The Rise Of The Indian Rope Trick: How a Spectacular Hoax Became History [Paperback]

'A great yarn' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'Entertaining . . . Lamont marshals the available evidence with an assured and light touch' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'A short, sharp little book . . . wonderfully entertaining' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

A great yarn (IRELAND on Sunday )

Entertaining . . . Lamont marshals the available evidence with an assured and light touch (LITERARY REVIEW )

'The Rise of the Indian Rope Trick is a fascinating, quirky and authoritative investigation into the world’s greatest mystery'

'The truth here is more bizarre than even the most outlandish fiction . . . Full marks for entertainment'

'Even at this ridiculously early stage, this is sure to be one of the non-fiction highlights of 2004'

Narrative micro-history with a difference - a remarkable story, not about a voyage of discovery or scientific breakthough but about the unlikely birth of a legend

'Quirky and expertly written'

'An extremely readable book . . . The secret of the Indian rope trick has attracted a fascinating collection of characters'

'A riveting yarn, full of quirky stories and wisdom about our need for mystery'

'A highly amusing and engrossing book' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'A riveting yarn, full of quirky stories and wisdom about our need for mystery' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

We assume that the Indian rope trick is a piece of ancient Hindu magic. But think again: it is actually the product of a hoax which appeared in the Chicago Tribune in 1890. This wonderfully researched, playfully written book takes us on a journey through Victorian society where we discover the interest in magic of Charles Dickens; Alfred Russell Wallace; Edward, Prince of Wales; Lord Northbrook and Charles Darwin. We learn how in an age of reason the British came to love all things Oriental and how the legend of the rope trick came to be perpetuated throughout the 20th century as fanatical public figures and aristocrats went to India in search of it and returned claiming to have seen it being performed. This is a charming history book filled with colourful characters, known and unknown, all of whom pursued an obsession. Some were respected members of society, some were incredibly eccentric and utterly deluded. It is set against the background of Victorian society and shows how the writing of history itself can perpetuate myths and legends.

Dr Peter Lamont is a Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, working on the history, theory and performance of magic. He is an award-winning magician and a former President of the Edinburgh Magic Circle. He has performed and lectured in several countries across the world.