Escapology History

The art of escapology has been used as a form of entertainment for centuries. Although this art may only have come to the foreground in relatively recent centuries it is thought that magicians and entertainers could have incorporated escapology into their acts and shows a long time before that.

Escapology as a major form of entertainment really came into its own in the 1800s. In the early years here it was often used as a part of a general act or to add spice to certain tricks. However Harry Houdini, probably the most famous escapologist of all time, changed that by putting together an act that solely concentrated on his skills here.

Houdini demonstrated all kinds of skills in his act which allowed him to entertain the audience without having to use other forms of entertainment in his act. This led to a rush of pure escapology acts looking to copy his success. It is thought that the term escapology came to be used to describe this kind of act at around this time although it wasn't Houdini who came up with the name. This is reputed to have been invented by Norman Murray Walters, a well known Australian escapologist.

Although escapology may not have had another Houdini for a while this kind of performance remained popular until the end of variety hall entertainment. During the years where TV became the entertainment medium of choice a few escapologists carried on their acts and a few rose to prominence in their field. Current famous escapologists include David Blaine.