$25,000
Dean, Henry. The Whole Art of Legerdemain; or, Hocus Pocus in Perfection. By which, the meanest Capacity may perform the whole art without a Teacher. Together with the use of several instruments belonging thereto. This like never in print before. London: Printed and Sold by A. Bettesworth, at the Red-Lyon in Pater-noster-Row, 1722. First edition. [1-6], 7-44, 54, 46-96, 73-77, 87, 79-101, [102] + 9 leaves of advertisments. Modern calf, being a finely executed period-style binding. Frontispiece, woodcuts in text. 12mo. A 1-3 and seven terminal ad leaves expertly recreated and bound in, rounded corners and wear restored. Now very good. In a drop spine box. One of five examples known. Toole Stott 199. In the words of Edwin A. Dawes, Henry Dean’s book became a 19th century “best seller” that ran through many editions in both England and America. It was, however, primarily an unoriginal work, in that its content was lifted primarily from the Discoverie of Witchcraft, Hocus Pocus Jr., and Sports and Pastimes. Even one of the illustrations in Dean’s book, depicting the Egg Bag trick, was lifted from the work of another – Richard Neve’s Merry Companion.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2014-02-08
