The Smoke and Mirrors - concept

[Ola]

Can anyone explain to me what the concept of smoke and mirrors is all about?
I think I understand the outlines, but would love to know how the old guys did their stuff
This isn't anybodys copyright, is it? I'm free to ask around?

 

[JDENredden]

Its pretty self explanatory isent it?

They use mirrors to hide things, and the smoke to hide to mirrors.

J.

 

[Ola]

It apparantly wasn't selfexplanatory to me, hence the question

I heard they used it to conjure images as well, much like a projector of sorts?

 

[Robert//Livingston]

Read Hiding the Elephant, by Jim Steinmeyer. It will answer all your questions.

It's only five cents on Amazon.

 

[JDENredden]

Too bad they dont accept PayPal.

J.

 

[Ola]

Bought the book, waitng for it to arrive

can anyone tell me more about this while I wait for the book?

 

[WitchDocIsIn]

JDENredden already explained it. Smoke and mirrors were literally used to hide things.

 

[Rev]

I heard they used it to conjure images as well, much like a projector of sorts?

That's probably 'Pepper's Ghost' you're thinking of. Very fascinating illusion.

Read Hiding the Elephant, by Jim Steinmeyer. It will answer all your questions.

It's only five cents on Amazon.

Fantastic book. Jim Steinmeyer is a great writer and anyone serious about magic would do well to learn some of the history behind the art. This book is a great place to start.

Rev