The Old and the New Magic

"The Old and the New Magic" by Henry Ridgely Evans is a journey through the world of illusion, contrasting ancient mysticism and modern science. The narrative, introduced by Dr. Paul Carus, examines the origins of magic, explaining its connections to religion and its development into an art form. It promises to highlight the transformation of magical practices from their superstitious beginnings into the sophisticated tricks and illusions of contemporary performance, preparing the stage to showcase important historical figures and groundbreaking acts in the history of magic.