The Ricky Jay Collection Part III

EAGLE, Barnardo (1806 – 58). Autographed Letter from the Magician to J. Procter. Postmarked January 18, 1847, Eagle writes to the printer and bookseller that produced many of his broadsides, discussing arrangements for a forthcoming performance, and their previous correspondence. One 4to sheet, soiled at upper corners, two central losses. Partial wax seal to verso flanking address in Eagle’s hand. RARE. Eagle made a career of copying the tricks and billing of John Henry Anderson, the Scottish magician who was billed as the “Great Wizard of the North.” Eagle’s posters proclaimed him the “Royal Wizard of the South.” Procter operated a successful printing business in Hartlepool; the discovery of his archives is chronicled in the book Victorian Delights by Robert Wood.