A magician is only an actor - an actor pretending to be a magician.

The secret of showmanship consists not of what you really do, but what the mystery-loving public thinks you do.

The great day of the Fire-eater - or, should I say, the day of the great Fire-eater - has passed.

It is still an open question, however, as to what extent exposure really injures a performer.

I always have on my mind the thought that next year I must do something greater, something more wonderful.

My professional life has been a constant record of disillusion, and many things that seem wonderful to most men are the every-day commonplaces of my business.

To cause the face to appear in a mass of flame make use of the following: mix together thoroughly petroleum, lard, mutton tallow and quick lime. Distill this over a charcoal fire, and the liquid which results can be burned on the face without harm.