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The Magic Cafe Forum Index :: A turn of the page :: Rare Books (2 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

Good to here.
ekins
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Special user
Portland, Oregon
513 Posts

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Do you have any books that you believe are rare? This doesn't necessarily mean they are valuable, although that is often the case. It's more about books that you have that you've never seen anywhere else.

I have a couple that I'm curious about if anyone else has seen them.

1. "Conjuror's Secret Science" - This is a boxed set of the four S.H. Sharpe books "Optical Secrets", "Psychological Secrets", "Hydraulic and Pneumatic Secrets", and "Mechanical Secrets". I don't consider the books rare, but they are somewhat scarce. However, the set also includes an "Exordium" which contains "An Analysis and Classification of the Tricks Used by Conjurers" and a combined index of all four volumes. I haven't seen the boxed set or the Exordium anywhere else.

2. "The Magician on the American Stage" by Dr. Charles Pecor - This is two books, the first is the content and the second contains the references to the footnotes. They're both essentially paperbacks but are bound together in a strange hardcover vinyl wrap.
Jerry Hornak
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Northwest Connecticut
134 Posts

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I was gifted the book, "Magicians Own Book," with a handwritten inscription inside from 1869.

It looks well-used, and its aged pages are mottled with light spots, but it's completely readable. It's amusing how many of today's tricks are in it!
Making Happy Memories for Children since 1980!
https://JerrysMagic.com
Jerry Hornak
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Northwest Connecticut
134 Posts

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Making Happy Memories for Children since 1980!
https://JerrysMagic.com
shadowsowner
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51 Posts

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Thanks for posting the pic - great graphics on the cover!
Jerry Hornak
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Northwest Connecticut
134 Posts

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I agree! I wish it had been kept in better condition. Here's the title page . . .

Click here to view attached image.
Making Happy Memories for Children since 1980!
https://JerrysMagic.com
Jerry Hornak
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Regular user
Northwest Connecticut
134 Posts

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I had to smile when I recognized this old trick on page 11. I just never knew how old it was, lol.

There's really nothing new under the sun, is there? Smile

Click here to view attached image.
Making Happy Memories for Children since 1980!
https://JerrysMagic.com
Greg Kiefer
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64 Posts

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Jerry, That’s impressive! Thanks for sharing the photos.????
shadowsowner
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Just goes to prove the adage, "Everything old is new again." Thanks for sharing the pics!