GERMAIN, Karl (Charles Mattmueller, 1878 – 1959). Important Archive of Karl Germain Manuscripts, Patter, Programs, and Research Material. 1890s – 1970s. Hundreds of pages of documents housed in three volumes, the first of three containing handwritten manuscripts, typescripts, drawings, and other compositions in Germain's hand. Included are inked mockups in his hand for advertising in newspapers and on handbills, sample sketches for letterhead designs, fanciful compositions in his hand (“Do you know you have a blind spot in your eye? Maybe you do, maybe you don't, but Germain knows: See him and see how funny the things you don't see look."), handwritten scripts and typescripts for various effects (book test, clock trick, introductory patter, Coffee Trick, Watch and Rabbit, Clock Dial, Spirit Cabinet, and more). Many of the typescripts bear Germain's handwritten notes or corrections, and some are headed in his hand “For Paul" [Fleming], who would perform many of Germain's tricks after the elder magician's retirement.
The second volume of the archive contains ephemeral relics from Germain's career, among them theatre programs (including one for his appearance at the second annual Magic Circle séance), Chautauqua programs, newspaper and magazine clippings, handbills, brochures, letters to Germain, the classic multi-page pictorial brochure bearing Germain's well-known portrait on the front wrapper, a printed scene plot for Germain's show, handwritten “set lists" for his performances, a copy of the music used to accompany Germain's performances, a five-page typed “press sheet" describing his show, a form letter on Germain letterhead to booking committees, and more. Several items are annotated or contain marginalia in Germain's hand.
A third volume is comprised of hundreds of pages, including typescripts, correspondence, and related material from the careers of the two magicians most responsible for growing and elevating Germain's legacy: Paul Fleming and Stewart Cramer. Fleming worked as an assistant to Germain, later took over Germain's Chautauqua route, and even performed as Germain, presenting many of his signature illusions. Fleming then became a noted professor of Economics, but all the while maintained a healthy performance schedule with his full evening magic show featuring many of Germain's classic tricks, oftentimes using Germain's own apparatus. These documents include lists of Germain props owned and used by Fleming, typescripts of patter for Fleming's presentation of the effects, inventories and lists of tricks Fleming and his wife would sell to collectors after their retirement from the stage. Ken Klosterman purchased many Germain props from the Flemings. Also included in this portion of the archive are letters, notes, sketches, and comments from Germain's friend and biographer, Stewart Cramer which reveal details of presentation, personal information, and other sidelights into Germain's life and career. Cramer knew Germain intimately in the last years of his life, became his protégé, and helped dispose of many of Germain's props, posters, and documents.
The archive is housed in three handsome maroon cloth three-ring notebooks with matching slipcases, the spines lettered in gilt with the name “Karl Germain." Primarily 4to sheets and smaller, with age-related wear as expected, but generally in very good condition. A revealing, expansive, informative, and important archive that shows the trajectory of Germain's career, his thought processes, how he performed many of his most famous feats, and the lasting legacy he created which was enhanced and expanded by Paul Fleming and Stewart Cramer.