This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/9/2023
[DAVID DEVANT] Mr. Blands Professor of Legerdemain Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue of New & Superior Conjuring Tricks. London, 478 New Oxford St., ca. 1880. Publisher’s pictorial boards, A.E.G. Copiously illustrated, printed in two colors. 290 pages. 8vo. Introductory remarks and endorsements by Professor Hoffmann, J.N. Maskelyne, and Dr. Lynn. Bookplate of Jeffrey Atkins to front pastedown and accompanied by a letter of provenance describing how Atkins received the book: “This is the Bland catalogue presented to the young Jeffrey Atkins by David Devant, when the former visited the invalided magician in his home at Norman Road, Hove in the early thirties while on holiday with his parents.” Atkins would go on to be a magician of note in his own right, and a champion of the famous illusions of Devant, Maskelyne, and their contemporaries from magic’s “golden age.” All but disbound, gutters taped; poor condition.