Arnold Furst

Arnold Furst was an American magician known for close-up and bar magic. He became associated with performing sleight of hand for patrons in New York.

Furst was particularly known for entertaining people in New York bar and restaurant settings. His reputation came from performing close-up magic directly for patrons.

He helped develop a modern approach to close-up and bar magic, where the performer works at close range among ordinary guests. The emphasis is on sleight of hand and direct interaction.

He is remembered for bringing sophisticated sleight of hand into informal social venues. His bar-magic model influenced how close-up magic could be performed outside a stage setting.