First published in 1976. This title brings the Victorian era to life with stories of its spectacular leading magicians, conjurers, illusionists, escapologists, scientific experimenters and tricksters. Geoffrey Lamb describes the kind of people they were and the kind of things they did, whilst keeping intact the mystery surrounding their feats. This skilful reconstruction of this branch of nineteenth-century entertainment gives us a fascinating insight into Victorians and how they liked to be amused. This title will be of interest to students of history.

Preface; 1. The Wizard of the North 2. The Travelling Showman 3. Magic with a Foreign Accent 4. The Ghost of Regent Street 5. The Men in the Cabinet 6. Egypt in Piccadilly 7. England's Home of Mystery 8. 'Another Man Cut Up Tonight!'; 9. The Queen was Amused 10. Heads and Hartz 11. Society Entertainers; Bibliography; Index