This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2023
MALINI, Max (Max Katz Breit, 1873–1942). CARD TRICKS. (Halifax): Milner & Co., ca. 1900. Publisher’s offset pictorial wraps bearing a full-length image of Malini holding a fan of cards inside a floral border on the upper, printed advertisements to lower. Illustrated with woodcuts. 8vo. Large bookplate of Clinton Burgess pasted to inside of rear wrapper. Spine contemporarily taped, pages uniformly browned, one corner clipped, short tears, other minor wear; very good. RARE; the only example we have encountered with Malini’s portrait on the cover. See Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women, at page 92.
The contents of this chapbook were wedded to a wide range of covers of varying designs. It is possible, though uncertain, that this edition was offered for sale by Malini as a “pitch book” after his performances, but it is more likely that the photographer who captured the image on the cover sold the rights to print the picture to the publishing firm. In addition to card tricks the pamphlet explains the basic secret of ventriloquism, and how to stop hecklers.