Stage magic has always gone hand in hand with technology. Magicians use the latest inventions both to build new illusions and to enhance the mood of a performance. Yet the essence of magic is still dependent on the simple human art of misdirection, and sometimes the most baffling effects are accomplished bare-handed.
Narrative deceptions permeate The Prestige, Christopher Priest's ambitious novel of two rival 19th-century stage magicians. The story is told primarily in the form of antique journal entries but reaches its climax in the present day, as the magicians' feud darkens the lives of their descendants. The thematic focus of this eerie tale is on mysteries of identity, but the chief delight is an invention made by a cash-strapped Nikola Tesla for one of the rivals. Science masquerades as magic, with gruesome results. The scenes of Tesla at work in his Rocky Mountain laboratory are marvelous. Even if you guess how Priest accomplishes his miracles, you are guaranteed to enjoy this brilliant conjuring act by one of the master illusionists of our time.
Marc Laidlaw
The Prestige, by Christopher Priest: US$24.95. St. Martin's Press: (800) 221 7945, +1 (212) 674 5151.
STREET CRED
Mmmm, DigiliciousSee Hear
Tesla Foils
