CHUNG Ling Soo (William E. Robinson, 1863 – 1918). Chung Ling Soo’s Address Book. A tab-cut “Where is It” (cover title) address book owned by the “Marvelous Chinese Conjurer,” and filled with entries in ink in his own hand, including many key contacts important to his long and accomplished career as an entertainer. Among the persons and businesses noted in Soo’s distinct hand are James Upton & Co., lithographers of many of Soo’s posters; E.F. Albee, the vaudeville impresario; circus owner E.H. Bostock; Day’s Agency; Caroly, the Parisian magic manufacturer; Charles De Vere the magic dealer; Will Goldston (two different addresses); Horrocks & Co.; G.W. Hunter, the music hall monologist and magician; Fred Karno, the music hall manager (influential in the career of Charlie Chaplin); Servais LeRoy & Co. (including its wire address, “escamotage”); Ike Rose; as well as carters, poster writers, playing card suppliers, and other parties integral to the creation and working of a successful magic show.
One entry, possibly in another hand, lists the number of sheets of advertising Soo required for a certain leg of his music hall tour. A handful of clippings, notes, and check stubs (many bearing Soo’s handwriting) have also been laid into the book. Patterned roan binding ruled and lettered in gilt. Spine taped, with some chipping and wear from use especially to internal tabs and endsheets, but well-preserved overall. Small circular label to front cover bears the name “Soo” at its center, a feature of books from his library. A fascinating and revealing document that provides an inner view of the life of one of the Edwardian era’s most successful conjurers.Of particular interest is a single sheet of stationery for Jaap Van Laren, The Jolly Dutchman, a slack-wire artist, listing a large number of magic props acquired from the Chung Ling Soo auction at Barnes, which he is making available for sale.