This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/17/2024
[WYMAN]. LATHRAM, E.W. Wyman’s Hand-Book of Magic. Philadelphia: A. Winch, 1853. Pictorial wraps, upper bearing the image of a wizard holding a staff encircled by a serpent bound in marbled boards over leather spine. Illustrated with wood engravings. 8vo. Folding archival paper case. Wraps a bit soiled, but bright and attractive with spine intact. A handsome example of this uncommon variant. Toole-Stott 426.
Lathram’s booklet – really a “pitch” item sold after Wyman’s performances – borrows both words and illustrations (without attribution or, one would suspect, any permission) from David Brewster, and explains not only sleight-of-hand tricks, but feats as elaborate as the Chess Playing “Turk” automaton of Von Kempelen.