The Magician

THE MAGICIAN: John Mulholland’s Secret Life is drawn from never-before-seen documents and many unpublished photographs. It will appeal to readers of theatre, magic and war history. It comes with a foreword by the legendary Dr. John N. Booth, who writes: “Ben Robinson has thoughtfully and beautifully synthesized the pile of personal notes and documents which is the legacy passed from John Mulholland to Milbourne Christopher, to Maurine Christopher and finally to author Robinson. No better foundation exists for learning what made John Mulholland into magic’s most influential voice in the 20th century. This book tells that story.” John Mulholland (1898-1970) edited the magician’s magazine “The Sphinx” for 23 years, ending the publication to be consultant to the newly born CIA in 1953. His assignments included working with billionaires and inventors, cracking codes and delving into the clandestine world of ESP research, LSD use and the secret MK-ULTRA world headed by the notorious Dr. Sidney Gottlieb.

During this period, CIA Dr. Frank Olson died the day after Thanksgiving, 1953. This book examines Mulholland’s role during this dramatic period in the CIA’s history and goes against the current trend of accusing Mulholland as having a role in Olson’s fatal fall from a hotel window. John Mulholland was “The World’s Master Magician.” He performed in forty-two countries, authored ten books and performed at the Roosevelt White house eight times. His 90-minute stage show was carried in two suitcases and included impersonations of authentic Hindu and Chinese mysteries. Theatre critics spoke about him as they did a great actor. John Mulholland was an intellectual patriot who provided an essential component of counter espionage during the Cold War’s Red Scare. THE MAGICIAN: John Mulholland’s Secret Life is the first biography of the man Dr. John N. Booth defines in his Foreword as “the most influential voice of the art of magic in the 20th century.”