The Art of Magic Trivia Quiz

Answer: cups and balls

Most people have watched the cups and balls trick performed at some time in their lives. The magician has three cups with three balls. He can make the balls move from cup to cup or disappear altogether. The audience is left wondering how the magician did it. As with many forms of magic, misdirection is the key. I still can't figure it out!

Answer: sleight of hand

The phrase is derived from Latin. "Praestus" means ready and "digitus" translates to finger. Another term for sleight of hand is legerdemain, or French for "light of hand".

Answer: Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin

Robert-Houdin was a born showman. He began a career in watchmaking but decided that he was better suited to performing magic. This self-taught magician dressed in formal attire, not wizard robes like his fellow magicians. His most famous magic trick was called "The Marvelous Orange Tree" where oranges magically appeared to grow on a tree right in front of the audience.

Answer: Criss Angel

Born Christopher Sarantakos in New York City, Criss Angel has forged a career in the world of magic that is all his own. His laid-back persona, not to mention his power to enthrall with his skills as a magician, have endeared him to audiences of all ages. Once he moved on from "Mindfreak", he partnered with Cirque du Soleil at the Luxor hotel in Las Vegas and contined to perform his particular brand of magic.

The magician also fronts the metal band "Angel."

Answer: David Copperfield

If ever there was a man born to entertain audiences, it is David Copperfield. Magic was in his blood at a very young age. He began performing magic tricks at the age of ten. By age sixteen he was teaching a college course in magic. His showmanship, ability to truly connect with his audiences, and spectacular stage illusions have made him one of the most celebrated magicians of modern times.

Answer: alchemists

The goal of the alchemists was to manipulate the nature of metals. For example, the idea of turning lead into gold sounded like a good idea at the time. What they didn't realize back then was that it couldn't be done since lead and gold are made up of different atoms. However, all that interest in alchemy was the beginning of the study of the physical science known as chemistry.

Answer: Penn and Teller

Penn Gillette and Teller(his legal name)have been performing magic together since the 1970s. By telling jokes while performing magic tricks, Penn infuses a sense of familiarity that appeals to audiences. The pair are not only different physically but lead different lifestyles. Penn has attributed their success as much to the fact that they don't socialize off stage as to their ability to infuse magic with humor.

Answer: Ira and William Davenport

The Davenport Brothers popularized the Magic Cabinet. The device included mirrors and a false back in which a person could enter or exit the cabinet. Placing the mirrors was tricky since they had to be placed at just the right angles using geometric calculations. Magic cabinets are still used by magicians today.

Answer: alcoholic drinks were prohibited

Born David Wighton in London, Devant was a master of illusion. The particular venue where Devant chose to perform his "Magic Kettle" trick didn't allow alcoholic drinks which, of course, was the whole point of the trick. Despite that setback, Devant became so popular that King George V invited him to perform for the Monarch.

Answer: making an elephant disappear

When I watched David Copperfield perform the disappearing elephant trick, I was truly amazed until I really thought about it. There was no explanation other than the "helpers" were in on the trick.