Illusion Show: A Life in Magic

The autobiography of David Bamberg records the adventurous life and perceptive observations of one of the last great traveling showmen. Robert Parrish, who edited the book, calls it "the most engaging and illuminating document of its kind produced by a professional magician in the 20th century." As the stage magician Fu Manchu, David Bamberg spent 35 years touring Latin America and Spain with a full-evening show combining original and artistic illusions with elements of comedy and revue. Written in a candid, conversational style, Bamberg's book is a rare show business account telling of the competition and struggles after attaining success. Many personalities enliven his story, including Orson Welles who proclaimed Bamberg's book "the greatest autobiography in magic."