Magic is performing art that entertains an audience by creating illusions of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats using natural means. It is one of the oldest performing art in the world. Also magic refers to acts of sorcery involving attempts to control the natural world by mystical or supernatural means. But the term "magic" and "magician" throughout this article would refer to entertainment magic and entertainment magician. Magic was originated from the ancient Greek and Persian, which is called magoi (Greek) and magosh (Persian). Performances one would now recognize as conjuring have probably been practiced throughout history. The same level of ingenuity that was used to produce famous ancient deceptions such as the Trojan Horse would have been used for entertainment, or atleast for cheating in gambling games. Successful magicians have become some of the most famous celebrities in popular entertainment.
Early magicians such as Jacob Philadelphia (1756-1781) who was the first modern magician, performed feats of magic, sometimes under the guise of scientific exhibitions throughout Europe and Russia. And Jean Eugéne Robert-Houldm (1805-1811) to whom which the modern entertainment magic owes much of it's origin to, was originally a clock maker who opened a magic theatre in Paris in 1840s, have the specialty of constructing mechanical automata (mechanism that can move automatically) which appeared to move and act as if they were alive. And so many more contributed a lot to the history of magic. Not to forget the greatest magician of the 19th century or possibly of all time Harry Houdini (real name Ehrich Weiss, 1874-1926), took his stage name from Robert Houdini and developed a range of magic tricks.
Towards the end of the 19th century, large magic shows permanently staged at big theatre venues became the norm. However, the profession of the illusionist gained strength only in the 18th century, and has enjoyed several popular vogues.
Some people don't believe in magic, and the derivative of such is a misconception they have on magic. They don't believe it is a trick, all they believed is that the only secret behind magic is a supernatural power, and so magic is a supernatural act which made it a difficult task for them to be convinced. Such misconceptions is as the result of low level of understanding the art of magic, which make them bringing conclusion to something they barely know much about. The magic of supernatural act is never a form of entertainment or used for entertainment rather used for evil act. It is bound to be incompatible to religions according to scholars.
Magic is performed purposely for entertainment, though some used magical tricks to outsmart their friends, cheating in games, etc. It has been used for entertainment since the ancient times and bounded to be mind blowing. It is now one of the most popular source of entertainment. Magicians on streets do several tricks with cards, coins, cups, etc, and they got a lot of audience more than other free stylers. They are been recognized as respectful, talented, wise, and friendly members of the society.
Magic has been a form of entertainment for centuries, performers or magicians would do routines in front of an audience and appear to have supernatural powers but as discussed in this article, it is just tricks with a secret behind and that secret is how it is done.