$1,400
Fox, Paul (Paul Fuchs). Important fifteen-page ALS from Paul Fox to Al Baker. On Chicago Elks Lodge No. 4 letterhead, ca. 1927. Fox, one of the most inventive and underrated magicians of the early twentieth century, describes his complete cigarette manipulation routine to Baker, as well as offering hints about his Miser’s Dream routine, and other tricks and gimmicks he is working on. Illustrations in Fox’s hand appear on two pages. 4to sheets; several tattered at edges. Good overall. Magic’s “inner circle” of the 1920s and 30s was a small network that included Paul Fox, Al Baker, Dai Vernon, Charlie Miller, S. Leo Horowitz, Faucett Ross, and Cardini. These men often traded correspondence with each other, and then passed on letters detailing tricks and routines – like this one – to other members of the circle. It is most likely that this letter was passed from one member of magic’s most exclusive unofficial club to Cardini in order for the great stage magician to fully understand the working of Fox’s cigarette manipulation. Fox and Cardini were good friends, and many of Fox’s innovations and inventions in sleight-of-hand (and cigarette magic, generally) were incorporated in to Cardini’s act.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2013-04-06
