Eugene Burger
Eugene Burger (1939-2017) was a true master: an extremely talented artist, author, philosopher, and teacher of magic.
He was renowned for his close-up skills and his work in the field of mentalism and bizarre magic.
His work focuses on presenting “intense and profound magic.” He seeks out tricks that truly seem magical and in no way suggest any kind of sleight of hands.
Originally from Chicago, it was there that he attended a magic show at the age of 7 and decided to become a magician; however, it took him thirty years to become a professional.
He practiced magic with passion during his high school and college years, then gave it up.
He went on to study and eventually taught philosophy and comparative history of religions.
In 1976, he made the decision to become a full-time professional magician.
Eugene Burger practiced close-up magic for a long time, then in the 2000s, encouraged by Jeff McBride, he turned his attention to stage magic.
He performed in increasingly exclusive restaurants and salons in Chicago, thanks to which he built up a large clientele of individuals and companies.
During this time, he took the opportunity to write and publish extraordinary books that would revolutionize the way magicians understand and practice magic.
He draws inspiration in part from the work and magic of Jeff McBride, Don Alan, Max Maven, Bob Neale, but also Al Baker, Penn & Teller, Johnny Thompson, Lance Burton, Mac King, Matt Schulien, and Jimmy Grippo.
Eugene has always been deeply happy to count two of the greatest magicians among his best friends: Max Maven and Jeff McBride.
Eugene met Max in 1979, and their friendship flourished throughout his life.
Eugene and Jeff met in the late 1980s: a close friendship that eventually turned into an extremely productive partnership when, in 1991, they created “The McBride Magic & Mystery School,” of which Eugene was the dean.
He lectured numerous times for companies, business schools, and universities... and, of course, for magicians all around the world.
He has participated in or consulted on numerous shows, documentaries, and other TV programs (in Great Britain, Canada, Belgium, Finland, Japan, etc.).
He has also been the subject of two reports on CNN.
He is the author of numerous books, brochures, lecture notes, audio and video programs (VHS/DVD), etc.
He has received numerous honors from the magic community:
- 1985 and 1986: “Lecturer of the Year” (Academy of Magical Arts).
- 1996 and 1997: “Close-up Magician of the Year” (Academy of Magical Arts).
- 2003: “Best Magician in Chicago” (Chicago Magazine).
- 2012: “Special Theory and Philosophy Award” (FISM).
He is considered one of the 100 most influential magicians of the 20th century by "Magic Magazine".
