Up for sale is an incredibly scarce, vintage lot of 6 original staple-bound booklets published exclusively for private circulation among members of The Magic Circle, London. Issued between 1949 and 1950 as official lecture transcripts and high-profile competition supplements to The Magic Circular, these historical pieces are highly prized by collectors of antiquarian magic literature.
Each pamphlet is a genuine slice of post-war British theatrical history, bearing the official printing mark of The Magic Circle's historic meeting place at the luxurious St. Ermin's Hotel in Westminster (Caxton Street).
📖 Details of the 6 Booklets & Contents:
- The Presentation of Card Effects by Dr. Nicholls Harley (January 1949 Supplement): Complete transcript of his historic lecture delivered before the Circle on November 10th, 1948. Focuses deeply on the psychology, sleights, and subtleties required to elevate card magic. Features the print mark of iconic magic printer P. Naldrett (Bucks Green, Horsham) on the rear.
- Suggestions for the Manipulator by Geoffrey Buckingham, M.I.M.C. (March 1949 Supplement): Buckingham was a world-famous master manipulator. This transcript of his January 14th, 1949 lecture covers pure hand magic, misdirection, and the core differences between deceptive magic and mere flourishes.
- Some Aspects of Magical Invention by Peter Warlock, M.I.M.C. (August 1949 Supplement): Focuses heavily on the philosophy of inventing new illusions and adapting older mechanical concepts. Features a 10-routine demonstration index including the Warlock Single Hand Centre Steal, Warlock's Prediction, and tricks from Pentagram and The Phoenix.
- The Creation of a Magical Effect by Peter Warlock, M.I.M.C. (Hoffmann Memorial Lecture): The award-winning thesis outlining historical methods of evolution in magic. Includes an extra appendix itemizing specialized performance methods for the Hermann Pass, False Shuffles, Single Hand Palms, and routines by Dai Vernon, Dr. Daley, and Ralph W. Hull.
- This Thing Called Magic by LENZ, M.I.M.C. (April 1950 Supplement): Delivered before the circle on November 24th, 1949. An excellent, thought-provoking deep dive into audience connection, presentation psychology, and artistic performance strategy.
- Seeing and Hearing: A 'Sermon' by Geoffrey Robinson, A.C.A., M.I.M.C. (May 1950 Supplement): Delivered on July 1st, 1949. Explores presentation psychology, sensory perception, and theatrical delivery. Includes a rare vintage portrait photograph of Robinson alongside his 7 core pillars of presentation based on Dariel Fitzkee's Showmanship for Magicians. Features the rear printer credit of Barnard & Crannis Ltd. (Bowes Park, London).
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