This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/25/2023
RUSSELL, Fred (Thomas Parnell, 1862 – 1957). Ventriloquism and Kindred Arts. [London]: Keith, Prowse & Co., [1898]. Publisher’s purple paper-covered boards, lettered in gilt. Marbled red endsheets, A.E.G. Portrait frontispiece of Russell, one plate showing Russell with Coster Joe. 96pp, 8vo. Binding cracked and spine toned, frontis loose. INSCRIBED AND SIGNED by the author on the frontis verso, “With the author’s compliments and kind regards, Fred Russell, July 22nd 1898.” An uncommon work by the “father of modern ventriloquism,” and the first we have encountered. Russell was the first performer to use a single figure sitting on his knee, an entirely new approach at the time, which set the stage for Bergen and Winchell.