Milbourne Christopher

Milbourne Christopher (23 March 1914 - 17 June 1984) was a prominent American illusionist, magic historian and author.

President of the Society of American Magicians, an honorary vice-president to the Magic Circle, and one of the founding members of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, Christopher authored a number of books, including a biography of Harry Houdini, and thousands of essays relating to magic and mentalism.

Christopher regarded those individuals who claim ESP or psychic powers to be actually using magic trickery. He wrote three book-length exposées regarding those he said were false seers or psychics: "ESP, Seers & Psychics"; "Mediums, Mystics, & the Occult"; and "Search for the Soul". Christopher also debunked parapsychology experiments and experimenters during his lifetime.

Ironically, despite his denial of the existence of psychic or paranormal powers, and like fellow magicians Harry Houdini and James Randi, both of whom also worked to expose false psychics and mediums, Christopher was accused himself by some of using paranormal powers to perform his own magic tricks and illusions.

In November 2010, Christopher's widow, Maurine Brooks Christopher published a special edition of Houdini A Pictorial Life with Christopher Collection Curator David Haversat.

In April 2011, a sizeable portion of Christopher's collection of rare books, memorabilia and archival materials was sold at auction by his widow, Maurine Brooks Christopher, through the Martinka Magic Co. and magic auctioneer David Goodman.

The Society of American Magicians honors his memory annually by presenting "The Milbourne Christopher Awards" to performing magicians and illusionists in various categories, including: the Masters Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Mentalist Award, Literary Award, and a Newcomer Award.