This article at Boing Boing talks about the fascinating hobby of collecting vintage magic posters. What catches my eye in particular is the demonic imagery. From Eve to Faust, we have a certain fascination with people who make deals with the devil. Sometimes we fear them, sometimes we admire them, and sometimes we think that maybe, just maybe, if we were tempted, offered that power by the devil, we would figure out how to win. Maybe one reason magicians are alluring is that we think they made that deal, and it turned out in their favor.
Various and Sundry 