This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/25/2023
[NOTEBOOK – CONJURING SECRETS] Victorian Conjurer’s Manuscript Notebook of Tricks and Secrets. British, 1850s – 70s. Likely compiled by T.W. Edmonds (who performed as “Professor Era”), and comprised of a 196-page notebook kept in a distinctive cursive hand, the bulk of the book explaining the methods behind many classic conjuring feats, including the Ashes on the Arm, a variety of card tricks, and with extensive sections explaining Second Sight mind reading (including extensive code lists) and the method of Professor Anderson’s version of the effect, a description of a visit to Mr. Home’s séance, along with lengthy descriptions of how to present both light and dark séances. With scattered ephemera of the era tipped-in, including printed instruction sheets for Second Sight effects, several news cuttings, clippings and illustrated advertisements for the Hiam Brothers’ conjuring depot, and a manuscript list of wholesale and retail prices for various conjuring props. A small section at the back of the notebook describes house repairs and other domestic matters. Half roan considerably worn and lacking the backstrip, but internally sound. A fascinating account of Victorian era conjuring in England.