Maskelyne was a stage magician in Britain in the 30s. Coming from a dynasty of magicians, during the war Maskelyne realised that his skills in misdirection and illusion- and the other five effects of magic (or was it 18? Or 3?)could be put to practical use in fooling and concealing equipment from the Germans. More than likely to become a bit more famous soon when he will be the focus of a biographic film, War Magician (2004), where he's being played by Tom Cruise.
- Maskelyne anecdotes
- Channel 4 - Real Lives
- Guardian Unlimited - Jasper Maskelyne
- The Stage Memories - Jasper Maskelyne
Additional Not everyone thinks Jasper was as good as he did. This is a very good critique of the legend.