Please email if you've any questions, on any of the items -or- would like to be included in my data base, in order to receive my monthly emailed MagicCollector CyberList's.
Thanks,
Sparky
STEPHEN A. SPARKS Stephen A. Sparks Collectibles Specializing in Houdiniana P. O. Box 1345 Spring, Texas 77383-1345 USA
Many many stories about escaping from prisons, etc.
HOUDINI Audio Book
Greater Magic - Kaufman/Greenberg edition
MAGICOL, Old(complete) and New Series(46 issues)
MEMOIRS OF ROBERT HOUDIN, The Great Wizard Signed by the Author and Jay Marshall
Blackstone, Sr. FIRST magic publication from 1911
PENTAGRAM Magazine - 98+% complete (only missing 3 issues) ===== ===== OK, while I'm here - here's the Text Only list: ===== ===== 2485-6843) ORIENTAL CONJURING and MAGIC by Will Ayling
HardBound with DustJacket and 384pages.
Copyright 1981 and published by The Supreme Magic Company of Bideford, Devon, England.
The contents pages were so detailed, I've reproduced them for you below, for ease in reading.
Measures approx. 7 1/2"x9 3/4". Book and DustJacket are in Mint condition.
I'm not sure the book was even read. - $85.00
2486-9830) THE RIDDLE OF CHUNG LING SOO by Will Dexter
Copyright 1973 (second printing) and published by The Supreme Magic Company of Bideford, Devon, England.
Will Dexter was born in 1909, always interested in Magic and one of the officers of The Magic Circle.
For this biography Dexter has gathered material from all over the world. He tells of Robinson's early experiences in the United States, of his appearance and calamitous failure at the Folies Bergeres as "Hop Sing Soo" - and his great success the following night as "Chung Ling Soo". He tells of the battle with Ching Ling Foo, a genuine Chinese magician. The truth behind the greasepaint, the Oriental mask, and yet retains all the glamour and colour of a great illusionist and a great personality.
I have reproduced the content page, below, for ease in reading.
HardBound with DustJacket and 224pages.
DJ in protective mylar holder, which will explain the lightness in color and reflections in the first photo below. - $65.00
2487-7443) RICKY JAY - Two Items From 1977 and 2002
The First Item is a Playboy magazine from December 1977.
Besides the usual articles, photos, cartoons, jokes, adv's, etc. you'd expect to find in this magazine, there's also THREE PAGE, pictorial article about Ricky Jay:
CARD TRICKs How to win friends and influence Blondes with a full deck or less - a prestidigitatorial pictorial starring crack shot Ricky Jay
There are over a dozen photo's of Ricky Jay and his female assistant.
Jay is fully clothed, the assistant is just the opposite.
Due to all this, you must be at least 18years old to purchase this offering.
The Second item is the Second Stage Theatre PLAYBILL program for Ricky Jay:
RICKY JAY On The Stem
Information Inside: Title page with assorted information Who's Who In The Cast (3pages) Assorted acknowledgements for staff and theatre (2pages)
The only photo, of Ricky Jay, is the one on the cover. - $35.00/(for everything)
>>>>>LayAway is available. If this is for you - just email for details.<<<<<
2488-8624) SPOOK CROOKs!
Exposing the Secrets of the Prophet-eers who Conduct our Wickedest Industry
By Julien J Proskauer - chairman of Press Committee and a trustee parent assembly number one of the society of American Magicians - member international Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) international magic circle, Magicians' club of London, etc - profusely illustrated by James and Howard Savage.
Copyright 1932 and published by A.L. Burt Company of New York and Chicago.
First Edition
The content page has been reproduced, below, for ease in reading.
The author, a well known Magician and ardent foe of the deceptions by fraudulent con artists, exposes the spirit mediums, fortune tellers, spiritualists, and the pseudo-science of astrology, numerology, palmistry, tea leaf reading, and other false doctrines created to impress the gullible, separate them from their money and make the con artist/swindler wealthy.
HardBound with DustJacket and 300 pages.
Book measures approx. 5 3/4"x8 1/2". - $65.00
2489-4684) TALEs OF ESCAPE by Paul Dowswell
Copyright 1994 and published by Scholastic, Inc. of New York, Toronto, London, Auckland, and Sydney.
SoftBound with 64 pages.
Over a dozen articles about escaping from prisons, castles, etc.
This includes a four page article about Houdini:
HARRY HOUDINI, Escaping For A Living
Just another fine example of you never know where a Houdini article is going to turn up for Houdiniana collectors.
Book measures approx. 7"x9 3/4". - $25.00
2490-8964) THE COMPLEAT MAGICK Volume 4
HardBound with 592pages. Stated First Edition. Index in rear of book.
Edited by Bascom Jones and published in 1994 by Collector's Workshop of Washington D.C.
If you missed the original MAGICK magazines, you'll LOVE this bound volume.
Some shelf wear and it appears a round sticker was removed from the title page, as there's a little round paper loss in the upper right corner area.
This edition Limited To 500 Copies, of which This copy is hand numbed No. 137 - $250.00
2491-0127) THE LIFE and TIMEs OF AUGUSTUS RAPP by written himself.
Introduction by Robert Parrish
Augustus Rapp wrote this autobiography when he was 89 years old. He would die a short time later, at the age of 90 (1871-1961). He performed 60 years of amazing magic all over the country, from the villages of the middle west to the rural south. There are a wealth of anecdotes. A selection of old portraits and playbills help to make this a uniquely interesting book.
Copyright 1959 and published by Jay Marshall for The Ireland Magic Company of Chicago, Illinois.
First Edition and limited to 500 copies, of which this one is No.423
The Content Page has been reproduced, below, for ease in reading.
SpiralBound with 136 pages. Book measures approx. 8 1/2"x11".
Some wear to the covers, but not very much.
Great autobiography. - $65.00
>>>Remember, all these descriptions are on my WebSite -but- with 100s of color photographs, as well.
2492-7846) How To Operate A Financially Successful HAUNTED HOUSE
Written by Philip Morris and Dennis Phillips
Copyright 1980 by Morris Costumes, Inc.
These experts tell you everything you need to know about how to operate a financially successful Haunted House.
Includes tips on advertising, promotion, design, safety and how to create alarming special effects for your Haunted House.
The Content Page has been reproduced, below, for ease in reading.
SpiralBound with 101 pages.
Book measures approx. 8 1/2"x11".
Better buy this now and get a jump on Halloween, for this book will be Long Gone and sold by then!! - $45.00
2493-7156) THE MINIATURE HAUNTED HOUSE by The Great Leon
Do It Yourself Plans, Patter and Complete Routine.
Copyright 1960 and published by the Ireland Magic Company of Chicago, Illinois.
Contents Include: Introduction Effect The House Special Properties Performance and Patter Further Suggestions and Ideas Some Further Effects
CombBound with 34pages. Book measures approx. 8 1/2"x11".
Don't wait to try and find this book around Halloween, purchase it now, so you can start building this Wonderful Haunted House. - $35.00
2494-7832) THE SECRET LIFE OF HOUDINI by William Kalush and Larry Sloman
The Making Of America's First Superhero.
Audio Book on five CDs.
Running time approx. 6hours.
Sit back and listen to the story about the most famous magician of all time.
Don't like to read? Well then, this is just right for you!! - $35.00
2495-3187) GREATER MAGIC by John Northern Hilliard
A Practical Treatise on Modern Magic.
This book is Almost 3" thick. If this doesn't sound like very much - grab one of your magic books and measure it.
Copyright 1994 and published by Richard Kaufman and Alan Greenberg.
This is the Expanded Edition with 1292pages, published over a half century later.
Contents include:
Review of Chapters by H. Adrian Smith - Introduction by Howard Thurston - Biography of Hilliard - Tribute to Hilliard by Gelett Burgess - In the Beginning - Pageant and Prolegomenon - The Master of the Playing Cards - Card Fans and Locations - Location by Sleights - Location by Mark Cards - Marked Cards - Key or Locator Cards - Subtleties and Arrangements - The Slick Ace - Old Wine in New Bottles - Shuffles, Force, Cut and Pass - Impromptu Card Tricks - Sleight of Hand Card Tricks - The Spelling Bee - Clairvoyance with Cards - The Four Aces - The Rising Cards - Prepared Cards - The Tuned Deck - Card Stars of the USA - Magic with Silks - Magic with Balls - Coin Magic - Cigarettes and Cigars - Bills - Ropes - The Chinese Rings - Selected Tricks - Mind Reading - Magic Squares - Magicana - Stage Presentation - Stage Tricks and Illusions - At the End - Index
=====
More Greater Magic Includes:
Introduction - Carl Jones: The Only Man For The Job - The Origin of Greater Magic (Section I) - The Origin of Greater Magic (Section II) - Written By John Northern Hilliard - The Fate Of Chapter XXX - Selections From Hilliard's Notebooks (Section I) - Selections From Hilliard's Notebooks (Section II) - It Might Have Been - Fu Manchu - Deleted Chapter: Obiter Dicta - Epilogue
WOW, now that's a book and if you never buy another for your collection - this is the one you should buy!!!
Dust jacket has little wear. There's an inscription (in French) on an inside front blank page. When looking down, at the top of book, there's a small stain (very small stain) on the top of the pages. Last thing I can see is a little edge discoloration, when looking down on the top pages, and the bottom pages edge.
Most all of this is minimal, I just like to try and tell everything that's wrong, no matter how small. On a scale of 1-10, I would still call the book a 9. - $250.00
2496-1567) MAGICOL Magazine, A Journal of the Magic Collectors' Association.
The first part, of this offering, is for the Old Series issues from the 1950s:
And, for you Houdini buffs, the Mother Load Of Houdini Articles:
#57 - Houdini on Cover -and- article inside: Houdini's Last Sale by Mario Carrandi
#61 - All My Worldly Goods by Robert Lund
#64 - The Edward Saint Collection by Wayne R. Wissner
#67 - Houdini's Australian Flight by Gerald Taylor
#76 - Houdini's Insurance by Howard Puff
#80 - Houdini's Coffin by Mike Caveney
#87 - Time For Houdini by Raphael Ellenbogen
#88 - Uncanonized Saint by Robert Lund
#96 - A Legend In Australia by Alfred T. Hayes
#97 - Ex Libris by Jim Alfredson
#104 - Houdini on Cover -and- inside article's: Spendthrift Harry by Robert Lund -and- Houdini's Life Insurance (no author given)
#105 - The Houdini Will by Joel Miller
#109 - The Telltale Postcard by Robert Lund -and- A Letter To Harry Kellar by William P. Miesel
#116 - Mardoni - Houdini's Would-Be Successor by Chuck Romano
#135 - Magical Music or Musical Magic? by Enrique Jimenez Martinez (Assorted plays, musicals with a magic theme, including the 1977 Houdini Opera performed in the Netherlands)
#138 - The Literature of Escape by David Meyer (not necessarily on Houdini, but a good tie-in, since it discusses escapes)
#140 - The Next Generation of Magic Collector's by Arthur Moses
#142 - Houdiniana And The Unmasking of Robert Houdin by George Daily
#143 - What Is It? by Terry Harris (Houdini Stanhope)
#148 - Houdini Stanhopes by Arthur Moses
#149 - On The Death Of My Friend Harry Houdini by Will Rogers
#158 - The Lengths We Go To by Arthur Moses
#160 - On The Hunt With Robert Lund, Part 1 by Dan Waldron -and-The Story Behind The Houdini Story - Sid Fleischman
#161 - On The Hunt With Robert Lund, Part 2 by Dan Waldron
#165 - A Highlight Of My Collection: Houdini's Steel StraitJacket by Rob Allen
The OLD, the NEW, and all those HOUDINI articles - It Doesn't Get Better Than This!! - $500.00/(for everything)
>>>>>LayAway is available. If this is for you - just email for details.<<<<<
2497-5645) MEMOIRS OF ROBERT HOUDIN, The Great Wizard (#1)
Translated from the French by Dr. R. Shelton Mackenzie.
Hardbound with DustJacket. Measures 5 1/2"x8".
Original copyright 1859.
Title page shows the date of 1944, but 1945 is shown on the copyright page.
Endpapers have illustration of invitation ticket designed by Robert-Houdini.
Chapters include:
The Inexhaustible Bottle - The Fantastic Orange Tree - The Miraculous Fishing - The Aerial Clock - Second Sight or The Mysterious Little Bell - The Handkerchief With Surprises - The Ethereal Suspension - The Garland of Flowers - Robert-Houdin's Briefcase - Instant Thought Transmission - The Transparent Box - The French Guard - The Pastryman of The Palais-Royal - The Tumbler on The Trapeze - The Enchanted Vase - The Cornucopia.
A Massive 457 pages.
The DustJacket is in a protective Mylar holder, which explains some of the flaws in the photos. Looking at the DJ, there's no whitish area in the center of the front cover, this is reflection from the Mylar. On the photo of the DJ opened up, on the center of the spine - the white area isn't there, it's a reflection. The 'red bleed' on the back cover is there. From what, I don't know, since I don't see any water damage to the rear of the book. A little paper loss at the top and bottom of the DJ spine. The number "338" written, in pen, on the inside (see photo). The book has a rubber stamp of "Lux Magic Studio" on the inside (in a couple places) and on the inside flap of the DJ. There's an circular embossed stamp on last page. "TR" in the center, with "Library of Tweed Robinson" around this.
This stated "First Edition" published by Carl W. Jones of Minneapolis. - $75.00
2498-4297) MEMOIRS OF ROBERT HOUDIN, The Great Wizard (#2)
Translated from the French by Dr. R. Shelton Mackenzie.
Hardbound with DustJacket. Measures 5 1/2"x8".
Original copyright 1859.
This stated "First Edition" published by Carl W. Jones of Minneapolis.
Title page shows the date of 1944, but 1945 is shown on the copyright page.
Endpapers have of invitation ticket designed by Robert-Houdini.
Chapters include:
The Inexhaustible Bottle - The Fantastic Orange Tree - The Miraculous Fishing - The Aerial Clock - Second Sight or The Mysterious Little Bell - The Handkerchief With Surprises - The Ethereal Suspension - The Garland of Flowers - Robert-Houdin's Briefcase - Instant Thought Transmission - The Transparent Box - The French Guard - The Pastryman of The Palais-Royal - The Tumbler on The Trapeze - The Enchanted Vase - The Cornucopia.
A Massive 457 pages.
The BONUS, of this offering, the book is SIGNED AND INSCRIBED to Laurie Ireland by Carl Jones.
January 15, 1945
The 2nd BONUS is further down on the same page, Jay Marshall has signed his name, making this his personal copy.
3rd BONUS is not only did Jay read the book: HE STUDIED THE BOOK!!!
There are many pencil notations, in the book, in Jay's handwriting.
Along with this are three sheets of hotel stationery (from The Raleigh in Washington, DC) with the notes Jay made, while reading the book.
Double signed and Jay Marshall's personal copy!! - $125.00
2499-1798) EASY MAGIC FOR EVERYONE by Harry Blackstone, Sr.
Ingenious ways in which a beginner, without any expensive apparatus or a knowledge of "sleights" can entertain and amuse his friends.
17page manuscript which measures 5 1/2x8 1/2.
Second page is a generic letter, from Arthur F. Felsman, to the reader.
According to Stephen Forrester's: A Bibliography of Classic Authors In Magic and Related Arts, this was Harry Blackstone's first magic publication from 1911.
Has a blue outer page cover, which looks like the manuscript could have been folded, addressed and mailed. This one hasn't been addressed, mailed, etc.
Inside are 15 magic effects with 16 actual photographs of Blackstone -and 3 illustrations.
The Magic Effects Include:
The Magnetized Piece of Word or Table Knife - The Blackstone Vanishing Ace - A Blackstone Egg Production - The Blackstone Mysterious Sugar Trick - The Blackstone Seven Card Trick - The Blackstone Magic Handkerchief - A Simple Experiment With Static Electricity - A Blackstone Mystery - The Blackstone Seven and Eight Trick - The Blackstone Broken Match and Handkerchief - Blackstone's Mindreading Trick With Cards - The Blackstone Rubber Band and String Trick - To Pass A Half Dollar Through A Hole Half Its Size - Blackstone's Watch Trick (A Mind Reading Effect) - Swallowing A Knife
How this for an unusual Blackstone, Sr. piece? - $75.00
2500-8585) HARRY BLACKSTONE, Sr. Photo PostCard
Not a lot of description needed for this offering, as I believe the two photos, below, tell the whole story.
Great looking portrait photo of Blackstone, Sr. - superimposed in the lower right corner:
BLACKSTONE World's Foremost MAGICIAN
Another great thing about this PostCard, on the writing side, the first owner has written:
Presented to me - by Blackstone - while at dinner with him when he entertained the boys at Percy Jones.
Light bend in the lower left corner, but you've got to look hard to see it. - $75.00
2501-3134) HOUDINI PUMP BADGE
Have any idea what this is from? For those of you who like beer, you're probably familiar with the beer 'badges' located on the LONG handle the bartender would pull to pour you a nice, cold draft. Same thing here, except it's for a local beer in England to honor the Houdini beer challenge.
It's states:
"HOUDINI Commemorative Ale brewed to the special ale recipe that beat Houdini on the 18th February 1911, when the renowned escapologist failed in his attempt to escape from a barrel of Joshua Tetley's Ale. Beat That..."
This measures 4 3/4"x6 3/4" and is very colorful.
This came directly from England!! - $25.00
2502-7854) PENTAGRAM MAGAZINE
Published monthly by Peter Warlock in Bramcote, England.
Magazines measure approx. 7 1/2"x10"
A total of 159 issues and 7 Index's make up a Complete File.
This offering is missing only three issues and one Index.
Those missing are: Volume 3, #s 1 and 4 Volume 7, #8 Index for Volume One
There were no index's issued for Volumes 8 thru 14.
Most issues are in Near Mint/Mint condition and have 8pages each.
Some of the best minds, of the 1940s and 1950s, contributed MAGIC and MENTALISM to this GREAT run of magazines. - $300.00
2503-3268) THEATRE MAGAZINE for March 1923. Volume 37, #264.
This is a Large Format magazine (measuring 9 3/4"x12 3/4").
Under the heading of "Special Articles" is one about Houdini: "The Mystery Man of the Stage" by Burr C. Cook.
As the magazine states:
"Interesting Close-up of a Famous Magician Who Indulges Other Tastes Than Feats of Strength".
Article touches on: (a) 1920 Webster’s Dictionary addition with exact listing described. (b) Riveted into a large, hot water boiler in 1907 by the Marine Boiler Works of Toledo, Ohio. (c) The rest of page on Houdini, the book collector. citing examples of: (1) David Garrick’s Original Diary. (2) 1584 edition of Scott’s "The Discouverie of Witchcraft". (3) "Annus Mirabilis" (1666) by Dryden. (4) "Life of Edmund Kean" by Hawkins. (4) "The Memories of the Life of Theophilus Keene" by Richard Savage.
In addition to the article, there’s a nice photo of Houdini which isn't published very often.
This magazine looks as though it were published yesterday. Outside of a small tear, on the front covers bottom edge, it has good tight covers, clean pages, etc. etc. On a scale of 1-10, it would have to be a 9!! - $75.00
2504-1597) Ken Brooke's Magic, The Unique Years
Copyright 1980 and published by Edwin Hooper of Supreme Magic. England.
Hardbound with DustJacket and 222pages.
Chapters include: Foreword (by Harry Stanley) - Wisdom, Advice and a Recommended Book - Ken on Kards - Fun Magic - Something, Things with Silks - Classic Egg Bag and Linking Rings - Bottles and Bills - Coin Capers - Packet and Other Card Tricks - Sponges - Ken Brooke’s Card Act - Some of Ken’s Favorites - Three Cups, One Cup.
The Complete Chapter's are reproduced, below, for ease in reading. Click the Thumbnail photo to bring up the larger.
As Edwin Hooper puts it:
Wherever possible, I have kept the instructions almost exactly as they were, except of course that where special apparatus was used, this has been fully detailed. -- I have endeavored to keep each and every article A COMPLETE LESSON IN MAGIC ON ITS OWN. -- In addition to effects actually originated by Ken, I have included some of those great contemporary effects which he routined and performed to perfection, in the Unique Studio and at their demonstrations, and in his own programme.
Book measures approx. 8 1/4"x10 1/4".
A wonderful book on Ken Brooke and his magic. - $65.00
2505-7892) A LIFETIME OF JOY by Ken Brooke
"A collection of tricks, gags and funny bits of business that I have used professionally for over 40 years."
Copyright 1982 and published and edited by Jeff Busby Magic, Inc. in Oakland, California.
The content page has been reproduced, below, for ease in reading.
CombBound with 16pages. Book measures approx. 8 1/2"x11".
GREAT GREAT Magic by one of England's Best!! - $35.00
2506-1457) KEN BROOKEs MAGIC PLACE
An anthology compiled and edited by Anthony Brahmas.
Includes illustrated instructions, Ken Brooke's Notes, Tips, Letters, Gags, etc.
Foreword by John Fisher.
Copyright 1995 and published by L&L Publishing of Tahoma, California.
Hardbound with 302pages.
Content pages have been reproduced, below, for ease in reading.
The lighter two photos, below, were taken with my digital camera. The darker two with my scanner, which really shows off the gold lettering on the front cover and spine. Corners are a little dinged on the front cover.
Another wonderful book on Ken Brooke and his magic.
Book measures approx. 8 3/4"x11 1/4". - $65.00
_________________________ Quality Collector's Magic by Stephen A. Sparks Collectibles http://www.GranHoudini.net
Registered: 01/19/08
Posts: 277
Loc: Spring, Texas USA
The following have sold:
THE RIDDLE OF CHUNG LING SOO by Will Dexter
GREATER MAGIC by John Northern Hilliard
HARRY BLACKSTONE, Sr. Photo PostCard
And actually: ORIENTAL CONJURING and MAGIC by Will Ayling has sold, as well - but I have another copy, in the same great MINT condition, so it's not shown as sold on my WebSite.
Please email if you've any questions,
SPARKY
_________________________ Quality Collector's Magic by Stephen A. Sparks Collectibles http://www.GranHoudini.net
Registered: 01/19/08
Posts: 277
Loc: Spring, Texas USA
Sorry for being delinquent in keeping this updated - the following two items have also sold:
2496-1567) MAGICOL Magazine, A Journal of the Magic Collectors' Association. Large lot of Old and New Series @ $500.00
2475-8765) Houdini's Conjurers Monthly 2-vol set reprinted by Richard Kaufman @ $300.00
The latter was from July's listings and probably had a little push, since a file, like this, sold last evening on Martinka's Auctions for $332.00, plus 10% buyers fee for a total of $365.00.
If you've not checked out my WebSite, you might like to - no telling what other items you'll find, which I'm selling for less than current auctions.
