David Copperfield's History of Magic

By: David Copperfield, Richard Wiseman, David Britland

Narrated by: Feodor Chin, David Copperfield

Length: 4 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's Summary

An illuminating insight into the world of illusion from the world’s greatest and most successful magician, capturing its audacious and inventive practitioners, and showcasing the art form’s most famous artifacts housed at David Copperfield’s secret museum.

In this personal journey through a unique performing art, David Copperfield profiles some of the world’s most groundbreaking magicians. From the sixteenth-century magistrate who wrote an early book on conjuring, to the roaring twenties and the man who fooled Houdini, to the woman who levitated, vanished, and caught bullets in her bare hands, David Copperfield’s History of Magic takes you on a wild journey through the remarkable feats of some of the greatest magicians in history. 

The result is a sweeping tale that reveals how these astonishing performers were outsiders who used magic to escape class, challenge convention, transform popular culture, explore the innermost workings of the human mind, and inspire scientific discovery. 

By the end of the book, you’ll be sure to share Copperfield’s passion for the power of magic.

©2021 David Copperfield’s Disappearing, Inc. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Good, but wish the author narrated it all

The narrator did fine, but I found myself more engaged in listening while the author spoke.

Amazing archive

This is an amazing archive of historical magicians. The stories are told very well, which is a testament to David Copperfield’s amazing story telling ability.

Interesting stories / bland reading

Very disappointed David didn’t read it himself. It comes alive when he does. Instead we had to listen to some old timey style reader.

Weirdly apt title

This is quite good, but it very much is Copperfield’s history, since the focus is largely on his influences and he treats himself as the end point of modern magic.

Great snippets of magical history

I can't help think this book was written as one of those audio guides you get at a museum. Each chapter is based on a magician in history & the items David has of theirs in his museum. There is some lovely background & supporting information, but David ends every chapter with "I'm proud to have this in my museum". It's not so much a history of magic & illusion, but more a very specific & selective history based on his museum pieces. Still, some great facts & info, just not the full story.