Magic is a profession that features a disproportionate number of curious characters. But, even in such a crowded and eccentric field, John Mulholland's career deserves special attention.
Mulholland was, for a time, arguably the most important magician working. For 23 years, Mulholland was the editor of the widely read and highly influential stage magic industry rag The Sphinx. He (along with H. P. Lovecraft) ghost wrote for Harry Houdini. His innovative stage performances were critical and popular successes. But, in 1953, he shuttered his magazine for a new career. He became the CIA's house magician.
Publisher William Morrow is releasing Mulholland's newly declassified The Official CIA Manual of Trickery and Deception. The Boston Globe has a nifty slide show preview.
3 comments:
Would you have taken the job ?
I don't know. I'm pretty clumsy.
But tell me that house magician for the CIA isn't a freaking television series pitch waiting to happen?
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