Do you believe in magic?

The world's magicians make the unbelievable come to life

Mar.25

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Have you ever wondered how a magician can saw a woman in half and then put her back together? Through the ages, magicians have enthralled audiences by allowing them to suspend disbelief and imagine that anything is possible.
Magic's beginnings can be traced back to ancient Egypt around 2600 B.C. when, according to legend, a magician was summoned to entertain King Cheops. Some early magicians claimed to have supernatural abilities and used their feats to acquire positions of influence, usually in the royal courts. Consequently, they used magic to influence religious beliefs and political decisions. Today's shrewd audiences, however, recognize that magicians have no supernatural abilities, but use skillful tricks to entertain crowds.

Popular stage magicians
One of the earliest magicians to perform on stage was Frenchman Jean Eugene Robert Houdin, who, in the 1840s, became known as the "Father of Modern Magic" He was best-known for causing an orange tree to grow right in front of the audience.
In the early 1900s, magicians like Houdini and Harry Blackstone were successful as they carried on the tradition of theatrical magic. Blackstone's most famous trick involved making a glowing light bulb float above the audience!

Word Bank:

enthrall (v) 迷住，吸引住
The first time Andy saw fireworks he was completely enthralled by the brilliant colors.

supernatural (adj) 超自然的
In ancient times, most people thought lightening was a supernatural event instead of a part of nature.

shrewd (adj) 精明的；机灵的
It was a shrewd move to buy the property next to the theater.

theatrical (adj) 剧场的，戏剧的
Central Park made a perfect theatrical backgroud for the movie.

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