If you’re involved with
playing
card tricks at all you’d probably be interested to
know the
history behind it.
There have been people performing these
tricks long
before your time and they helped pave the way for what you’re
doing today.
First, it’s important to start
with where cards got their start. Many believe that it was in the
orient in China (though there is some debate to that theory).
And of
course, where there are cards there is gambling! Many people believe
that playing card tricks were developed so that people who gambled
would have a better chance of winning.
These tricks became known as card magic in
Spain and France. There was mention of these tricks as early as the
1400’s!
They really started to catch on in the 16th
century
when directions for certain card tricks were written down. Finally,
many people could start to take advantage of this fun activity.
Italian Giovanni Guiseppe Pinetti was
probably the first famous magician and trickster. He traveled around
and brought delight to many different people who hadn’t seen
such a thing before. We owe much of the development and interest in
card tricks to Pinetti.
Interest grew steadily right into the 19th
century. Robert Houdin was one of the most famous playing card
tricksters. He loved card tricks even as a young boy. He would wow his
whole neighborhood with the things he could do!
Houdin was one of the best magic performers
that has ever lived. He didn’t just stick with card magic
either. He knew how to use mind reading tricks and other great stage
tricks. Houdin just might be the reason that magic tricks have caught
on so well.
Another one of the greats is Johann Hepomuk
Hofzinser. He took straight to high society and performed to the
delight of the wealthy in Italy.
Hofzinser is regarded as one of the
most influential people ever to do card magic. If you know anything
about card tricks at all, you know what a challenge and honor it must
have been to pave the way for all who were to follow.
Playing card tricks have a long history.
There have been people who were fascinated with them for centuries!
While they started off as a way to gamble, they have emerged into a
true force to be reckoned with. Those who love card tricks owe a lot to
the early pioneers.
