In this personal journey through a unique performing art, David Copperfield profiles some of the world's most groundbreaking magicians. From the sixteenth-century magistrate who wrote an early book on conjuring, to the roaring twenties and the man who fooled Houdini, to the woman who levitated, vanished, and caught bullets in her bare hands, David Copperfield's History of Magic takes you on a wild journey through the remarkable feats of some of the greatest magicians in history. The result is a sweeping tale that reveals how these astonishing performers were outsiders who used magic to escape class, challenge conventions, transform popular culture, explore the innermost workings of the human mind, and inspire scientific discovery. Their incredible stories are complemented by more than 100 never-before-seen photographs of artifacts from Copperfield's exclusive Museum of Magic, including a sixteenth-century manual on sleight-of-hand; Houdini's straitjackets, handcuffs, and water torture chamber; Dante's famous sawing-in-half apparatus; Alexander's high-tech turban that allowed him to read people's minds; and even some coins that may have magically passed through the hands of Abraham Lincoln. By the end of the book, you'll be sure to share Copperfield's passion for the power of magic. --

David Copperfield, the world's foremost illusionist, gathers together in this anthology a stunning collection of stories about the world of magic. Contributing writers include Harlan Ellison, Larry Bond, Dtephen Donaldson, John Jakes, and many more. This unique volume includes Copperfield's own introduction to each story and discussions of the magic involved in each plot.

The captivating story of an innocent boy alone in an uncaring society, David Copperfield is unquestionably the most autobiographical of all Charles Dickens's novels. Born in bleak 19th-century London, David Copperfield's life is shaped by his struggle for survival, starting with his menacing stepfather, Mr. Murdstone. His friendship with the blustering, jovial Mr. Micawber adds hilarity and warmth to his otherwise dismal days, while the sinister, sniveling clerk Uriah Heep is an endless source of both amusement and revulsion. As David grows up, he is torn between his fascination with the beautiful, spoiled Dora and his devotion to his childhood friend Agnes. An unforgettable portrayal of childhood, David Copperfield's message of hope and determination amidst life's harsh realities makes this story one of Dickens's greatest masterpieces.

This famous tale tells the story of a young boy's escape from an unhappy childhood into the adventures of adult life. Follow his dramatic journey as he encounters a cast of unforgettable characters: cruel Mr. Murdstone, formidable Aunt Betsey and worm-like Uriah Heep.

This paper deals with the perspective of Victorian society and in particular with Victorian children and the suffering and pain they endure. It deals with the political, historical, social and cultural events in The Victorian England. “The Victorian Age” in this survey is an attempt at illustrating Queen Victoria’s life and long-length reign, the impact of the Industrial Revolution that affects the lower classes, the Victorian class structure, the social problems that the people had to face and Victorian literature.

Whether read from beginning to end or used as a reference tool, this sourcebook reveals the varied life of 'David Copperfield' in the hands of generations of readers, critics and adaptors, and introduces the work in its social, biographical and literary contexts.