Number 71 of 1000 copies. Maroon cloth with gilt stamping on front cover and spine, pictorial dust jacket. Illustrated, 474 pages. Inscribed and signed to John McKinven by Anne Davenport. Spine slightly slanted, faint soiling spots to page edges, else in very good condition. During the first third of the 20th century, London was generally recognized as being the focal point of the magic world. It could be argued that St. George's Hall was largely responsible for this claim. The goal of most magicians was to eventually trod the hallowed boards at Maskelyne's Theatre. Anne Davenport and John Salisse invite you to join them backstage to peek into the Maskelyne workshop where so many classic illusions first saw the light of day, to eavesdrop on board meetings where egos and personalities often clashed, and to watch from the wings as the world's top conjurors entertain generations of London theatre goers. It is a story that encompasses the loftiest heights of theatrical artistry as well as the darkest moments of a dying enterprise. It is quite simply the history of magic in England during its glorious golden age. Take a seat in the front row and watch as this incredible story slowly unfolds inside England's home of mystery - St. George's Hall. Pages: 475 - 8" x 10" - Hardcover with dust jacket - 175 photographs (18 in full-color).
