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Photographs and words cannot do
justice to this huge volume that is in 'as new' condition and
still in its original box with carrying handle. The dimensions of the book are
31.8 x 7.6 x 50.8 cm. Click on thumbnails below for photographs of
this magnificent book. (There are reprints that are more
standard-sized books, but this is the huge boxed original.)
Magic has enchanted humankind for
thousands of years, evoking terror, laughter, shock, and
amazement in its audiences. Once persecuted as heretics and
socerers, magicians have always been conduits to a parallel
universe of limitless possibility - whether invoking spirits,
reading minds, or inverting the laws of nature by sleight of
hand.
Before science fiction, virtual
realities, video games, and the Internet, magicians were the
pioneers of special effects in history. This book celebrates more
than 500 years of the stunning visual culture of the world's
greatest magicians from the 1400s to the 1950s. Featuring more than
850 rarely seen vintage posters, photographs, handbills, and
engravings in one volume, it traces the history of magic as a
performing art. Through arresting images and insightful accompanying
text, Magic 1400s-1950s brings together for the first time the full
scope of the craft's brilliant imagery, from that of its early
street performers to the masters of the golden age and 20th century
greats like Houdini. Condition: Fine book
in Fine dustjacket, still in its
original carrying box, with handle. Box is creased and torn
where it joins handle, but still protects the book itself perfectly. (click
on images above for close-up).
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