Summer Magic Auction

Chicago Magic Roundtable 1946 Scrapbook. Cloth-covered scrapbook collecting the autographs and memorabilia for one year in the decades-long lifespan of this informal magic social club. First leaves include the autographs of approximately 500 magicians, among them Harry Blackstone Sr. (including one full-page charcoal self-portrait, and one tiny caricature portrait in ink), Paul LePaul, Ole Olson and Johnson, Eddie McLaughlin, George Marquis, Ovette, Dai Vernon, Hathaway, Martin Gardner, Silent Mora, Charlie Miller, Bill Baird, Tom Palmer, Ed and Matt Schulien, Johnny Platt, and Clarke “The Senator” Crandall, and hundreds more. Many autographs accompanied by quips or inscriptions, and several with line drawings of magicians in action. The balance of the book filled with brochures, business cards, signed photographs, letters (ALS and TLS), promotional ephemera and newspaper clippings for The Johnstones, Dorny, Joseffy (caricature postcard), Mary and Lou Harris, Johnny Paul, Lockman, Tarbell (testimonial program), Nicola, Ed Marlo (inscribed and signed 8 x 10”), Von Arx, Bert Allerton, Si Stebbins, and dozens more. Small folio. Most contents in good condition, with some wear from age and glue as expected. A mostly-informal gathering of magicians that met every day in Chicago’s Loop, the Roundtable welcomed both local magicians and visitors to its “meetings.” Essentially, the organization was an informal luncheon club that met at the same restaurant day after day, year after year. Magicians were invited to socialize, dine, and perform for each other and guests. The Roundtable kept annual scrapbooks – like this one - signed by visitors, and including ephemera, letters, and photographs of magicians, both regulars, and honored guests.