![]() A Greek writer of the third century has left us a detailed description of a performance of the sleight-of-hand feat known as the Cups and Balls, which, he wrote, “rendered me almost speechless and made me gape with surprise” the routine he described might pass for one of the present day. Of Magic as entertainment during the centuries of the Greek and Roman civilisations we have ample evidence. Of the precise achievements of the Magi of the Ancient East we know little, though their reputation as wonder-workers has come down to us over the years, and inspired the title of the Order of the Magi. The first written record of a magical performance as we understand the term today was contained In the Westcar Papyrus, the present whereabouts of which are in doubt: it described a display of Magic given by one Dedi, at the court of King Cheops in Egypt nearly six thousand years ago. They would use their power for the common good, or for personal prestige, and perhaps – who knows ? – to amuse and entertain, too. ![]() We may assume that among our remote ancestors, as far back as the beginnings of community life, there came to the fore the “wise men”, those whose special knowledge of natural principles enabled them to keep a step ahead of the rest and to astound their fellows by their ability to bring about strange and awe-inspiring results. ![]() Understandably, the origins of Magic are obscure and a matter for speculation. ![]() MAGIC IN MANCHESTER (Not just we Magi but also) BAYARD GRIMSHAW ![]()
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