From the Library of Loren Pankratz
A psychologist, author, and respected magic historian whose research has explored magic, mentalism, spiritualism, and the psychology of deception.
We're pleased to offer a selection of books and publications from Loren’s personal library, reflecting his lifelong interest in magic and its history.
Milt Larsen’s Magic Castle Tour. Carol Marie, 1997.
An illustrated tour of Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle, written by Carol Marie and centered on the history, rooms, personalities, and magical atmosphere of the private clubhouse founded by Milt Larsen and his brother Bill Larsen Jr. Features photographs and stories documenting the Castle and its place in the history of modern magic.
Paperback with decorative pictorial covers featuring the Magic Castle at night. A visual record of one of magic’s most celebrated landmarks. Very good condition.
The Colour Book of Magic and Simple Tricks. Clayton Rawson, 1970.
A beautifully illustrated introduction to magic by renowned magician, author, and illustrator Clayton Rawson. This charming volume presents a collection of simple magic tricks, demonstrations, and magical curiosities, accompanied by Rawson’s distinctive artwork and colorful illustrations throughout.
Published in 1970, this edition features 103 pages of entertaining magical instruction designed for aspiring young magicians. The book includes numerous full-color illustrations that bring Rawson’s inventive and playful approach to magic to life.
The interior bears the stamp of Davenport’s Magic Shop, London — one of the world’s oldest and most respected magic dealers, founded in 1898. The stamp identifies this copy as having passed through the historic British magic trade and adds an appealing piece of provenance for collectors.
Hardbound. 103 pages. Color illustrations throughout. Copyright 1970. Very good condition with light age-related wear.
Ingenious Magic Illusion and Apparatus Patents: Expanded Edition. Matt Ruetz, 2022.
A comprehensive reference exploring patented magic apparatus, illusions, and related inventions drawn from the records of the United States Patent Office.
This expanded edition presents a fascinating collection of patent information covering magicians’ tricks, theatrical effects, magic-related games, toys, amusements, and mechanical innovations. Featuring illustrations and descriptions of hundreds of patented inventions, the volume provides a unique look at the creativity, engineering, and ingenuity behind magical apparatus throughout history.
Spiral-bound, 343 pages. A valuable reference for collectors, historians, builders, and anyone interested in the development of magical apparatus and illusion design. Very good condition.
The First Book of Magic. Edward Stoddard, 1953.
An introductory guide to conjuring by Edward Stoddard, presenting a selection of magic intended for the beginning performer. Covers fundamental principles and effects using cards, coins, handkerchiefs, and other readily available objects, with explanations designed to introduce the reader to the practice and presentation of magic.
Hardbound in red cloth with black lettering and a top hat and wand design to the front board. Light age-related wear to the covers; very good condition overall.
Expert Billiard Ball Manipulation. Burling Hull, 1928.
Fifth Printing, Deluxe Edition. First published in 1910, Expert Billiard Ball Manipulation became one of the standard English-language works on billiard ball manipulation and remained an influential reference for generations of performers. Illustrated throughout with nearly 200 photographic studies, the work covers palming, productions, vanishes, acquitments, multiplying billiard balls, color changes, stage presentation, and the use of specialized apparatus and gimmicks.
Original gilt pictorial wrappers. Includes Part One (Fifth Printing, Deluxe Edition) together with Part Two, which incorporates the complete text of Parts One and Two. Part One retains the original promotional wraparound band. Light handling wear and rubbing consistent with age and use. A well-preserved set of a classic work on manipulative magic. Currently offered on consignment.
Confessions of a Ghost Hunter. Harry Price. New York: Causeway Books, 1974.
The classic memoir of Harry Price, one of the twentieth century's foremost investigators of alleged paranormal phenomena. Drawing upon decades of research into haunted houses, séances, spirit mediums, and unexplained occurrences, Price recounts many of the investigations that established his reputation as both a pioneering psychical researcher and one of the era's most influential—and controversial—figures. Originally published in 1936, this Causeway Books edition introduced Price's firsthand accounts to a new generation of readers.
Bound in black cloth and retaining the original illustrated dust jacket, featuring a striking portrait design. The dust jacket shows light rubbing and handling wear consistent with age, while the book itself remains clean and well preserved. A handsome copy. Currently offered on consignment.
Men Who Wouldn't Stay Dead. Ida Clyde Clarke. New York: Richard R. Smith, 1945.
A collection of twenty-eight accounts of ghosts, hauntings, apparitions, and other supernatural phenomena compiled by journalist and psychical researcher Ida Clyde Clarke. Drawing upon historical records and firsthand reports, Clarke presents a series of well-known cases that helped shape twentieth-century interest in the paranormal, spiritualism, and psychical research.
Bound in the publisher's blue cloth and retaining the original illustrated dust jacket, featuring striking Art Deco-style typography and cover artwork. The dust jacket shows a large chip to the lower front panel, together with edge wear and rubbing consistent with age, yet remains bright and visually appealing. The book itself is clean and sound, with light shelf wear.
An attractive 1945 edition of a classic work on the supernatural, retaining its original dust jacket and well suited to collectors of ghost literature, spiritualism, psychical research, and occult history. Currently offered on consignment.
The Romance of Sorcery. Sax Rohmer. Causeway Books, 1973.
A hardcover reprint of Sax Rohmer's classic 1914 study of magic, witchcraft, and the occult. Best known as the creator of Dr. Fu Manchu, Rohmer explores the history and traditions of ceremonial magic, alchemy, divination, spiritualism, and legendary practitioners of the occult. Blending historical research with period accounts and folklore, the work has long been appreciated by collectors of magic and allied arts for its engaging survey of the mystical traditions that have influenced conjuring and illusion.
Retains the original illustrated dust jacket. Light shelf wear consistent with age, including minor rubbing to the jacket. A clean, well-preserved copy well suited to both collectors of magical literature and readers interested in the history of the occult. Currently offered on consignment.
Encyclopedia of Mentalism. Robert A. Nelson. Second Printing, 1945.
A comprehensive survey of twentieth-century mentalism by Robert A. Nelson, bringing together hundreds of methods, routines, principles, and performance ideas from leading practitioners of the era. Topics include telepathy, second sight, predictions, book tests, billet work, blindfolds, question-and-answer acts, publicity stunts, and stage demonstrations, making the volume one of the foundational references in the literature of mental magic.
Second printing, published in 1945. Hardcover bound in black cloth with gilt lettering, retaining the original illustrated dust jacket. Dust jacket exhibits moderate wear, including rubbing, small chips, short tears, and age toning, while remaining substantially complete. Light shelf wear to the binding. Binding is sound. Internally clean. Very good condition overall. Currently offered on consignment.
Our Magic. Nevil Maskelyne and David Devant. Second Edition, 1946.
One of the landmark works on the theory and practice of conjuring, Our Magic by Nevil Maskelyne and David Devant explores the principles of magical performance beyond mere technique. First published in 1911, the work examines presentation, psychology, misdirection, and theatrical construction, making it one of the most influential texts ever written on the art of magic.
Bound in the publisher’s original red cloth and retaining the original pictorial Fleming Book Company dust jacket. 318 pages. Illustrated. Light toning and wear to the dust jacket. The book remains clean and well preserved. Very good condition overall. Currently offered on consignment.
Marvels of Mystery. John Booth. First Edition, 1941.
John Booth’s classic collection of professional routines drawn from his own performing repertoire. Introduced by Bess Houdini, the volume presents practical stage, parlor, and close-up magic together with Booth’s insights on presentation and construction, and remains one of the landmark works of mid-twentieth-century conjuring literature. This copy bears the bookplate of magician and collector Vernon Cook.
First edition. Bound in the original blue cloth with gilt lettering on the front cover and spine. Illustrated throughout. Light wear consistent with age, including minor rubbing to the cloth and gentle toning to the page edges. Retaining the Vernon Cook bookplate. Very good condition overall. Currently offered on consignment.
Sleight of Hand. Edwin T. Sachs. Fourth Edition, 1946.
One of the enduring classics of conjuring literature, Sleight of Hand by Edwin T. Sachs has educated generations of magicians since its original publication in the nineteenth century. Covering sleight-of-hand technique, card magic, coin magic, stage illusions, apparatus, and performance theory, it remains one of the foundational texts in the study of conjuring.
Bound in the publisher’s original red cloth with gilt stamping and retaining the original pictorial dust jacket. Pictorial frontispiece, illustrated throughout, 400 pages. Some toning to the spine and page edges. Very good condition overall. Currently offered on consignment.
Doing Magic for Youngsters. Bert Easley and Eric P. Wilson. First Edition, 1948.
A practical guide to entertaining children’s audiences by professional magician Bert Easley, expanded with Eric P. Wilson’s The Art of Conjuring to Children. Rather than simply teaching tricks, the book emphasizes audience management, show structure, presentation, and the unique considerations of performing for young spectators, making it one of the earliest substantial works devoted to children’s magic. Bound in the original illustrated dust jacket over cloth boards. 122 pages. Light age toning to the dust jacket with minor wear consistent with age. Very good condition overall. Currently offered on consignment.
The Garden of the Strange. Caleb Strange. Alakazam Magic, 2007.
A collection of original mentalism and audience-centered performance pieces by Caleb Strange. Published by Alakazam Magic, The Garden of the Strange explores routines, presentations, and theatrical techniques intended to strengthen the impact of modern mentalism. In addition to complete effects, the work examines broader principles of performance, making it a valuable reference for performers and students of contemporary mentalism.
Bound in black cloth with metallic stamping on the front cover and spine and retaining its original pictorial dust jacket. 170 pages. Light wear to the dust jacket, else very good condition overall. Currently offered on consignment.
Nelson Enterprises Catalog No. 17. Nelson Enterprises, 1936.
An illustrated sales catalog issued by Nelson Enterprises of Columbus, Ohio, featuring effects and supplies for mind reading, astrology, crystal gazing, and related branches of mental magic. In addition to advertising the firm's products, the catalog offers a period snapshot of one of the leading American publishers and manufacturers of mental magic during the 1930s. Original blue pictorial wrappers featuring an Art Deco cover design. Complete as issued. Light handling wear and toning consistent with age and use. Currently offered on consignment.
The Dai Vernon Book of Magic. Lewis Ganson. First Edition, 1957. Signed by Dai Vernon.
One of the most influential introductory books on sleight-of-hand ever published, The Dai Vernon Book of Magic introduced generations of magicians to the thinking and techniques of the legendary “Professor.” Written by Lewis Ganson, the volume presents Vernon’s approach to cards, coins, cups and balls, and close-up magic with the clarity that made it a standard reference for both amateurs and professionals.
Bound in the original publisher’s black cloth with gilt lettering on the spine and offered with its original illustrated dust jacket. Signed by Dai Vernon on the front free endpaper.
The book remains in very good condition, with light age toning to the pages. The dust jacket shows moderate wear, including edge tears, creasing, and small areas of loss, but remains complete and presents well in a protective Brodart mylar cover.
Classic Illusions. ZeTuer, 2011.
A comprehensive collection of plans and drawings for building classic stage illusions. Featuring designs for more than 48 illusions, this 231-page volume provides construction information for creating a complete illusion show, including traditional stage apparatus and large-scale effects.
Spiral-bound with illustrated covers. A practical reference for illusion builders, collectors, and students of stage magic. Very good condition.
Nothing Is Impossible. Trevor H. Hall. Croydon: ARCAS, 1946.
A study of the celebrated British magician David Devant by magic historian and bibliographer Trevor H. Hall. Hall examines the life and career of one of the most influential figures of the Golden Age of British magic and a central figure in the early history of The Magic Circle.
64 pages. Bound in orange cloth with black lettering to the front board. Shows age-related wear and soiling to the covers. Spine and front pages loose, but present. Good condition overall.