The Magic Christian (novel) The Magic Christian (novel) The Magic Christian is a 1959 comic novel by American author Terry Southern (1924–1995) about an odd billionaire who spends most of his time playing elaborate practical jokes on people. It is known for bringing Southern to the attention of filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, who had received a copy as a gift from Peter Sellers, and subsequently hired him as co-writer for "Dr. Strangelove" (1964) when Kubrick decided to make that film a black comedy/satire, rather than a straightforward thriller. In 1969, "The Magic Christian" was made into a film starring Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr; the
Magic Christian (magician) the category of Invention)". In 1989, Christian became president of the Magic Club of Vienna, and in 2005 the Academy of Magical Art at The Magic Castle, Hollywood, awarded him the "Performing Fellowship" for his performances. Magic Christian has developed books of magic and magic sets for Piatnik, Austria's renowned playing card, board game and puzzle manufacturer. In later years, Magic Christian has received acclaim for his thorough historic research on the legendary Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser. Magic Christian (magician) Magic Christian is the stage name of Christian Stelzel, a professional Austrian magician and author. Christian was born on July 17,