ stories are equally (and just as eerily) compelling.

Finally, Conjuring Arts has uncovered a 17th Century Italian manuscript whose contents both shed light on and call into question the timeline of many well-known conjuring tricks. Lori Pieper once again provides the English translation, and Stephen Minch and William Kalush give context and commentary.

#Magic Manuscripts

Gibecière by Stephen Minch - Vol 5 No 2 (Summer 2010 , (Instant Download)