Conjuring the Spirit World

The Art and Objects of Mediums and Magicians

David Copperfield, George Schwartz, Christopher Jones , Lan Morgan

$81.95

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Rizzoli International Publications
17 September 2024

Art & Architecture; Exhibition catalogues & specific collections; Spiritualism; Occult studies

"Posters, photography, and objects from the height of Spiritualism and the history of magic gain renewed power when seen through today’s lens.

The human desire to connect with the dead since the mid-19th century gave rise to a fascination with the supernatural and the magical. Mediums and magicians from Harry Houdini, Margery the Medium, Howard Thurston, and the Fox Sisters offered “communication” with the departed at séances and magic shows, two interrelated forms of popular culture that relied heavily on illusions and stagecraft.

This is the first illustrated volume to gather the art and objects that made medium and magician performances iconic during the Spiritualism movement and beyond, a time when people actively debated and wondered, ""can spirits return?"" An international selection of paintings, photographs, posters, stage apparatuses, film, publications, and other objects reveal how audiences were entranced and mystified by these experiential performances, captivating willing believers and garnering skeptics as they navigated the intersecting realms of science and spirituality. From the origins of the iconic Oujia board to spirit photography, this book is a treasure trove."

By: David Copperfield, George Schwartz, Christopher Jones, Lan Morgan, Tony Oursler
Imprint: Rizzoli International Publications
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 267mm, Width: 191mm,
Weight: 567g
ISBN: 9780847828241
ISBN 10: 0847828247
Pages: 128
Publication Date: 17 September 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

David Copper?eld is an American magician, described by Forbes as the most commercially successful magician in history. George Schwartz is Curator at Large, and Tedi Asher is a Neuroscience Researcher (the ?rst such position at an art museum in the United States) at the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts. Shannon Taggart is a visual artist whose photographic practice focuses on seances. Tony Oursler is an internationally-renowned video artist represented by Metro Pictures, Lehmann Maupin, and Lisson