Why are magicians classed with games in the 700s? By the way, I'm a magician, not a librarian.

The DDC is arranged by discipline, not subject, so a subject may appear in more than one class. For example, "clothing" has aspects that fall under several disciplines. The psychological influence of clothing belongs in 155.95 as part of the discipline of psychology; customs associated with clothing belong in 391 as part of the discipline of customs; and clothing in the sense of fashion design belongs in 746.92 as part of the discipline of the arts.

Magic in the context of occultism is classed in 133.43, under 130 "Parapsychology and occultism," and magicians as occultists are classed in 133.43092.  But magic as the art of producing illusions as entertainment by the use of sleight of hand is classed in 793.8, and masters of this art are classed in 793.8092. Magic in this second sense can be regarded as a recreation or as a performing art; both fit well under 790 "Recreational and performing arts," more specifically under "Indoor games and amusements" at 793.

Last revised: 25 March 2005