Conjuring Arts Research Center

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The Guardian April 10, 2007

And that's renaissance magic ...

After lying almost untouched in the vaults of an Italian university for 500 years, a book on the magic arts written by Leonardo da Vinci's best friend and teacher has been translated into English for the first time.

New York Sun August, 2006

Houdini Was a Covert Agent, New Book Claims

The famed magician Harry Houdini guarded the secrets behind his legendary escapes from handcuffs, chains, jails, milk cans, mailbags, and water chambers. But the authors of a forthcoming book on Houdini will be disclosing that he had another secret: his role as a spy.

London Times July 30, 2006

And Now For My Last Trick

His death-defying stunts made him an international man of mystery. But did Harry Houdini lead a life of even greater intrigue ? as a secret agent? By Tony Barrell.

Magic Magazine April, 2006

A Rare Library

In person, the Research Center is accessed by an elevator. Stepping out onto the fifth floor, you turn left down a short, dimly lit hallway. A few framed magic posters grace the walls, but what really draws people in is the sight that is viewed through the one doorway at the end of the hall: a wall of magic books. Entering the main room you see the shelves all along your left side as well as in front of you and extending the length of the room on both sides..

Forbes.com May, 2006

Collectors Guide
Presto: Your Own Collection
Finn-Olaf Jones 05.04.06, 6:00 PM ET

New York - Collecting magic memorabilia is a complicated business. Not only are there many different collectibles subsets--from magician´s throw cards to large scale illusions--but the prices can be affected by movies and books. Witness the recent price surge in Carter the Great memorabilia, thanks to the best-selling book Carter Beats the Devil.

New York Sun February 03, 2006

Abracadabra - Library Conjuring Up the History of Magic by Gary Shapiro

"...An elevator ride from the bustling street leads to the Conjuring Arts Research Center, the only publicly accessible, fully staffed, nonprofit magic library in America..."

M-U-M February, 2006

Reviewed by Martin Gardner

"...Until now, books on magic history have considered only recent centuries, leaving untouched a vast, fascinating history dating back to medieval times. This neglect is strikingly remedied by Gibecière's first issue..."

Genii Magazine February, 2006

Reviewed by Michael Close

"...Gibecière is beautifully produced, and the text is accompanied by reproductions of artwork and manuscript pages, in color and black-and-white. I'm sure students of magic history will find this journal to be a delight and a welcome addition to their libraries..."