Albert Goshman
Albert Goshman (1920-1991), was a renowned magician, particularly noted for his close-up magic, and in 1971 was named the Academy of Magical Arts Magician of the Year.
Biography
Born in New York City in 1920, to parents who emigrated to the United States and had changed the name from Goshminsky. He became a bagel baker in Brooklyn, a fact that he referred to in his billing as "The Baker That's a Faker". During War World II, while working in a defense plant, Goshman discovered a small book of coin and pocket tricks and began to study. Following the war, he became a regular visitor at the New York's magic shops. He favoured coin magic and began calling himself Fakir, the Baker.
He relocated to the west coast in the early 1960s and beginning in 1963 was a regular performer at the Magic Castle. He became known for his routine involving coins and salt shakers.
Goshman also developed a number of foam rubber products including sponge balls. As demand grew, he expanded into larger quarters and finally purchased a building to house his manufacturing enterprise.
Awards
- 1968: Academy of Magical Arts Close-up Magician Award
- 1971: Academy of Magical Arts Magician of the Year
- 1971: Academy of Magical Arts Best Lecturer
- 1975: Academy of Magical Arts Close-up Magician Award
Publications
- Four Cards through a Newspaper (Manuscript) (1968)
- Coins thru the Table (Manuscript) (1968)
- The Card in the Purse (Manuscript) (1968)
- Magic by Gosh, The Life and Times of Albert Goshman by Patric by Patrick Page and Albert Goshman (1985)
- Magie (Magischer Zirkel v. Deutschland), Vol. 71, No. 4, April 1991, AL GOSHMAN, by R. Müller, page 131
- Bio-bibliographisches Lexikon der Zauberkünstler Edition Volker Huber, April 2002, Goshman, Al USA Zauberkünstler, (†1991 Kalifornien), page 134