Eugene Burger (June 1, 1939 – August 8, 2017) was an American magician. He was born in 1939 and was based in Chicago, Illinois. He was reputed for his close-up skills and his work in mentalism and bizarre magic. Burger was also a philosopher and a historian of religion. He had degrees in philosophy and earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1964 from Yale University and taught university courses in comparative religion and philosophy. Burger frequently taught at the McBride Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was the author of books on the presentation of close up magic and was featured on several instructional DVDs and videos for magicians. He produced an audio program called Growing in the Art of Magic. Eugene died of cancer in Chicago on August 8, 2017. He was 78. Books and DVDs "Secrets and Mysteries for the Close-Up Entertainer" (1982) Intimate Power (1983) The Experience of Magic (1989) Strange Ceremonies (1991) Spirit Theater (1986) The Performance of Close-Up Magic (1987) Meaning and Magic (expanded) Mastering the Art of Magic Mystery School (2003) with Jeff McBride Eugene Goes Bizarre Real Magic Gourmet Closeup Magic Eugene Burger's Magical Voyages Eugene Burger Presents Exploring Magical Presentation A Magical Vision (Documentary on Eugene Burger, written and directed by Michael Caplan) Final Secrets by Lawrence Hass and Eugene Burger Notable appearances in print In 1982, Burger was featured on the cover of The Linking Ring magazine. Awards Burger was considered "one of the 100 most influential magicians of the 20th century" by MAGIC Magazine. In 2012, the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM) presented him with a special award for Magic Theory. References External links Official Eugene Burger homepage 1939 births 2017 deaths American magicians People from Chicago Yale Divinity School alumni Academy of Magical Arts Close-Up Magician of the Year winners Academy of Magical Arts Lecturer of the Year winners Academy of Magical Arts Performing Fellowship winners