DANTE

DANTE THE MAGICIAN I.e. Harry August Jansen (1883-

Published by K. Kriz, Circa 1939, Prague,, 1939

First Edition. Wraps. Oblong 4to. Unpaginated (58p.), illustrated covers (suitcase with stickers) and illus throughout. ; 31 x 48cm. Subjects: Dante the Magician -- Promotional works -- Magic and magicians -- United States -- Denmark -- 20th century. "Edited and compiled by Edna H. Jansen" --inside front cover. Inside of front cover also illustrated with a map ("Dante put magic on the map"), verso of rear cover with photo-montage of various monuments and scenes from around the world with Dante . In the foreword Dante refers to this as his "35th year book" and features an illustrated account of his world tour. Extensively illustrated with reproductions of b/w photographs by Balzar. With an article on Dante by Reginald Drake. Some s wear a few pages loose but a complete copy folded at centre with some wear and fraying at spine. Very good minus used copy. Signed presentation from the magician : - "With sincere good wishes and my compliments Boncey (?) Dante, Sim Sala Bim 1939." loosely inserted is another Dante item- a large format publicity booklet from the late 1930s entitled 'Dante 50 Mysteries' sl used but with a sensational graphic colour cover of Dante with samples of some of his more sensational tricks headless men, skeletons and a man being shot. Dante the Magician was the stage name of the Danish-born American magician Harry August Jansen (1883-1955). Making his debut as the Great Jansen at the age of 16 under Charles Wagner, he was picked up by the great magician Howard Thurston who gave him the starring role in his second unit show under the stage name Dante. Working in Vaudeville, burlesque, theatre and even film and television, Dante the Magician became known for uttering his trademark incantation "Sim Sala Bim". He used these very words in his appearance in the Laurel & Hardy comedy "A-Haunting We Will Go.". Seller Inventory # C54283

Bibliographic Details

Title: DANTE
Publisher: K. Kriz, Circa 1939, Prague,
Publication Date: 1939
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Very Good
Signed: Signedes
Edition: 1st Edition