This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/17/2019
Levante, Les (Leslie George Cole). The Great Levante. How’s Tricks. Auckland: Wright & Jacques, ca. 1935. Letterpress broadside in red and blue heralding the “most novel mystical extravaganza yet seen” including the Death Ray Gun illusion, “magic kettle,” and a cast of supporting artists. 40 x 14". Red color plate offset visible, minor closed tears expertly repaired. A-. Linen backed. Australian-born Levante (1892 – 1978) had humble beginnings, starting his working life as the driver of a baker’s cart. His interest in magic was already strong when, as a teenager, he helped found the Australian Society of Magicians, the world’s fourth-oldest magical society. After a brief apprenticeship to performer Tom Selwyn and appearing in military propaganda films during World War I, Levante struck out on his own as a showman and illusionist, eventually finding fame and fortune on the world’s stages. He toured with a spectacular production called “How’s Tricks?,” presenting illusions on a grand scale, and supported by a cast of some 40 assistants.