author
Wiljalba Frikell
1818–1903
A 19th-century magician who turned parlor tricks into lively, readable entertainment, he brought the wonder of the stage into the home. His books mix practical instruction with the playful spirit of Victorian amusements.
1 Audiobook
Hanky Panky : A book of conjuring tricks
by Wiljalba Frikell
About the author
Born Friedrich Wilhelm Frickel in Sagan, Prussia, on June 27, 1818, he became widely known under the stage name Wiljalba Frikell. He built a reputation as a celebrated magician, and his name also appeared in print as W. Frickel and Wiljalba Frickell.
Frikell is remembered not only as a performer but also as an author who helped popularize conjuring and home entertainment. Works associated with him include Fireside Games; for Winter Evening Amusement and The Parlor Magician, books that introduced readers to tricks, games, and drawing-room amusements in a clear, inviting style.
He died on October 10, 1903. Though best known in the world of magic, his books still offer a vivid glimpse of an era when performance, puzzles, and social games were an important part of everyday entertainment.