Public Libraries of Suffolk County, New York

Wonder shows, performing science, magic, and religion in America, Fred Nadis

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Wonder shows

bibliography

Fred Nadis

"In Wonder Shows, Fred Nadis offers a colorful history of traveling magicians, inventors, popular science lecturers, and other presenters of "miracle science" who revealed science and technology to the public in awe-inspiring fashion. The book provides an innovative synthesis of the history of performance with a wider study of culture, science, and religion from the antebellum period to the present." "Although most recent defenders of science are prone to reject wonder, considering it an ally of ignorance and superstition, Wonder Shows demonstrates that the public's passion for magic and meaning is still very much alive. Today, sales continue to be made and allegiances won based on illusions that products are unique, singular, and at best, miraculous. Nadis establishes that contemporary showmen, corporate publicists, advertisers, and popular science lecturers are not that unlike the magicians and mesmerists of years ago."--BOOK JACKET

performing science, magic, and religion in America

The electric wonder show -- The techno-wizard -- The hypnotist -- The magician -- The mind reader -- The missionaries -- Flying saucers -- The many gospels