Charles Dickens Magician: Conjuring in Life, Letters and Literature

Everybody knows Charles Dickens as an unsurpassed writer; many know him as a superb public reader of his own works; some know him as a talented actor; but very few know that he was also a conjurer. Up to now this knowledge has been rather hidden away in biographies, with academics considering it of little significance. For the first time Dickens's journey to a conjurer has been properly researched and narrated: using his own letters and other contemporary reports, the evolution of the novelist to enthusiastic performer is plotted.\nWhat is particularly unique about this book is that Ian Keable brings his own experiences as a magic historian and professional magician to branch out into related subjects. Who were the conjurers that inspired Dickens? Which tricks did he do? Where did he get them from? What were his strengths and weaknesses as a conjurer? Why did he stop? Which of his contemporaries did he rate the best? Did his interest in conjuring impact upon his writing? In answering these questions, much is revealed about the world of Victorian conjuring and indeed magic generally.\nIt is unfortunate that many claims in the past have been made about Dickens relating to conjuring which have proved questionable: readers might be surprised by just how many errors have been perpetuated over the years. This book seeks to dispel those myths. But, in the process of disentanglement, new facts and insights emerge which prove equally intriguing about the man and his magic.\nRarely does a book merge two such endlessly fascinating subjects as magic and Charles Dickens into one. If you have even the remotest interest in either, Charles Dickens Magician is for you.\nThe book is available in two different formats, with the contents identical in each.\nSoft Cover: 288 pages, with 8 pages of colour photographs. 198 x 129 mm
Price: £10 + p & p
Hard Back with Dust Jacket: 256 pages with 8 pages of colour photographs. 234 x 156 mm
Price: £25 + p & p