The Magic Circle and the magician's code
Societies of magicians whose members promise not to reveal methods to the public.
Also: Magic Circle, Society of American Magicians, exposure, magicians' oath
The Magic Circle was founded in London in 1905 and holds a headquarters with a theatre, library and museum. The Society of American Magicians began in New York in 1902, and Harry Houdini later served as its president. Members agree not to reveal secrets to people who are not magicians, and an unwritten code asks them not to repeat a trick to the same audience in one sitting and not to claim abilities they do not have. The reasoning is that a secret is the performer's livelihood and that the art is spoiled when explained. Critics have said the code protects poor tricks and discourages open teaching. Disputes over exposure peaked with the television series Breaking the Magician's Code in the 1990s.
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