World of Wonders novel

"World of Wonders," the third installment in Robertson Davies's Deptford Trilogy, was first published by Macmillan Canada in 1975 and centers on the life story of fictional magician Magnus Eisengrim. The novel unfolds as Eisengrim recounts his experiences to a film crew directed by Jurgen Lind (modeled after Ingmar Bergman), who are creating a biographical documentary about Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin for the BBC. Eisengrim's friends, Dunstan Ramsay and Liesl, also feature prominently, with Ramsay serving as a narrator to provide context.

The narrative delves into Eisengrim's past, revealing his harsh upbringing under Willard, an abusive magician who subjected him to sexual abuse but taught him magical skills. The story also explores Eisengrim's career in vaudeville and stage performances, including his time with the troop led by Sir John Tresize, where he adopted the alias Mungo Fetch.

In the epilogue, "Le Lit de Justice," the mystery of Boy Staunton's death is resolved during a conversation among Eisengrim, Dunstan, and Liesl in the Savoy Hotel. Themes include the impact of child abuse on personal development, the interplay between theater and reality, and the role of performance in identity.

The novel has inspired stage magic shows, such as one created by Canadian magician David Ben and director Patrick Watson in the 1990s.