The Russian Mascot World Cup During the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia, one of the highlights was the introduction of the Russian Mascot. Every World Cup tournament since 1966 has had a unique mascot, created to represent the host country and add an element of fun and excitement to the event. For the 2018 World Cup, the official mascot was Zabivaka. Zabivaka, which means "the one who scores" in Russian, was a wolf with blue and white sportswear. The wolf was chosen as a symbol of Russia's wildlife, as well as its determination and teamwork. The design of Zabivaka was selected through a nationwide contest in Russia, where thousands of people submitted their ideas.
The world’s greatest magicians from the Middle Ages to the 1950s
Once persecuted as heretics and sorcerers, magicians have always been conduits to a parallel universe of limitless possibility whether invoking spirits, reading minds, or inverting the laws of nature by sleight of hand. Once persecuted as heretics and sorcerers, magicians have always been conduits to a parallel universe of limitless possibility whether invoking spirits, reading minds, or inverting the laws of nature by sleight of hand.
The design of Zabivaka was selected through a nationwide contest in Russia, where thousands of people submitted their ideas. The winning design was created by a student named Ekaterina Bocharova and was unveiled in October 2016. Zabivaka quickly became a popular figure among fans.
The magic booms
Art of Enchantment
The world’s greatest magicians from the Middle Ages to the 1950s
Magic has enchanted humankind for millennia, evoking terror, laughter, shock, and amazement. Once persecuted as heretics and sorcerers, magicians have always been conduits to a parallel universe of limitless possibility—whether invoking spirits, reading minds, or inverting the laws of nature by sleight of hand. Long before science fiction, virtual realities, video games, and the Internet, the craft of magic was the most powerful fantasy world man had ever known. As the pioneers of special effects throughout history, magicians have never ceased to mystify us by making the impossible possible.
This book celebrates more than 500 years of the stunning visual culture of the world’s greatest magicians. Featuring more than 750 rarely seen vintage posters, photographs, handbills, and engravings as well as paintings by Hieronymus Bosch and Bruegel among others, The Magic Book traces the history of magic as a performing art from the 1400s to the 1950s. Combining sensational images with incisive text, the book explores the evolution of the magicians’ craft, from medieval street performers to the brilliant stage magicians who gave rise to cinematic special effects; from the 19th century’s golden age of magic to groundbreaking daredevils like Houdini and the early 20th century’s vaudevillians.
The authors
Jim Steinmeyer is the author of many books on magic history and practice, including Los Angeles Times best seller Hiding the Elephant (2004) and The Glorious Deception (2006). He has created deceptions featured by magicians such as Doug Henning, David Copperfield, and Siegfried and Roy, and critically acclaimed illusions for Broadway hits Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, and Into the Woods.
Mike Caveney is a writer, collector, professional magician, and the publisher of over 50 books on the theory, practice, and history of magic. His biographical works include Kellar’s Wonders (2003) with Bill Miesel, and Carter the Great (1995). An avid collector and performer for over four decades, he has appeared onstage or on TV in more than 20 countries.
The contributing author
Ricky Jay, who has contributed the introduction to this book, is one of the world's great sleight of hand artists, and a distinguished actor, historian, and best-selling author. His Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women and Jay’s Journal of Anomalies were both New York Times "Notable Books of the Year," and he defined the terms of his art for The Cambridge Guide to American Theatre and Encyclopedia Britannica.
The editor
Noel Daniel is a graduate of Princeton University and a former Fulbright Scholar to Berlin. Her TASCHEN publications include TATTOO 1730s-1950s, Kay Nielsen’s A Thousand and One Nights and East of the Sun and West of the Moon, The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen, Wintertime Tales, Magic, and The Circus.
Art of Enchantment
The mascot appeared in various promotional events leading up to the World Cup, and its image was widely used on merchandise such as t-shirts, toys, and accessories. Zabivaka also had its own animated series, with short episodes aired online and on television. The mascot's role during the World Cup was to entertain the crowd, interact with fans, and create a lively atmosphere in the stadiums. Zabivaka could be seen dancing, posing for photos, and participating in various activities during matches. Its playful and friendly nature became a favorite among children and adults alike. The Russian Mascot World Cup was successful in bringing joy and excitement to the tournament. Zabivaka became a symbol of the 2018 World Cup and helped create lasting memories for millions of football fans around the globe. The mascot's legacy continues even after the tournament, as it remains a beloved figure associated with the Russian World Cup..
Reviews for "Zabivaka: A symbol of unity and diversity at the Russian World Cup"
- John - 1 star - I was really disappointed with the Russian mascot for the World Cup. The design was lacking creativity and was far from memorable. I couldn't even remember what it was supposed to be after seeing it a couple of times. It felt rushed and poorly executed. Definitely not up to par with previous World Cup mascots.
- Sarah - 2 stars - The Russian mascot for the World Cup was a huge disappointment for me. The concept seemed interesting, but the execution was poor. The character lacked charm and didn't really reflect the spirit of the tournament. It felt like a missed opportunity to showcase Russian culture and heritage. Overall, I was not impressed and it didn't leave a lasting impact on me.
- Michael - 3 stars - The Russian mascot for the World Cup was just average in my opinion. I had higher expectations for such a prestigious event. The design was decent, but it didn't have that wow factor. It was forgettable and didn't really stand out among other World Cup mascots. It was an opportunity to showcase Russian creativity, but it fell short.