R. D. Chater

R. D. Chater (1836–1913) most well known as Hercat was a British magician and writer.^[1]

Chater worked as journalist and actor as a young man, he later became a professional magician and moved to America. He was famous for performing a cremation illusion.^[2]

He authored many books on card tricks.

Publications

• Card Tricks and Conjuring Up to Date (1896)
• Latest Sleights, Illusions, Mind Reading and New Card Effects (1903)
• Ventriloquist and Ventriloquial Dialogues (1905)
• Conjuring Up to Date (1906)
• Hercat's Latest Sleights and Illusions (1906)
• Card Tricks With and Without Apparatus Up to Date (1906)
• Chapeaugraphy, Shadowgraphy and Paper-Folding (1909)
• More Conjuring (1912)

References

1. During, Simon. (2004). Modern Enchantments: The Cultural Power of Secular Magic. Harvard University Press. p. 142. ISBN 978-0674013711
2. Price, David. (1985). Magic A Pictorial History History of Conjurers in the Theater. Cornwall Books. p. 128. ISBN 978-0845347386