The Tarbell Course in Magic. Chicago: Tarbell System, Incorporated, 1927.

Complete file of Harlan Tarbell’s celebrated mail-order course in magic, comprising Lessons 1–60 and the index, extensively illustrated throughout. The individual lessons are gathered between the original cloth covers and secured with the cord binding. A scarce complete example of the original correspondence course that would later form the basis of the Tarbell Course in Magic books. Covers show expected wear and pages are toned from age; very good condition. Scarce.

The Cold Deck. Ray Goulet. Watertown, Massachusetts: The Magic Art Book Co., 1976. First edition.

An 18-page treatise presenting the card work of Frank Thompson, written by Ray Goulet and published following Thompson’s death. Covers the use of the cold deck, with illustrations by Guy VanDuser and a fold-out sheet of illustrations. Pictorial yellow wrappers, the cover design inspired by a poster for the William S. Hart film Cold Deck. Minor wear, else very good.

[SMITH, Leslie C.] The Auction of Master Craftsman and Collector Leslie C. Smith. 2009.

Illustrated catalogue produced for the June 28, 2009 auction of the personal collection of Leslie C. Smith, longtime owner and master craftsman of Owen Magic Supreme. Held at Owen Magic Supreme in Azusa, California, the sale documented Smith’s extensive collection of magic apparatus, books, posters, and related material assembled over a lifetime in magic.

Limited edition of 500 numbered copies, this being no. 118, signed by Gertrude Smith and Alan Zagorsky. 77 pages, extensively illustrated in color. Apparatus text by Zagorsky; book text by Byron Walker. An important record of the Smith collection and a desirable piece of Owen Magic Supreme history. Very good condition.

Magic. Barrows Mussey. New York: A. S. Barnes & Co., 1942.

Illustrated introduction to the art of magic, covering tricks and techniques with cards, coins, handkerchiefs, ropes, rings, mental effects, and other classic conjuring material. Illustrated with photographs by Margaret Hawthorn. Red cloth boards decorated in black, with original pictorial dust jacket. 83 pages. Dust jacket shows considerable edge wear, chipping, and creasing; cloth with scattered wear, particularly along the spine. A good copy in the original dust jacket.

Card Magic of Le Paul. New York: Louis Tannen, ca. 1959. Third edition.

One of the classic texts of card magic by Paul Le Paul, detailing his influential techniques and routines with playing cards. Illustrated throughout, 219 pages. Bound in blue cloth with gilt titles to the front board and spine. No dust jacket. Very good condition.

Thayer Quality Magic Catalogue No. 6. Los Angeles: Thayer Manufacturing Company, 1925.

Substantial 240-page catalogue illustrating and describing Thayer’s extensive line of magic apparatus, stage illusions, card effects, and conjuring accessories. Bound in pictorial wrappers featuring the firm’s distinctive Egyptian-themed artwork and trademark. Covers show light wear and soiling, with small edge tears and a penciled price notation to the front. A desirable trade catalogue from one of America’s foremost manufacturers of fine magic apparatus.

25 Rice Bowl Methods. Winston H. Freer, ca. 1950s.

Original mimeographed booklet by magician and inventor Winston H. Freer devoted to twenty-five methods and variations for the classic Rice Bowls. Includes Freer’s “Maxam” Glass Bean Bowls Routine on page 10, reflecting his inventive approach to the possibilities of a familiar effect.

Freer, who also performed under the name Doc Maxam, was an inventive and influential figure in twentieth-century American magic, known for developing unusual effects, methods, and apparatus.

Mimeographed sheets in stapled wrappers, with the original $2.00 price printed on the cover. Wrappers toned with age, with minor spotting and wear as shown. An uncommon Freer publication.

Harry Houdini’s Magic Made Easy. 1956 Facsimile Reproduction from The New Phoenix.

A facsimile reproduction of one of Harry Houdini’s earliest known magic publications, Magic Made Easy by Prof. Harry Houdini, King of Cards and Handcuffs. Originally issued in New York by Van Fleet, Printer, Clipper Building, circa 1898, this rare Houdini booklet combined instruction, advertising, and a catalogue of magic tricks, apparatus, books, and related material offered during the early years of Houdini’s career.

The original publication is an important piece of Houdini ephemera, documenting his work as a magician, dealer, and teacher before he became internationally famous. It includes advertisements for Houdini’s School of Magic, listings of magic books and apparatus, “Hints for Amateurs,” money-making secrets, and descriptions of numerous tricks and illusions, including the Vivisection Act and Metamorphosis Substitution.

This 14-page facsimile appeared in The New Phoenix (Issues 341–342, February 1956) and was reproduced with permission from the original copy owned by Ed Miller of Chicago. It preserves one of Houdini’s earliest publications, a work that is otherwise rarely encountered by collectors.

The Master Mystery. Arthur B. Reeve and John W. Grey. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1919. First edition.

Novelization of the fifteen-part silent film serial starring Harry Houdini as Department of Justice agent Quentin Locke. Illustrated with eight photographic plates from the Houdini Super-Serial, including the frontispiece. The story pits Locke against a criminal organization and its mechanical enforcer, the Automaton, an early screen depiction of a robot.

Original red cloth with black lettering to the front board and spine. 304 pages, followed by publisher’s advertisements. Spine sunned, with wear and soiling to the binding; toning and scattered foxing internally, with several gutters overopened or starting. Good condition overall.

Leroy’s Mammoth Pictorial 20th Century Up-to-Date Illustrated Catalogue. W. D. LeRoy, Boston School of Magic, Boston, ca. 1900s–1910s.

Extensively illustrated catalogue of conjuring apparatus, illusions, books, puzzles, novelties, and related goods offered by W. D. LeRoy’s Boston School of Magic. 213 pages, with several inserted portraits of prominent magicians. Of particular note is a tinted portrait of Harry Houdini; the other inserted portraits are printed on white paper.

Original pictorial wrappers. Light rubbing and wear, with creasing and light sunning to the spine and occasional minor wear and creasing to the contents. Very good condition overall.

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. Currently offered on consignment.

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. Currently offered on consignment.

The Demon Telegraph. No. 122. London: L. Davenport & Co., August 1949.

Issue No. 122 of The Demon Telegraph, the house magazine of L. Davenport & Co. of London. The cover features a portrait of French magician Servais Le Roy, identified as “One of the World’s Greatest Magicians,” within the magazine’s distinctive red-and-black theatrical design.

28 pages, with magic-related articles, tricks, news, and advertisements for Davenport apparatus and novelties. Rear cover features an illustrated advertisement for the Ever Ready Cigarette Dropper along with a period listing of Davenport magical tricks and novelties.

Light toning and minor age-related wear; very good condition.

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. Currently offered on consignment.

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. Currently offered on consignment.

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. 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.

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.

Hopkins, Albert A. Magic: Stage Illusions and Scientific Diversions. NY: Munn & Co., 1906.

Covers stage conjuring, scientific recreations, and trick photography. Illustrated throughout.

Green cloth stamped in black and red. Tall octavo. Hinge loose at center. Cloth shows scuffing and soiling consistent with age. Good condition.

Inscribed and Signed by Penn Jillette and Teller. Penn & Teller's How to Play with Your Food. Penn Jillette and Teller. New York: Villard Books, 1992.

A humorous collection of culinary pranks, visual gags, and unconventional experiments from Penn & Teller. Blending sleight of hand, science, illusion, and irreverent comedy, the book presents dozens of playful ways to transform ordinary meals into memorable entertainment. Illustrated throughout with photographs and drawings. This copy is inscribed on the title page, "Nice lunching with you. Especially since you paid," and signed by both Penn Jillette and Teller.

Illustrated softcover. Light handling wear consistent with age and use. A clean, well-preserved copy. Currently offered on consignment.

The World's Greatest Magic. Hyla M. Clark. Photographs by Paul Levin. New York: Tree Communications, Inc., 1976. First Printing.

A lavishly illustrated survey of modern conjuring featuring thirty-two of the twentieth century's foremost magicians. Combining biographical sketches, performance photography, and explanations of selected effects, the book offers an engaging look at many of the performers who helped shape magic during the 1970s.

Among the magicians represented are Doug Henning, Harry Blackstone, Jr., Kreskin, Harry Lorayne, Milbourne Christopher, Tony Slydini, Al Goshman, Mark Wilson, and numerous other leading performers from the era. Hundreds of color and black-and-white photographs by Paul Levin capture these artists both on stage and behind the scenes, making the volume as much a visual record of modern magic as an instructional work.

Bound in black cloth and retaining the original pictorial dust jacket. The jacket shows light shelf wear consistent with age, while the book remains clean, sound, and well preserved.

A handsome first printing documenting a remarkable generation of magicians, equally appealing to collectors of conjuring literature and those interested in the history of twentieth-century magic.

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.

List of Magic. Jack Hughes manufacturers of magic equipment. Orange wrappers, illustrated. Very good condition. Includes price list.

The Invisible Pass. Jean Hugard and Frederick Braue. First Edition, 1946.

The first book devoted entirely to the pass, one of the most important sleights in card magic. Jean Hugard and Frederick Braue provide a detailed study of the technique, covering its mechanics, timing, naturalness, variations, and practical applications. Illustrated throughout with photographs and line drawings, the work remains one of the definitive treatments of this classic move.

First edition, published in 1946. Hardcover bound in the original blue cloth with silver-stamped lettering and illustration on the front cover. Minor wear consistent with age and handling. Binding is sound. Internally clean. Good condition overall. 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.

Trix & Chatter. Dorny. Copyright 1921.

A collection of magic patter, presentations, and performance material by Dorny. Copyright 1921. Dedicated to The Sphinx, described on the dedication page as “the best and most popular magical journal in the world.”

Bound in the original publisher’s blue cloth with black-stamped pictorial cover and spine. This copy bears the bookplate of magician and collector Vernon Cook.

The text block remains complete. The front cover and spine are loose from the text block, with separation at the hinges. Binding exhibits moderate shelf wear, including rubbing at the extremities and light soiling. Internally clean with age toning consistent with its age. Good condition overall.

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.

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.