MAGIC

John Dee lived quite the interesting life.

11 Facts about John Dee, Queen Elizabeth I’s Court Astrologer

John Dee served as Queen Elizabeth I’s court astrologer and conducted séances in an attempt to speak to angels.

William Butler Yeats (L) took on Aleister Crowley (R) in a magic fight.

‘The Battle of Blythe Road’: When William Butler Yeats and Aleister Crowley Had a Magic Duel

The acclaimed poet and notorious occultist were at odds, so they decided to resolve it the old-fashioned way: by having a magic duel.

There's no sleight of hand going on when it comes to these facts.

14 Fascinating Facts About the History of Magic

Find out how the word legerdemain came to be, why medieval spectators of the cups and balls illusion had to watch their pockets, and more in this list of fun and fantastical facts about the history of magic.

10 Facts About Harry Houdini

In the early 20th century, Harry Houdini's death-defying escape acts thrilled onlookers and baffled fellow magicians. Here are 10 incredible facts about him.

Harry Houdini once dropped in on the Winchester Mystery House, purportedly home to ghosts galore.

When Harry Houdini Visited the Winchester Mystery House

In 1924, the famed escape artist and paranormal skeptic stepped foot into one of the most infamous haunted houses in America. He left with some advice for its owners.

The magician P. T. Selbit performing a sawing a woman in half trick.

The Magician and the Suffragette: The Strange History of Sawing a Woman in Half

The magic trick of sawing a woman in half was first performed a century ago by P.T. Selbit, a British magician.

A poster for Howard Thurston's magic show in 1908.

14 Captivating Facts About Magic

Learn how Harry Houdini betrayed his namesake, why people were wary of the cups and balls illusion, and more facts from the history of magic.