2538-9753) A MAGICIAN AMONG THE SPIRITs by Harry Houdini.

Original copyright 1924.

This is a Beautiful edition published by Time/Life Books back in 1991.

Book is HardBound with 294 SILVER GILT EDGED pages.

It also has an attached ribbon bookmark.

Chapters include:

The Founders of Modern Spiritualism
The Davenport Brothers
Daniel Dunglas Home
Palladino
Ann O’Delia Diss Debar
Dr. Slade and His Spirits Slates
Slate Writing and Other Methods
Spirit Photography
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Why Ectoplasm
By-products of Spiritualism
Investigations, Wise and Otherwise
How Mediums Obtain Information
What You Must Believe To Be A Spiritualist
Magicians as Detectors of Fraud
Conclusion

If you don't want to pay around $300 for the First Edition, this book makes a great reading copy.

If you don't have a copy of this book in your library, now's the time to do so.

Book is in Great Condition. - $25.00

2545-3807) Creator of Magic & Magicians HARLAN TARBELL With His Revolutionary Study Course

Eugene E. Gloye's story of the life of Harlan Tarbell and his rich contributions to the literature and performance of twentieth-century theatrical magic.

Introduction by Alton Sharpe.

PaperBound and measures 6x8 1/2. 46pages. Previous owners name rubber stamped on the free end page.

Copyright 1993 and published by Abracadabra Press. Balboa Island, California.

Contents include:

Publisher's Note - Introduction: Strolling Along with Tarbell - In Gratitude - Tarbell the Innovator - A Natural Artist - The Famous Course - Marketed Magic - Other Publications.

This book was limited to only 250 numbered and signed copies, of which this is number 135.

The last page, of the book, tells of this and shows Eugene Gloye's autograph. - $45.00

2557-7846) How To Operate A Financially Successful HAUNTED HOUSE

Written by Philip Morris and Dennis Phillips

Copyright 1980 by Morris Costumes, Inc.

These experts tell you everything you need to know about how to operate a financially successful Haunted House.

Includes tips on advertising, promotion, design, safety and how to create alarming special effects for your Haunted House.

The Content Page has been reproduced, below, for ease in reading.

SpiralBound with 101 pages.

Book measures approx. 8 1/2"x11". - $45.00

2558-7156) THE MINIATURE HAUNTED HOUSE by The Great Leon

Do It Yourself Plans, Patter and Complete Routine.

Copyright 1960 and published by the Ireland Magic Company of Chicago, Illinois.

Contents Include:

Introduction
Effect
The House
Special Properties
Performance and Patter
Further Suggestions and Ideas
Some Further Effects

CombBound with 34pages. Book measures approx. 8 1/2"x11". - $45.00

2485-6843) ORIENTAL CONJURING and MAGIC by Will Ayling

HardBound with DustJacket and 384pages.

Copyright 1981 and published by The Supreme Magic Company of Bideford, Devon, England.

The contents pages were so detailed, I've reproduced them for you below, for ease in reading.

Measures approx. 7 1/2"x9 3/4". Book and DustJacket are in Mint condition.

I'm not sure the book was even read. - $85.00

2505-7892) A LIFETIME OF JOY by Ken Brooke

"A collection of tricks, gags and funny bits of business that I have used professionally for over 40 years."

Copyright 1982 and published and edited by Jeff Busby Magic, Inc. in Oakland, California.

The content page has been reproduced, below, for ease in reading.

CombBound with 16pages. Book measures approx. 8 1/2"x11".

GREAT GREAT Magic by one of England's Best!! - $35.00

2461-9522) Dunninger’s Secrets by Dunninger. As told to Walter Gibson.

Copyright 1974 and published by Lyle Stuart, Inc. Secaucus, New Jersey.

HardBound with DustJacket and 332pages.

In this book,  Dunninger takes the reader backstage into the strange world of the magician and mentalist. He analyzes the differences between magic, mentalism, and mysticism, covering such matters as clairvoyance versus telethesia, thought reading and mind reading, ESP, second sight, hyperesthesia, thought coincidence and linked thoughts. Dunninger breaks the magician's code and explains many of the spectacular tricks and illusions which have confounded audiences for decades.

Book measures approx. 6"x8 1/2" - $50.00

2446-9876) DUNNINGER, What's On Your Mind? by Dunninger.

Published in Cleveland and New York by The World Publishing Company.

Contents Include:

Foreword by Joseph Dunninger - Introduction by Walter B. Gibson - What Is Telepathy? - The Challenge of the Unknown - Theories on Telepathy - Aspects of Telepathy - The Interwoven Web of Sense - Phases of Telepathy - Telepathy and the Mass Mind - Thought Transference with Individuals - Sudden Thoughts from Nowhere - Telepathy and Hypnotism - Telepathic Impressions Received in Sleep - Early Investigations of Telepathy - Advance Investigation of Telepathy - Telepathy through Contact - Conditions Needed in Telepathic Demonstrations - Telepathy Today.

THE TESTs: Lights and Shadows - Visualizing Colors - The Moving Hand - Mental Will Power - Thoughts in Action - Sensory Perceptions - Thought Identities - Mental Progression - Telepathic Elimination - Group Reception - Automatic Touch Projection - Intuitive Telepathy - Contact Thought Reading - Mental Attraction - Time on the Mind - Triple Telepathy - Thought in Rhythm - The Mind Commands - Finding the Letter - A Game of Will - Picture Perception - A Question of Squares - Distant Discovery - Developed Impressions.

Book is in pretty good condition, with some corner dings, but the inside pages are just fine.

1944 First Edition from. 192pages with DustJacket (in protective mylar cover). - $45.00

REMEMBER, all photos are Thumbnails - click on the photo to bring up the LARGER photo.

2466-1301) GREAT MAGIC SHOWS. By Arnold Furst.

Paperbound with 39pages and measures 8"x10 3/4".

Copyright 1968. Published by Magic Limited, Lloyd E. Jones, as a memorial to William W. Larsen, Sr.

Very detailed show reviews of the performances by:

Carter The Great(1928) - Rooklyn(1946) - Jack Gywnne(1955) - Milbourne Christopher(1961) - John Calvert(1959) - Bill Neff(1946) - Jim Conley(1958) - Richiardi(1966) - Les Levante(1937) -and- the book starts out with Houdini's Baltimore, Maryland performance for August 31, 1925.

Plus, there are 135 photos of the various performers in action. - $20.00

2469-8750) LIFE OF ROBERT HOUDIN, The King of the Conjurers by Robert Houdin

The professional memoir of the great French magician Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin, translated from the French by Dr. R. Shelton Mackenzie.

Published in Philadelphia by Porter & Coates.

Stated copyright on copyright page:1859.

445pages which includes and index at the rear of the book.

It was the Memoirs of Robert-Houdin, which Ehrich Weiss was given by his childhood friend, Jacob Hayman.

As time passes, Ehrich Weiss would become Harry Houdini.

Houdini and Jacob would go on to become The Brothers Houdini

Book has seen some use and this has been taken into consideration in the pricing - when we sell these for $175.00 in better condition.

Book measures approx. 5"x7 3/4". - $125.00

2470-5258) CHUNG LING SOO, THE MAN OF MYSTERY by Gary R. Frank.

Copyright 1988 by Fantastic Magic Co., Granada Hills, California.

Chapter's include:

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
With Kellar and Herrmann
The Evolution of Soo
The Mature Artist
The Verdict Is In
About the Author

Stated Limited Edition, this one #859.

There's a large sticker on the inside of the front cover showing the books limited number
-and-
Hector Robinson’s Autograph (who is the Son of Chung Ling Soo)

On the free end page is embossed:
Chung Ling Soo (at the top)
Limited Edition (at the bottom)
-and-
CLS (in the middle)

Hardbound with 53 pages -and- in Mint Condition. - $35.00

2471-8034) THE MAGIC BROTHERS, Carl and Alexander Herrmann by I.G. Edmonds.

First Edition. Copyright 1979 by Elsevier/Nelson Books. HardBound with Dust Jacket and 166 pages.

From the dust jacket:

They were brothers, 27 years apart in age, but brothers nevertheless. And they were stage magicians of the first rank, known all over the world. They were Compars (Carl) and Alexander Herrmann. Alexander was only ten when his brother spirited him out of the family home and made him an assistant in his conjuring act. But from the start he adored the life of a traveling stage magician. He loved playing the mysterious Floating Boy, he loved assisting Compars in the astonishing Watch Shot from a Gun, he loved ferreting out the secret of the Goldfish Bowl trick. But he yearned to step out on the stage alone, too, as the other Herrmann the Great. At last his chance came to leave his brother and go out on his own, and soon his name was being heard in theatrical circles all over the world.

Chapters include:

The Herrmann Brothers - The Nicest Kidnapping - The Ticklish Situation - Troubles and Triumphs - Near Disaster - Kidnapped Again! - Unhappy Years - The Vanishing Bite - Steps to Fame - The Magic Bride - Black Magic - The Living Ghost - Herrmann and the Ghosts - Index of Tricks Explained - Index.

The book measures approx. 5 3/4"x8 1/4". - $35.00

2472-7834) Whodunit? Houdini?

Thirteen Tales of Magic, Murder, Mystery. Edited by Otto Penzler.

Hardbound with DustJacket and 283pages.

Published in 1976 by Harper & Row of New York, Hagerstown, San Francisco, London.

Contents include:

From Another World by Clayton Rawson - In The House of Suddhoo by Rudyard Kipling - Rope Enough by John Collier - The New Invisible Man by Carter Dickson - Blind Man's Bluff by Frederick Irving Anderson - The Lord of Time by Rafael Sabatini - Papa Benjamin by William Irish - Juliet and the Magician by Manuel Peyrou - The Mad Magician by Maxwell Grant (Walter B. Gibson) - One Night in Paris by Walter B. Gibson - The Shadow by Ben Hecht - The Moment of Decision by Stanley Ellin - The Hand is Quicker Than The Eye by Erle Stanley Gardner.

The BONUS of this offering: on the 'free end' page it is signed:

With the best
magical wishes of
Otto Penzler

If the book is standing and you're looking down at the top of all pages, there's spotting on the pages edges.

The book measures approx. 5 3/4"x8 1/4"

Great Magic, Murder, Mystery all in one book. - $35.00

2477-7524) MAGIC OF THE MIND by Lewis Ganson

A collection of over fifty Mental Effects.

No copyright date given, but published in 1960 by Harry Stanley (of Unique Magic Studios) in London, England.

HardBound with DustJacket and 114pages.

The content pages were so detailed, I have reproduced them below for ease in reading. Just click on the Thumbnail photos to bring up the larger photo.

This book takes you behind the scenes in the world of Mental Magic. It TEACHES you how to bring about some of the most astounding feats of magic ever devised. It gives you the FACTS. Herein are the methods, carefully described to enable you to duplicate the feats of the amazing performances you have seen on Stage, Television and read about in the national newspapers.

Some Of The Contributor's Include:

Punx - Gerald Kosky - John Rice - Tom Sellers - Jack Cook - Ken De Courcy - Stanley Jaks - Peter Warlock - Cyro - Harry Stanley - Ali Bongo - Ted Danson - Eric Grause - George Armstrong - Delvin - Len Belcher - Jack Shepard - Lewis Ganson - Malcolm Davison - Les Vincent - Hans Trixer - Gerry Findler - Henry Letsch - Frank Potts - Rupert Gilbert - Hedley Wilcox - Will Dexter - Bert Linnell - Fred Crowson.

DustJacket has tape restoration from years ago and some soiling. The soiling is contained to the DJ only, as the book is in great condition. A previous owner has made some very interesting pencil notations (some thought provoking) in the book, which will add to the readers enjoyment.

Book measures approx. 6"x9". - $75.00

2479-8552) THE MAGIC OF J.N. HOFZINSER. Compiled by Ottokar Fischer. Translated by Richard Hatch.

Published by Modern Litho, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska. Hardbound with DustJacket. Copyright 1985 with 215pages.

Table of Contents include: A portrait of Dr. Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser - Prinzhofer - Translator's Preface - A Note on the Fischer Collection - Acknowledgements - A 1939 photograph of Ottokar Fischer - In Memoriam: Ottokar Fischer - Introduction - Balls - Banknotes and Coins - Flowers - Books - Eggs - Electrical Experiments - Flags and Helmets - Liquids - Cards - Skittles - Numbers - Rings - Kerchiefs - Timepieces - Birds - Non-Magical Experiments - Tricks with Sundry Objects - Appendix - Bibliography.

While the DJ has a little soiling, but This Much Sought After Book, itself, looks brand new.

And, the Bonus is the book is autographed by Richard Hatch!! - $200.00

2480-3849) Where Houdini Was Wrong (A Reply To "The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin"). By Maurice Sardina.

Softbound with 123 numbered pages. First published in Paris by Maurice Sardina in 1947.

This is the British Edition (first one to be published in the English language).

Translated and Edited with notes by Victor Farelli, including a Supplement by the translator.

Contents include:

Foreword By The Publisher - Preface To The French Edition by Maitre Maurice Garcon - List Of Principal Works Mentioned - Preliminary Remarks by the Author - Significant Events in the Life of Robert Houdin - The Orange Tree Trick - The Writing and Drawing Figure - The Pastry Cook of the Palais Royal - The Obedient Cards, The Cabalistic Clock, The Trapeze Automaton - The Inexhaustible Bottle - Second Sight - The Suspension Trick - The Disappearing Handkerchief - Robert Houdini's Ignorance of Magic as Betrayed By His Own Pen - The Narrowness of Robert Houdin's "Memoirs" - Supplement by the Translator - Addendum.

I've reproduced the title page and content page below for ease in reading. Just click on any of the ThumbNail photos to bring up the larger photo.

Published in 1950 by George Armstrong in London, England.  - $75.00

REMEMBER, all photos are Thumbnails - click on the photo to bring up the LARGER photo.

A collection of jokes, lines, gags, and bits of business with and without everyday household objects.

Copyright 1980 and published by Jester's Press in Greenville, South Carolina.

Content's Include:

4 Word - Author's Pre-Face - Dead Eye Caption - Coat Hanger Stuff - Newspaper Madness - Scissor Stuff - Six-Pack Holders Re-Examined - Watch-Out - Extension Cords - Bits of Business - Suggested Reading List - Special Tanks - Notes

This book is designed to give the Master of Ceremonies material with which to go forth and entertain, hold, amuse, cajole and provoke an audience. If you need some new material for being an MC, then this is for you.

Book measures approx. 5 1/2"x8 1/2" -and- has a previous owners name rubber stamped inside.

CombBound with 48pages. - $20.00

CombBound book with 73pages.

Copyright 1983 and published by Martin Breese.

The contents pages were so detailed, I've reproduced them below.

A LOT of good, commercial close up material here. Read the contents page carefully, you won't be sorry!!

There's a little damage to the cover at the bottom.

No copyright date given and self published by the author in London, England

Content's Include:

Manuscript with 35pages. 

Previous owners name rubber stamped inside.

LayAway is available - if this is for you, just email for details.

(After viewing this Books Part 1 page, please click on any of the buttons above to move to any of the other Pages)

We, at SASC, are pleased to offer a LayAway plan for those of you who would like this service. Just email for more information.

All photo's are the Copyright of Stephen A. Sparks Collectibles and may not be reproduced in any form or manner without permission of Stephen A. Sparks.