Abracadabra: The Story of Magic Through the Ages - Softcover

Newquist, HP

3.64

33 ratings by Goodreads

9781250115393: Abracadabra: The Story of Magic Through the Ages

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1250115396 ISBN 13: 9781250115393

Publisher: Square Fish, 2017

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Magicians never reveal their secrets . . . but in Abacadabra: The Story of Magic Through the Ages, HP Newquist lifts the veil: this is an illustrated history of magic complete with step-by-step instructions for eight classic magic tricks.

Magic is a word we use to describe something amazing, awe-inspiring, or spectacular. Truly great magic makes us believe in things we know can't be real. In the hands of the greatest magicians, even a simple card trick can become truly wondrous.

Now, in this nonfiction narrative of magic through the ages, HP Newquist explains how the world's most famous tricks were created, including:
-the oracles of ancient Egypt
-the wizards of medieval Europe
-the exploits of Houdini
-modern practitioners like Criss Angel
-and more!

Abracadabra by HP Newquist will have middle-grade readers spellbound. This book unlocks the secrets behind centuries of magic, magicians, and illusion.

Praise for Abacadabra: The Story of Magic Through the Ages:

“Strikes a good balance between the history and practical magic tricks . . . an enthralling read.” ―Children’s Literature

“Fledgling magicians will be spellbound.” ―Booklist

“This offering stands out from similar books because of the amount of material it provides about various conjurers, illusionists, and mind readers. Newquist does not hesitate to give away trade secrets.” ―School Library Journal

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About the Author:

HP Newquist is the author of more than a dozen books for both children and adults, including Abracadabra: The Story of Magic Through the Ages, For Boys Only and This Will Kill You. He has written hundreds of magazine articles and several documentaries, covering topics from medicine to music. He spends his time exploring the world and researching books with his wife and two daughters.

Olga and Aleksey Ivanov illustrated the Charlotte’s Web beginning readers. They live in Colorado.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 5–8—Newquist presents a thorough history of magicians and their feats. He traces the subject from the earliest known tricks by the ancient Egyptian Dedi to those by today's David Blaine and refers to famous (Merlin, Harry Houdini) and lesser-known performers (Giuseppe Pinetti, John Henry Anderson) alike. Interspersed between chapters are directions for executing various tricks and descriptions of the many devices employed to create the illusions. This offering stands out from similar books because of the amount of material it provides about various conjurers, illusionists, and mind readers. Newquist does not hesitate to give away trade secrets but also admits that there are some tricks that no one has yet figured out. Detailed black-and-white illustrations complement the text. Though this volume lacks the colorful illustrations found in Patrice Sherman's The Secret, Mystifying, Unusual History of Magic (Capstone, 2010) and Peter Eldin's Magic (Kingfisher, 1997), it's well written and should appeal to readers with a passion for the subject. VERDICT A good choice for libraries where there is a demand for in-depth information on magic and where existing titles focus on performing tricks.—Margaret Nunes, Gwinnett County Public Library, GA

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