The Conjurer Unmasked

[Tom Denton]

Hi everyone. I've just got an historical query.

In doing some research, I came across the name Thomas Denton as being the person who translated La Magie Blanche Devoilee from French to English. As will be apparent, my name's Thomas Denton as well so that piqued my interest.

Does anyone know anything about this eighteenth century Thomas Denton?

[Joe Pecore]

There is a page or so about him in Edwin A. Dawes book "Great Illusionists" (1979). Briefly, Denton had been a metal worker
and bookseller in Yorkshire before opening a book shop near London. He took an interest in conjuring and translated Decremps La Magie Blanche Devoilee and Pinettis Physical Amusememt. Denton also constructed several mechanical deceptions, which he exhibited throughout England. He came to an untimely end when executed in 1789 for having coin counterfeiting equipment.

[Tom Denton]

Thanks very much Joe. That's interesting stuff. Now I'm going to try and find out if we're related...