This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2023
HERRMANN, Carl (1816–87). HERRMANN, FIRST PRESTIDIGITATEUR. New York: Wynkoop, Hallenbek & Thomas, 1861. Letterpress booklet/program advertising Herrmann’s performance at the Academy of Music and including stories and anecdotes from his career. Single gathering of twelve pages. 12mo. Old folds at corners, else very good. Toole Stott 345. RARE.
A few of the stories contained in this booklet sound familiar – but as tales about Herrmann’s brother, Alexander. A prime example is entitled “Herrmann at a Barber’s Shop.” A razor is used to bloody effect by Herrmann, yet no harm is done. Other stories recount his performance for the King of Portugal and at a restaurant, and a separate section describes episodes of his impromptu magic performed in New York City. The publication also notes the “absence of any apparatus, all effects being solely produced by extraordinary manual skill.”