Masters of Illusion

Illusionist David Blaine is suspended and shackled in a 3-ringed gyroscope above New York's Times Square on November 21, 2006.

David Blaine's hands after submerging himself into a sphere of water at Lincoln Center in New York, May 1, 2006. Blaine's 7-day endurance challenge ended with an attempt to set a world record for holding his breath.

Illusionists Siegfried (L) and Roy, carrying Titan, a 5-month-old white Siberian tiger, make an appearance at a USO benefit in Las Vegas on November 11, 2001. Roy survived severe injuries when he was attacked by a white tiger during a show in 2003.

Harry Houdini, perhaps the greatest escape artist ever, was renowned for his ability to break free from handcuffs, straitjackets, milk cans, water-filled tanks and wooden crates.

Penn Jillette (L) and his partner Teller strike a pose as they arrive at New York's Studio 54 nightclub on December 9, 2003.

Illusionist Criss Angel looks out from a box that's being filled with wet cement during a stunt in New York on June 4, 2007.

Lance Burton, pictured here at the 2006 Rose Bowl Parade, has twice been awarded "Magician of the Year" by the Academy of Magical Arts.

French magician Robert Houdin (1805'1871) is internationally recognized as the father of modern magic. Harry Houdini (born Erik Weisz) adopted his stage name in honor of Houdin.

American illusionist David Copperfield "flies" through the air during one of his performances. Copperfield, best known for his combination of storytelling and illusion, has sold 40 million tickets and grossed over $1 billion during his career.

David Copperfield performs a trick behind a screen during a show in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on July 11, 2001.