This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/9/2023
BLACKSTONE, Harry (Henry Boughton, 1885 - 1960). Harry Blackstone’s 1944 Datebook, Notes, and Levitation Patter. Chicago, 1943. A small datebook issued by the Globe Poster Corp of Chicago and St. Louis, kept by Harry Blackstone Sr. and including his penciled and inked notations not only of theaters his company would perform in for the 1944 season, but also inked notations regarding fellow magicians, suppliers, addresses, and phone numbers. Theater names recorded include the Pantages in Vancouver, Palomar in Seattle, Paramount in Toledo, and Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor. Sold together with a memoranda/advertising book kept by Blackstone, including notes on jokes and tricks, and drawings in Blackstone’s hand for various stage effects; also included is a penciled script notation in Blackstone’s hand (well rubbed) that reproduces a line from his presentation of the Levitation illusion: “There the little lady rests comfortably on her aerial couch and she could rest there for hours without any [illegible], in act as far as she is concerned she is practically dead to the world for the time being. Kellar’s Levitation of Princess Karnak.” All three objects showing wear from regular daily use. Regardless, a fascinating and personal trove of documents from the heyday of one of America’s great stage illusionists.