David P. Abbott Legendary inventor of the Floating Ball & master of the House of Mystery
◎ In memoriam
Omaha, Nebraska

David P. Abbott

Legendary inventor of the Floating Ball & master of the House of Mystery

David P. Abbott is a close-up magic and parlour magic artist based in Omaha. David Phelps Abbott (1863–1934) was an American magician, author, and investigator of spiritualism whose Omaha home at 3316 Center Street—known as the 'House of Mystery'—became one of the most famous private conjuring salons in magic history.

David P Abbott Omaha magician and inventor of the floating ball Photo via source
Career overview

David P. Abbott at a glance

David P. Abbott was a close-up magician based in Omaha, Nebraska, known for card magic and visual sleight of hand.

Magic
Close-Up Magic, Parlour Magic
Based in
Omaha, Nebraska
Page updated
Oct 19, 2026
The performer

About David P. Abbott

David Phelps Abbott (1863–1934) was an American magician, author, and investigator of spiritualism whose Omaha home at 3316 Center Street—known as the 'House of Mystery'—became one of the most famous private conjuring salons in magic history. Abbott invented the Floating Ball, pioneered modern spirit slate deceptions and the Talking Teapot, and was visited in Omaha by luminaries including Harry Houdini, Harry Kellar, Howard Thurston, and Ching Ling Foo.

Author of Behind the Scenes with the Mediums (1907) and David P. Abbott’s Book of Mysteries, his historic residence was purchased in 2024 by Teller and gifted to the Omaha Magical Society for permanent preservation.

2
Signature disciplines
The repertoire

Magic Style & Disciplines

Close-Up Magic

Sleight of hand at intimate distance — cards, coins, and sleight of hand.

Parlour Magic

Intimate salon theatre and storytelling for small gatherings.

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