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Cartoon, Thought-Reading
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Cartoon, Thought-Reading
Cartoon, Thought-Reading, a comment on John Nevil Maskelynes doubts about the American stage mentalist, Washington Irving Bishop.
1885
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Media ID 23267486
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1885 Acte Bishop Bryan Comment Cost Costs Doubts Entr Entracte Irving Legal Maskelyne Money Nevil Reader Telepathy Thought Washington January Telepathic
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This cartoon, titled "Thought-Reading" by an unknown artist, offers a humorous commentary on the intriguing world of mentalism during the late Victorian era. The image, published in an 1885 issue of a popular periodical, depicts a stage scene where the renowned British magician John Nevil Maskelyne, known for his skepticism towards mentalists, sits in the audience, expressing his doubts about the authenticity of the American stage mentalist, Washington Irving Bishop. Maskelyne, dressed in formal attire and wearing a top hat, is shown leaning forward in his seat, his eyebrows furrowed in disbelief as Bishop, standing on stage, claims to read the thoughts of a young woman named Zoe. The woman, with a look of surprise and delight, holds up a card that matches the one Maskelyne is holding in his hand, adding to the illusion. The cartoon's caption reads, "Entr'acte. 'Well, Mr. Maskelyne,' said Alfred Bryan, 'what do you think of that?' 'Costs money,' was the reply." This witty remark highlights the commercial aspect of mentalism and the public's fascination with the mysterious and unexplained. Despite Maskelyne's skepticism, mentalism continued to captivate audiences throughout the 1880s, with performers like Bishop using their abilities to entertain and mystify. This cartoon serves as a testament to the enduring allure of the unexplained and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics in the world of mentalism and magic.
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