[ANDERSON, John Henry] THE WIZARD OF THE NORTH. LIFE STORY OF JOHN HENRY ANDERSON. [TYPED MANUSCRIPT].
Circa 1903. A 105pp., biography, typed rectos only, of the famed Scottish magician and actor who even Houdini considered the greatest publicist of his generation, and being a cradle-to-grave examination of his life, highlighting his start as a conjurer, his triumphs and tours (including exploits in America and Australia, performance at Balmoral Castle), his exhibition of other acts (the Aztecs, bell ringers, etc.), the Covent Garden fire, encounters with his contemporaries (including Robert-Houdin), and the many illusions and parlor tricks that helped make Anderson’s reputation, among them the Inexhaustible Bottle, Gun Trick, Nose Amputation, and the “Miraculous Washing” trick among others. Incidents in Anderson’s life are also recounted, including being accused of murder, attempts at rebuilding his show after catastrophes, the issuance of his conundrum challenges, etc.
Neatly typed and organized with subject headings throughout, beginning with “Herd Laddie, Blacksmith, and Showman,” and concluding with “Funeral at Aberdeen.” The manuscript closes with, “Of the life which we have told much more might be said. Each reader must think of it, not forgetting that ‘at the balance,’ we should be mute.”
A holographic notation on the front wrapper, LIKELY IN THE HAND OF HARRY HOUDINI, states, “There are two busts of J.H.A. made page 99. One in Banff (Canada?) / Showman. Bottle trick in coal mine. Hingston.” A few editorial notes and corrections in ink and blue pencil appear scattered throughout the text. Lower wrapper detached, final leaf lacks lower corner, upper wraps chipped and worn, but generally very good condition. Sold with a handful of Ricky Jay’s holographic penciled notes regarding the contents. A historically significant document regarding one of the greatest showmen and mystery entertainers of the nineteenth century.
Clipped to the inside of the front wrapper is a receipt made out to Hardeen, brother of Houdini, dated March 26, 1903 for the typing of the manuscript of 36,750 words, and postage, and bearing the notation, “Bill for type writing this story claimed to be written by Holm[es?] the son in law.”