Conjuring Science : A History of Scientific Entertainment and Stage Magic in Modern France

Resource Information

The work Conjuring Science : A History of Scientific Entertainment and Stage Magic in Modern France represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in European University Institute. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

Conjuring Science : A History of Scientific Entertainment and Stage Magic in Modern France

Title remainder

A History of Scientific Entertainment and Stage Magic in Modern France

Statement of responsibility

by Sofie Lachapelle

Creator

• Lachapelle, Sofie

Author

• Lachapelle, Sofie

Subject

• History
• France-History
• History, Modern
• Europe-History
• Performing arts

Language

eng

Summary

Conjuring Science explores the history of magic shows and scientific entertainment. It follows the frictions and connections of magic and science as they occurred in the world of popular entertainment in France from the mid-eighteenth to the early twentieth century. It situates conjurers within the broader culture of science and argues that stage magic formed an important popular conduit for science and scientific enthusiasm during this period. From the scientific recreations of the fairs to the grand illusions of the theatre stage and the development of early cinema, conjurers used and were inspired by scientific and technological innovations to create illusions, provoke a sense of wonder, and often even instruct their audience. In their hands, science took on many meanings and served different purposes: it was a set of pleasant facts and recreational demonstrations upon which to draw; it was the knowledge presented in various scientific lectures accompanied by optical projections at magic shows; it was the techniques necessary to create illusions and effects on stage and later on at the cinema; and it was a way to separate conjuring from the deceit of mediums, mystical showmen and quacks in order to gain a better standing within an increasingly scientifically-minded society.--

Assigning source

Provided by publisher

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Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

dictionaries

Series statement

Springer eBooks.