$6,500
Hoffmann, Professor. The Wizard’s Pocket Book, the author’s manuscript. Derby, [1912]. Hoffmann’s own dummy of this pocket-sized booklet, constructed from a small notebook of lined sheets, the title page and page of text written in Hoffmann’s hand. The remaining pages are filled by miniature playing cards in a grid pattern, each tiny card pasted in place. Together with two printed proofs of the instruction booklet, identified as such by the printer’s inked stamp. Rear wrapper with one corner clipped, wraps worn, else good. In a custom clamshell box with gilt-stamped morocco spine. Together with: A printed example of The Wizard’s Pocket Book, signed on the title page by Hoffmann. A clever mind-reading feat is made possible by the arrangements of the cards in the book. Once a spectator has thought of a card and told the magician on what pages it appears, the conjurer instantly knows its identity -- without looking at the book.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2015-05-31
