Horace Goldin

Born in 1873, Horace Goldin was a whirlwind of energy on the stage, known for his 'fast and furious' style of magic. He believed that audiences had short attention spans and therefore performed his illusions at a breakneck pace, often completing dozens of effects in a single set. His career spanned the globe, and he was a frequent performer in the most prestigious vaudeville houses of his time.

Goldin is perhaps best remembered for his contribution to the lexicon of magic: the 'Sawing a Woman in Half' illusion. While others had experimented with similar concepts, Goldin refined and popularized the effect, turning it into a staple of stage magic that remains iconic today. He was also a prolific author and scholar, documenting his methods and theories in various publications.

Throughout his life, Goldin remained a tireless promoter of his own brand, often traveling with massive amounts of equipment and a large troupe of assistants. His influence on the structure of stage illusions and the pacing of magic shows remains evident in the work of modern performers.