Magic Books: Five Rare Books for Collectors

Potter & Potter

Edwin Dawes' collection of booklets and lecture notes

Highlights of Potter & Potter's The Collection of Edwin A. Dawes Part IV auction, the fourth and final sale from the Dawes collection, include: 

Edwin Dawes' collection of booklets and lecture notes

Approximately 100 thin magic booklets and two boxes of lecture notes, spanning the 20th century in English, predominantly published in Great Britain and the United States

How to Become a Wizard: Introducing Up-to-date Tricks and Illusions by Albert Edward Bodie 

Albert Bodie was the son and pupil of the renowned and unusual Scottish stage performer Dr. Walford Bodie. Dawes' bookplate stamp present (London and Macduff: Bodie Electric Publishing Co., ca. 1907)

The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin by Harry Houdini 

First edition (New York, The Publisher's Printing Co., 1908), presentation copy inscribed and signed by Houdini to fellow magician Stanley Collins, the secretary of the London Magicians' Club founded by Will Goldston, and for which Houdini served as the president for several years.

How to Become a Wizard: Introducing Up-to-date Tricks and Illusions by Albert Edward Bodie
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Potter & Potter

How to Become a Wizard: Introducing Up-to-date Tricks and Illusions by Albert Edward Bodie 

The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin by Harry Houdini
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Potter & Potter

The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin by Harry Houdini 

A Manifest Detection of the Most Vyle and Detestable Use of Dice Play by J.O. Halliwell
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A Manifest Detection of the Most Vyle and Detestable Use of Dice Play by J.O. Halliwell

The Wizard's Pocketbook by Professor  Hoffmann
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The Wizard's Pocketbook by Professor  Hoffmann

A Manifest Detection of the Most Vyle and Detestable Use of Dice Play by J.O. Halliwell

Only two examples of the original edition of this work, published in 1552, are known; this, a 19th-century reprint (London, The Percy Society, 1850), is scarce in and of itself. The text describes crooked dice and 'Chetours' in the days of Shakespeare, and also mentions cheating at cards, as well as “sleight" of hand and “juggling" tricks used for nefarious purposes. Dawes bookplate.

The Wizard's Pocketbook by Professor  Hoffmann (Angelo Lewis)

Vest pocket-sized booklet that allows the performer to perform a divination feat with cards. With scarce original instructions and printed envelope. Signed on the title page “Louis Hoffmann" (London, ca. 1910)