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[[File: StewartJames2.png|right|thumb|200px|[[ Stewart James]]]]
[[File: TheGreatLafayettePoster.png|right|thumb|200px|[[ Great Lafayette]]]]
 
'''Stewart James''', one of magic's most prolific inventors, was a Canadian postman.


'''The  Great Lafayette''' (1871-1911) was the highest paid magician of his time.
== Biography ==
== Biography ==
Born Sigmund Neuberger (Newburger) in Germany, his family moved to the United States early in his life. Neuberger began his career as an imitator of [[Ching Ling Foo]], but went on to become the highest paid magician of his time. In 1900 he appeared in London changing his name from Sigmund to the Great Lafayette.
His act included a quick-change routine as well as dramatic illusions such as his own Lion's Bride (lady to lion).
The pampered object of The Great Lafayette's affection was Beauty, a perky terrier given to him as a pup by fellow conjurer [[Harry Houdini]]. Beauty had her own suite of brocaded rooms, ate five course meals, and wore a diamond studded collar.


Inspired by imaginary friends to create magic, Stewart James was one of the 20th century’s most prodigious inventors of magic effects and one of the art form’s most prolific authors. Though he was a skilled magician who performed for the allied forces during his Canadian tour of duty during World War II – James is best known in the magic world for his uncanny ability to create.
[[Great Lafayette|Read more about The  Great Lafayette…]]
 
Throughout his 88 years of life, he conceived and published over 400 different trick "plots," which have been adapted by countless other magicians for use in their performances. He can be described as a mastermind who focused his energy on imagining new impossibilities at a table backstage instead of presenting them on-stage.
One of his legendary effects was [[Miraskill]] published first in The [[Jinx]], No. 24, September 1936, page 147, then in [[Jean Hugard]]'s [[Encyclopedia of Card Tricks]] (1937).  Some of his effects were call Jogestja, using letters from his full name.
 
The collected volumes of his magic written by his Allan Slaight are some of the largest books on magic ever published.
 
[[Stewart James|Read more about Stewart James....]]

Latest revision as of 08:33, 8 January 2026

Previous featured articles are located in Category:Featured Article

Proposed candidates are listed in Category:Featured Article Candidate

The Great Lafayette (1871-1911) was the highest paid magician of his time.

Biography

Born Sigmund Neuberger (Newburger) in Germany, his family moved to the United States early in his life. Neuberger began his career as an imitator of Ching Ling Foo, but went on to become the highest paid magician of his time. In 1900 he appeared in London changing his name from Sigmund to the Great Lafayette. His act included a quick-change routine as well as dramatic illusions such as his own Lion's Bride (lady to lion). The pampered object of The Great Lafayette's affection was Beauty, a perky terrier given to him as a pup by fellow conjurer Harry Houdini. Beauty had her own suite of brocaded rooms, ate five course meals, and wore a diamond studded collar.

Read more about The Great Lafayette…