The master of illusion presents an all original anthology of fiction set in the seductive world of magic and mystery. Authors include Eric Lusterbader, Larry Bond, Joyce Carol Oates, plus Copperfield himself.

Like its triumphant predecessor, the first volume in David Copperfield's ongoing collection of tales by his favorite writers, this is far more than just a book. It is a dazzling miracle show in which some of today's most celebrated authors have been summoned onstage and asked to perform their own special wizardry for a legendary performer's millions of dedicated fans. This second "invitation-only" volume includes such masters as Neil Gaiman, Peter S. Beagle, Anne McCaffrey, Tad Williams, Greg Bear, Katherine Dunn, and the Grand Illusionist himself.

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. --

A collection of original fantasy tales includes contributions by such popular authors as Neil Gaiman, Peter S. Beagle, Anne McCaffrey, Tad Williams, Greg Bear, Eric Lustbader, Kevin J. Anderson, Robert Silverberg, and Katherine Dunn, among others.

A companion book to the National Geographic TV series uses brain teasers and optical illusions to shed light on the workings of the human brain.