Hocus Pocus, or the Whole Art of Conjuring: Made Easy for Young Persons

New York & Philadelphia: Turner & Fisher, [N.d.c.a 1846]. Sixteenmo (5 3/4 x 3 1/2 inches; 145 x 90 mm). [1]- 72 pp. With frontispiece included in pagination. With frontispiece and vignette title-page. And with numerous woodcuts in the text. Front board reads "Enlarged and greatly Improved." The caption under the frontispiece reads "How to cut a man's head off, and put it into a platter, a yard from his body." This woodcut image is repeated on the illustrated front cover. Original illustrated blue boards. Boards illustrated with the same engraving as the frontispiece. With some chipping to spine. Boards are a bit soiled. With foxing and toning throughout. Back board loose, but holding. Housed in a cardboard folio with previous owner magician Ricky Jay's bookplate. Overall very good. A scarce American Hocus Pocus with descriptions of numerous tricks including passing balls through cups, how to make a card that is chosen separate from all the pack and how to cut a man's head off. "Legerdemain, a science which has raised he admiration of society; is an art, whereby the performer seems to work prodigies and miracles, that are impossible and incredible, by agility and slight of hand." (From the first page). Toole Stott 382. HBS 68601. $4,500. …