FROM

THE EDITOR

the world and influenced generations of magicians through his ground breaking television shows , books and courses .

Back in 2013 VANISH MAGAZINE did a two part series on Mark and Nani and we were able to get exclusive photos , interviews and articles by those who knew him the best . As a tribute I am releasing the articles just as they were first published as they told his story so well . Our thanks to Nick Lewin wrote the article and Chipper Lowell took many of the photos and to Steve Mitchell who helped make this happen .

Like many , I have my own Mark Wilson story . About twenty years ago I was in a magic shop and Mark and I were talking at the counter . A lady and her son entered and asked the magician behind the counter for a suggestion of a good book that her son could learn magic from . The magician had just sold his last copy of Mark ’ s book and told the customer it was a shame as that would have been the best . Mark then disappeared and came back a few minutes later with his book in hand and gave it to the boy . It didn ’ t register that the man giving him the book was the author . The magician behind the counter told the boy who had just handed him the book and the look on his face was a look I ’ ll never forget . Mark created a truly magical moment for that mother and son , and for me as well . It ’ s a memory I will never forget and I know that little boy will never forget it either .

would have to guess that Mark Wilson has influenced more people into becoming magicians than any performer since Harry Houdini . Wilson is a bedrock of the magic community . Between Mark ’ s many television appearances and “ Mark Wilson ’ s Complete Course In Magic ” he has touched , taught , and inspired many generations of magicians . His passing is a monumental loss to the entire magic world . I extend all my sympathy and condolences to Nani , Mike , Greg , and the entire Wilson family . Mark was a force of nature and will be sorely missed by all .

On the 4th . of September 2013 , I traveled to Los Angeles to record a lengthy interview with Mark . We did so while seated in the office of his amazing magical warehouse complex . I was accompanied by my dear friend Steve Mitchell who had arranged the interview . We were welcomed by Mark and Nani with their customary grace and friendliness . A jaw-dropping tour of their extensive facility allowed me an amazing visual peek into their lifetime in magic . It was an experience I will never forget .

When we finally settled down in Mark ’ s office , I turned on my tape machine , and recorded the interview that formed the basis of my two stories that would eventually appear in Vanish Magazine . Mark Wilson was many things , not least of all a captivating storyteller , and I sat entranced following his fascinating career in magic . To appropriate a phrase by the great Merle Haggard , “ Mark has lived the life that most men only dream of .” Sitting across from Wilson as he shared his thoughts and memories was a very special experience and one that will remain with me forever .

Nick Lewin Austin TX .

2 SPECIAL EDITION | 2021