Howard Thurston

Howard Thurston (July 20, 1869 – April 13, 1936) was a stage magician from Columbus, Ohio. Thurston had the largest traveling magic show for the time, requiring more than eight entire train cars to transport his props across the country. Thurston was the most famous magician of his time, more famous even than his contemporary Harry Houdini. He is still famous for his work with playing cards. According to legend, a Mexican magician appeared at a magic shop owned by Otto Maurer in New York City. The enigmatic magician demonstrated how he could make cards disappear, one by one, at his fingertips. Maurer showed Thurston the move, which he would later feature in his act. He added the "Rising Cards" trick from Professor Hoffman’s Modern...