$2,600
Clark, Keith. The Encyclopedia of Cigarette Tricks. New York, 1952. Second enlarged edition. Grey cloth stamped in two colors. Illustrated. 8vo. Cloth soiled and spine chipped at head and foot, corners bumped, but contents sound. This copy of Keith Clark's groundbreaking work on cigarette tricks was purchased by Tom Mullica at age 18 at Abbott's Magic Get-Together. It served as his introduction to cigarette manipulation. As a result, the book's margins contain notes and information written in by Mullica as he learned to perform the moves and routines it describes. Inside the front cover, Mullica has written his name and home address, and taped to the FFEP is a list of suppliers of the chemicals that can be used to automatically light a cigarette without flames. In 15 chapters, the text explains palms, passes and the preparation of cigarettes. Chapter ten of the book is perhaps the most prophetic of all, as it describes techniques for tonguing cigarettes – keeping lit cigarettes in the performer's mouth – and the tricks that can be accomplished therewith. Needless to say, Mullica went on to develop this conceit into the career-making act that would cement his reputation first as one of the world's greatest close-up magicians, and later, as one of the most unusual and entertaining variety acts in the world.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2011-05-22
