A portable magic device is a small, handheld device that allows users to perform various magical tasks or tricks. These devices are designed to be easily transported and have become increasingly popular among magicians and magic enthusiasts. One common type of portable magic device is a magic wand. These wands are typically made of wood or plastic and contain hidden mechanisms or compartments that help magicians perform illusions. For example, a magic wand may have a hidden compartment that can produce small objects or a mechanism that allows the wand to levitate. Another popular portable magic device is a magic wallet.
Tyson, himself a ceremonial magician and the author of thirty-one books, deftly describes the different components of ceremonial magic (the point, the ray, the circle, the triangle, and the cross), and discusses how to use tarot cards as substitutes for whatever a magician would normally use in the rites. Thus, three cards placed in the shape of a triangle represent a pyramid, and function to draw energy through the apex point; four cards in the shape of a cross stand for a ceremonial altar as the locus of interaction with the spirit world, and so on.
Emma s former Hertford student, novelist Alex Preston English, 1998 , interviewed her about Portable Magic in The Guardian listen to their conversation here from last year on The Hertford Bookshelf podcast. The author s use of tarot for magic is based on the tarot correspondences developed by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn HOGD , founded in 1888 by freemasons and dedicated to studying and practicing magic for the betterment of humanity.
Another popular portable magic device is a magic wallet. This type of wallet is specially designed to create the illusion of producing or disappearing money. Magicians can use this device to surprise and astonish their audience by seemingly creating money out of thin air or making it vanish right in front of their eyes.
Emma Smith’s ‘Portable Magic’ 70,000th book added to Hertford library collection
Taking its title from a Stephen King quote describing books as “a uniquely portable magic,” Emma’s new book explores the life of the book as a material object, exploring the relationships they create between readers and the written word.
Portable Magic: A History of Books and their Readers joins the Hertford library collection as our 70,000th acquisition since we started accessioning the modern collection in 1968. It’s pictured here with the first page of the library accessions register which began as the newly refurbished library opened – this was the last time that the library underwent a major expansion. in the same year, around 90 new students matriculated; this year we had over 250 new undergraduate and postgraduate students start their courses with us.
The book, published last week, already boasts impressive reviews: “I lost count of the times I exclaimed with delight when I read a nugget of information I haven’t encountered before” wrote Val McDermid in The Times, while The Guardian described it as “a love letter to reading”. Portable Magic explores the relationship between books and readers over centuries. Many of the topics she discusses affect Hertford Library, from defining what actually counts as a book, to dealing with offensive material and censorship.
Hertford Library readers have been vital in shaping our collection by recommending book purchases that are on their reading lists, but also books they would like to have on their reading list. An example of this is our recent Liberation Collection, chosen by students to celebrate diversity and raise awareness of social inequalities.
Emma’s former Hertford student, novelist Alex Preston (English, 1998), interviewed her about Portable Magic in The Guardian – listen to their conversation here from last year on The Hertford Bookshelf podcast. You can also hear Emma discuss her book on BBC Radio 4’s Start the Week.
Professor Emma Smith has been a Fellow of Hertford since 1997 and has recently been elected as Pro-Principal to oversee our library redevelopment campaign. In the English Faculty she is Director of Teaching and Professor of Shakespeare Studies.
Emma Smith’s ‘Portable Magic’ with the first page of the Hertford Library Accessions RegisterIn addition to wands and wallets, there are many other types of portable magic devices available. These include devices that can perform card tricks, devices that can produce smoke or fire effects, and devices that can create the illusion of mind reading or prediction. These devices often incorporate a combination of mechanics, sleight of hand, and illusion techniques to create the desired magical effect. Portable magic devices are favored by many magicians because they are easy to carry, allowing them to perform magic tricks anywhere, anytime. They also provide a convenient way for magicians to quickly set up and perform their tricks without the need for elaborate props or equipment. However, it is important to note that the use of portable magic devices requires skill and practice. Magicians must learn how to handle and operate these devices effectively in order to create convincing and stunning illusions. Additionally, magicians must also be mindful of the ethical considerations related to the use of these devices, such as not using them to deceive or defraud others. In conclusion, portable magic devices are a popular tool among magicians and magic enthusiasts. These devices enable magicians to perform their tricks with ease and convenience, allowing them to entertain and amaze audiences wherever they go. However, it is essential for magicians to use these devices responsibly and ethically, adhering to the principles of honesty and fairness in their performances..
Reviews for "The impact of portable magic devices on live performances"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the portable magid device. The battery life was terrible, it only lasted for a couple of hours before needing to be charged again. The sound quality was also subpar, with a lot of static and distortion. Additionally, the device was not user-friendly at all, with a confusing interface and difficult navigation. Overall, I would not recommend the portable magid device to anyone, as it did not meet my expectations and was a waste of money.
2. Sarah - 1 star - The portable magid device was a complete letdown. The build quality was very poor, with cheap materials and flimsy buttons. It also had limited storage capacity, which was not mentioned in the product description. Moreover, the device frequently froze and crashed, making it incredibly frustrating to use. I regret purchasing the portable magid device and would advise others to look for alternative options that offer better performance and reliability.
3. Mike - 2 stars - I found the portable magid device to be highly overhyped. The advertised features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, were unreliable and glitchy. The device often disconnected from my phone, leading to multiple interruptions during playback. The user interface was also outdated and unintuitive, making it difficult to navigate through the various settings and options. Overall, I was not impressed with the portable magid device and would not recommend it to others.