Pulling a rabbit out of a hat?

Discuss the historical aspects of magic, including memories, or favorite stories.
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Mikael Hedne
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Pulling a rabbit out of a hat?

Postby Mikael Hedne » February 15th, 2013, 7:23 am

Hi!
I'm trying to help a friend of mine with some facts about rabbits and magic. Do any of you know where to look? We're trying to find the answer to questions like when magicians started pulling rabbits out of hats, and perhaps who the first one to do it was.
Anyone? Thanks!

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Kevin Connolly
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Re: Pulling a rabbit out of a hat?

Postby Kevin Connolly » February 15th, 2013, 9:44 am

The Humorous Magician Unmasked (1836?)is the first appearance of it in print in the USA.
Please visit my website.
http://houdinihimself.com/
I buy,sell + trade Houdini, Hardeen items.

Oddly Bent
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Re: Pulling a rabbit out of a hat?

Postby Oddly Bent » February 15th, 2013, 3:51 pm

From Wikipedia article on Top Hats

"Top hats are associated with stage magic, in particular the hat trick. In 1814, the French magician Comte became the first conjurer on record to pull a white rabbit out of a top hat[17] though this is also attributed to the much later John Henry Anderson."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_hat

Dale Shrimpton
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Re: Pulling a rabbit out of a hat?

Postby Dale Shrimpton » February 16th, 2013, 7:04 pm

Nobody seems to of mentioned Mary Tofts, from Godalming, Surrey, U.K, who in 1726 gained fame, by claiming she had given birth to a litter of Rabbits.
It was about this time, that the magical production of a Rabbit is first recorded, but the exact details of the performer are unknown.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Toft

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Mikael Hedne
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Re: Pulling a rabbit out of a hat?

Postby Mikael Hedne » February 20th, 2013, 5:01 pm

Wow!! Thanks so much, guys! =) This was all really helpful.


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