History of Conjuring and Magic (First Edition)
Kenton, Ohio: International Brotherhood of Magicians, 1928. Illustrated. First Edition. Hardcover. Inscribed by the author on the front flyleaf, "To Major Wm. A. Kelly, 2001 Fifth St. So., Arlington, VA, with the compliments of the author, Henry Ridgely Evans, Baltimore, June 30/45". Further annotation in the author's hand is found on the very last flyleaf, (verso the author's biography printed on the back pastedown), in both ink and pencil.
This first edition is bound in blue buckram cloth. Covers are plain with gilt stamped lettering on the spine. Floral-patterned endpapers in green against an off-white background. Textblock is printed on a semi-glossy paper. Illustrated throughout with photos and other artifacts in black and white. Frontispiece is a full color image of a man in a tuxedo studying a book under the influence of several devils, with the word "Kellar" across the top.
Contents are divided into six parts: Genesis of Magic; Magic in the Middle Ages and in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries; Magic in the Eighteenth Century; Mgic in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries; Oriental Magic; and Behind the Scenes with Illusionists. Also contains an epilogue and appendix. Indexed. 235 pp.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Henry Ridgely Evans (1861-1949) was an American magician and journalist. High in the Masonic fraternity, having attained the 33rd Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. His works on Masonic history, symbolism, and antiquities gained him considerable reputation among Freemasons in America and Great Britain. He has authored many books on myth, magic, and the history of conjuring and magic. (Wikipedia and from the biography of the author within this copy).
CONDITION: External cover shows moderate wear, particularly around the edges. Textblock has lightly toned and is unmarked except for author's notations, and a small annotation in the margin of page 10 in pencil. Hinges are strong and the binding is sound. Frontispiece and images are bold and wonderful. A very unique, first edition inscribed and annotated copy by the author. A wonderful addition for any magician or magic enthusiast. Full refund if not satisfied. Very Good.
9.25" tall x 6.25" wide x 0.5" thick.
Item #077400
Price: $300.00