Eugene Burger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugene Burger
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Eugene Burger (2003)
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| Born | June 1, 1939 |
| Died | August 8, 2017 (aged 78) Chicago, Illinois
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Eugene Burger (born June 1, 1939 – died August 8, 2017) was a famous American magician. He was known for his amazing close-up magic. This is where tricks are done right in front of you. He also specialized in mentalism, which is like mind-reading, and a style called bizarre magic. Bizarre magic often tells a story or has a mysterious theme.
Eugene Burger was born in Chicago, Illinois. Besides being a magician, he was also a philosopher. He studied philosophy and religion at Yale University. He even taught university classes about different religions and ideas.
He often shared his magic knowledge at the McBride Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas, Nevada. He wrote many books and made videos to teach other magicians. He also created an audio program about improving in magic.
Eugene Burger passed away in Chicago on August 8, 2017, at the age of 78.
Contents
Discovering Eugene Burger's Magic
Eugene Burger was a master of many magic styles. He made his performances feel very personal and mysterious. He believed that magic was more than just tricks. It was about creating a special experience for the audience.
Close-Up Magic Skills
Burger was especially good at close-up magic. This type of magic is performed very near to the audience. It often uses small objects like cards, coins, or rings. His close-up shows were very popular.
Exploring Mentalism
He also explored mentalism. This is a branch of magic where performers seem to have special mental powers. They might appear to read minds or predict things. Eugene Burger made these acts very believable.
The Art of Bizarre Magic
Another area he loved was bizarre magic. This style often uses storytelling and mysterious themes. It might involve strange objects or ancient rituals. Burger used bizarre magic to create unique and memorable shows.
Eugene Burger's Contributions to Magic
Eugene Burger helped many other magicians learn and grow. He shared his ideas through books, videos, and teaching. He believed that understanding the why behind magic was as important as the how.
Books and Videos for Magicians
He wrote many books that taught magicians how to perform better. These books focused on making magic more meaningful. He also appeared in several instructional DVDs. These videos showed his techniques up close.
Some of his well-known works include:
- Secrets and Mysteries for the Close-Up Entertainer (1982)
- Intimate Power (1983)
- The Experience of Magic (1989)
- Strange Ceremonies (1991)
- Spirit Theater (1986)
- The Performance of Close-Up Magic (1987)
- Mastering the Art of Magic
- Mystery School (2003) with Jeff McBride
- A Magical Vision (a documentary about him)
- Final Secrets with Lawrence Hass
Teaching at Magic Schools
Eugene Burger was a frequent teacher at the McBride Magic & Mystery School. This school is a famous place for magicians to learn. He helped students understand the deeper meaning of magic.
Recognitions and Awards
Eugene Burger was highly respected in the magic community. He received several important awards for his work. These awards showed how much he influenced the world of magic.
Influential Magician
MAGIC Magazine called him "one of the 100 most influential magicians of the 20th century." This means he had a big impact on magic during his time.
FISM Award for Magic Theory
In 2012, he received a special award from FISM. FISM is a big international magic organization. The award was for his ideas and theories about magic.
