Ever wondered how magic collecting kicked off in the U.S.? This book is your backstage pass to the history of magic collecting, showcasing how it all began and transformed into the thriving industry it is today.
No magician or collector worth their salt can call their library complete without this gem. It’s about the gear you use, the publicity that keeps the pros in the spotlight, and all the juicy history you need to chat about magic without feeling like a deer in headlights around laypeople or fellow magicians.
Step into the glamorous inner world of magic, a vibrant scene that thrives behind the curtain of performers and illusions. It’s got its own conventions, dealers, and a plethora of literature and magazines. Whether you’re a budding collector of playing cards, autographs, or just have a thing for old business cards, this book is your guide. And if you’re diving headfirst into the realms of apparatus, books, posters, and ephemera, you’ll find your treasure map here too.
Take a virtual tour of magic museums and private collections owned by the true titans of this enchanting community across America. Some might have just a couple of shelves or a scrapbook tucked away, while others have entire homes, warehouses, or even private museums bursting at the seams with magic memorabilia.
Collecting is all about the thrill of the chase and the sweet taste of victory! And let’s be honest, collectibles have skyrocketed in value. This book is your no-nonsense guide to making choices you won’t regret.
Learn how to pass on, sell, auction, or buy a collection—big or small—without ending up with a face full of buyer’s remorse. Plus, it’s packed with fresh photographs of collections and collectors that have popped up or expanded in the last quarter-century.
First Softcover Edition. Written by Dr. John Booth, with additional writing by Meir Yedid. Published by Meir Yedid Magic in 2025 (hardcover published in 1999). 202 pages, with many photographs, 6"x9", softcover, saddle-stitched.
