The Great Magician

Name: The Great Magician
Author: Charles Fletcher Lummis

The narrative centers on a remarkable magician, whose extraordinary abilities surpass those of well-known conjurers. The narrator reflects on their long acquaintance, initially unaware of the magician's talents. Over time, they develop a close friendship, embarking on adventures that blend reality with illusion. The magician's skills extend beyond mere tricks; he transforms lives, turning reckless youths into responsible adults and enhancing the appearances of those deemed unattractive. His greatest achievement, however, is the invention of fire, a discovery that revolutionizes civilization. The magician's humility and dedication to his craft are evident, as he prefers intimate gatherings over grand performances. He possesses a unique ability to create lasting impacts through seemingly simple acts, such as preserving speech for future generations. The narrative emphasizes the magician's role in expanding human experience and understanding, illustrating how his magic intertwines with everyday life. Ultimately, the magician embodies the concept of thought itself, suggesting that the true essence of magic lies in the power of ideas and imagination. The work explores themes of transformation, the significance of creativity, and the profound influence of one individual on the world.

By Charles Fletcher Lummis · First published 1920 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Young Adult · 3,588 words

First lines

Really know one? Well, I should say so-better than I know any one else alive. No, it was not Herrmann, nor Signor Blitz before him; though each in turn seemed to my young eyes the most marvelous conjurer possible, and the latter remained for years a haunting wonder. But I was already getting acquainted with a magician to whom both of these put together were a fool. For that matter, we had always been neighbors; but for years I never really knew him well, nor was even aware that he was in the conjuring business at all. Had we boys realized that we were growing up next door to the greatest living prestidigitator, he doubtless would have got a little more attention from us; but he was very quiet, and not at all given to "showing off; " and, to tell the truth, we left him pretty much to himself. Even in our games he was hardly ever asked to take part; though I can see now where he could have given us a good many points on three-old-cat and follow-my-leader, or any of our other sports.

What this Textopian page supports

The Great Magician is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charles Fletcher Lummis, dated 1920 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Charles Fletcher Lummis
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction
Length: 3,588 words
Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Great Magician by Charles Fletcher Lummis
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Great Magician?
How does this short story by Charles Fletcher Lummis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The theme of the book centres around adventures and quests of the lead characters.
Fantasy — The plot involves magic and wizardry which are elements of the fantasy genre.
Young Adult — The narrative style and content of the book suggests it is primarily designed for young adult readers.
Fiction — The plot and characters are invented, hence making the book a work of fiction.