Saturday, April 4, 2026

Vanished: Seven Women Magicians who Simply Disappeared by Anna Hays - ADVISABLE

Vanished: Seven Women Magicians who Simply Disappeared
by Anna Hays
, 232 pages. NON-FICTION Bright Matter Books Random House, 2025. $19 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS, ADULT - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

In the Golden Age of Magic, seven talented women headlined their own shows. These women did everything from escapology to mind reading and catching bullets. To make it even more impressive, this was an age when women were supposed to be solely dedicated to hearth and home. These women have been all but forgotten, vanished, as it were. This book shines the spotlight back on their lives and accomplishments. 

What a fun read! I learned so much about the history of magic and how these women perfected their arts. There was some tension, as I worried about whether they would survive some of the more daring stunts, or whether their magic secrets would be revealed. I would have loved to see them perform. This book helps them live again, and is a must read for anyone who loves magic. The layout is engaging and colorful and the writing is succinct and entertaining. The illustrations are colorful and there are photos and playbills of these fascinating women. The women are mostly white, though their countries of origin differ. Ellen Emma Armstrong is black. 

Michelle in the Middle

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