Academy of the Art of Magic

Academy of the Art of Magic was a magic organization formed by one of Dai Vernon's student Garrick Spencer in New York around 1936.

Originally created in the hopes of putting a hallmark on magicians that people would recognize, as a sort of a Legion of Honor. It started as just a group of magicians who loved magic and who were good performers. There was no dues or elections, but the group met once a year for a dinner at the Waldorf in New York.

Among the original fourteen members were Malini, Leipzig, Warren Keane, Cardini and Charlie Miller.

The group created a medallion to give to it's members. On the front were the initials 'AAM' and on the back was the date the person was elected into the group. Later members were Ottokar Fischer and Paul Fox.

The group disbanded after Spencer died. Doc Daley talked about starting it back up but passed away before he could.

References

• Bagdad, Genii 1936 September
• Inside Stuff on Magi, Variety, March 24, 1937
• Jinx No. 105, October 8th, 1940
• Vernon Touch by Dai Vernon, Genii 1970 February