"An important contribution. Ralley demonstrates an enviable depth and breadth of occult knowledge." Dave Green - Senior Lecturer in Sociology, University of the West of England, and Co-Director of The Society for the Academic Study of Magic "An essential introduction. It skilfully teases apart the dark and twisted strands of magic and its practices." Barry Jones and Stuart MacLeod-winners of the "Best Comedy Illusionist" award at the World Magic Awards 2009 and hosts of When Magic Tricks Go Wrong "A solid overview of a very complex subject." Michael A. Ryan - Assistant Professor of European and Late Medieval History, Purdue University Murky object of suspicion, exercise in deception, sensationalist display of illusion - magic has been all of these and more. Since our earliest history, this mysterious art has proved a complex source of fear and wonderment, blending religion, the occult, science, and entertainment. From the supernatural practice of black arts to the razzamatazz of stage performance, magic has been called on to cast the evil eye and burn villages to the ground, as well as to conjure small animals from hats. In this innovative and spellbinding exploration of its long and controversial history, Robert Ralley delves into magic"s dark underworld to trace all its fascinating guises from prehistory right up to David Blaine"s death-defying stunts. Revealing the reasons behind magic"s eternal and universal allure, Magic: A Beginner"s Guide underlines how it remains a dangerous concoction of illusion, fraud, and mischief that can excite and terrify in equal measure.