328: Remarkable autograph album/scrapbook of music hall

[Scrapbook] Zomah, Adelaide. Remarkable autograph album/scrapbook of music hall magicians and entertainers. Leatherbound, 4to. Spanning the years 1909-1922, this singular keepsake was compiled by British Music Hall mindreader Adelaide Zomah, and is filled front to back with autographs, sentiments and drawings by magicians, actors, singers and artists Zomah worked with and met. Among the conjurers who autographed the book are Harry Houdini (his autograph reads "I really do not know what to write in your book filled with such celebrities – in fact make me [sic] think your friend among the famous must be as numerous as if that's all you mingled with… Houdini," and is accompanied by a tipped-in photograph of the great self-liberator), David Devant, J.N. Maskelyne (on an autographed RP Postcard), Blackstone, Jasper Maskelyne, John Mulholland, Horace Goldin, Edward Victor, Billy O'Connor, Chris Van Bern, The Great Leon (with signed RP postcard laid in), and more. Many pages autographed by actors and entertainers, such as Lillian Russell, include tipped in photographs and illustrations. Several pages showcase elaborate painted landscapes, portraits and seascapes, while others show off the pen-and-ink work of a variety of artists. With a letter on Malborough House stationery laid in regarding Zomah's command performance before the Royal Family at Malborough house on July 30th, 1919. Many pages loose in binding, some light wear, but generally very good condition. A unique documen