Forgotten Henning: The Tunnel Illusion by Jim Steinmeyer

A few years ago, I had profiled some really fascinating articles that designer/author Jim Steinmeyer had written on his blog pertaining to his time working for Doug.  Well, wouldn’t you know it, Jim has done some new ones which you should most definitely read. The first is an illusion that Doug created for his 1984…

“Merlin-Magic To Don’t” New Article

I just wanted to bring to your attention a relatively new online article that came out in February regarding “Merlin.” Or the history of it to be more precise.  Some of it you may already know. But, it’s always good to read an article written by someone with fresh eyes, and Ron Fassler does not…

Top Hat (Sept. 1965)-Doug Cover Story

Th following cover and article hail from the magazine  “Top Hat (1963-1993).” The magazine itself once served the purpose (at different times) as the Voice of “Magical Youths International,” as well as the official program of the “International Brotherhood of Magicians.” Quite a mouthful to be sure.  This cover story, featuring an 18 year old…

The Baffler Magazine: “Real Magic” Doug Article

  Happy New Year everyone, and welcome to 2023! It’s great to be back into the swing of things, and starting the site’s 6th year. This was a longer than expected break, due to myself and family catching COVID over the holiday season. We’re all okay now, but it was definitely not what we were…

One Ahead Article-Why Should Magicians Know About Glenn Priest?

I just wanted to let you all know about a very good article that was published October 4th on the “One Ahead” blog. Profiling Doug’s right hand man Glenn Priest, the article takes an in depth look at Glenn’s life and career. Writer Chris Pilsworth does an excellent job fleshing out this enigmatic figure who…

“What We Hide: Lessons from Doug Henning” by Jim Steinmeyer

I just wanted to let readers know about a fantastic article that appeared back on April 22nd in Jim Steinmeyer’s blog. It’s a touching tribute in honor of Doug’s then 75th birthday from someone who knew him best. I could talk more about it, but why not see for yourself.  To read “What We Hide:…

Dec. 7th, 1981 UPI Article-“Magic Abounds at Doug Henning Wedding”

Today’s post is a quick article detailing the December 6th, 1981 wedding of Doug and Debby in Fairfield, Iowa. While, many of us have probably seen the handful of photos that exist out there of the event, the details of the actual day remain elusive at best.  Finding this article from the news service UPI…

“A Magical Encounter” Essay by Michael Williams, PH.D

I came across this rather touching article on “Medium.com” which profiles a fateful meeting between a lone hitchhiker Michael Williams, a young Doug Henning, and Mars Barrick. It’s very much of its time, and one I’ll think you enjoy.  A Magical Encounter: Meeting magicians Doug Henning and Mars Barrick My cousin Mark Wicken is a…

“Fallen Wand” Chicago Sun-Times Obit: February 9, 2000

I usually don’t focus on Doug’s passing very much, as it’s not the purpose of the website really. However, in going through things people have sent me this obituary recently popped up.  It’s nothing really groundbreaking, or information we don’t know. But, I guess what strikes me about it is even in a time of…

“Magic Show” 47th Anniversary Playbill Article

I’d be remiss in not mentioning that yesterday, May 28th, was the 47th anniversary of “The Magic Show’s” premiere. Yup, in 1974 the world of modern magic changed forever! To commemorate this, “Playbill.com” has a newish article to mark the occasion. I say newish because a version of it was published last year for the…

Newspaper Clippings Throwback Thursday!

I’m going to be away for the weekend starting tomorrow, and wanted to give everyone something to sink their proverbial teeth into while I’m gone. So, what better thing than a random mish mash of newspaper clippings?  I love items such as these, because while they may seem random, they give you a keen perspective…

TV Guide Barbara Walters Article Spread

The above article hails from the September 21, 1974 issue of “TV Guide.” Doug is in pure “Magic Show” form in this appearance sawing Barbara Walters in half. His appearance was on Walters’ then day time talk show “Not For Women Only, and the photos really showcase the spontaneity of the appearance well. My apologies if…

“Bed of Horrors” Article by Brian Lumley-Part One

Over the next few posts, I’m going to be publishing an exclusive article from Brian Lumley. I’m sure many of you know, but Brian, along with Glenn Priest, was Doug’s right hand man and technician during the early days of Doug’s career.  This article encompasses the treacherous set-up of the “Bed of Horrors” illusion from…

Playbill-16 Cast Albums That Aren’t Available to Stream

“The Magic Show” gets a quick, but nice shout out in this new online article from Playbill.com. The article  features cast albums that notoriously aren’t on steaming and other online platforms.  It’s a nice mention as you can see below: From “The Wiz” to “Promises, Promises,” it’s a quick read and a great 16 part…

Genii: “Merlin Crusade” Article by Jim Steinmeyer-Part Three

All photos shown in this article are from the original Genii Magazine article, and are the property of Jim Steinmeyer and their respective copyright holders.  Having fun yet? I certainly hope so! Be sure to come back tomorrow for the exciting conclusion to Jim Steinmeyer’s “Merlin Crusade!” Special Thanks to Jim Steinmeyer

Happy Holidays…and a NY Times Article!

Well folks, it’s that time of the year where I close up shop and reflect on the year that just passed and the one that is just upon us. As always, I wish you the happiest of holidays and sincerely thank you for all your support over the past two, almost three years. It’s everyone’s…

Doug and Debby Veda Land Promotional Photo

The above photo comes from an article primarily focusing on the Maharishi and his practices. However, for today’s post I decided to focus on the most interesting part…Doug and Debby unique publicity photo. Aside from the model of “Veda Land” itself, the photo has an interesting mirror effect as its backdrop. However, if you look…

Genii-“Goodbye Doug” Issue-Final Part

So, in this third and final part we get some nice reprints of articles from earlier “Genii” issues. Both really bookend the tribute issue as a whole by bringing the readers back to a time in Doug’s career when things were less complicated and innocent. The article by Bill Larsen (co-founder of the Magic Castle)…

Genii-“Goodbye Doug” Issue (Zombie Article)

The featured article below continues where we last left off in the “Goodbye Doug” Genii issue, and it profiles a time when Doug was the editor of the “Young Magicians” Section of Mickey Hades’s “Zombie. “ As you will discover, Doug himself was only seventeen at the time, and was already an up and coming…