Thought Reading, Second Sight, & "Spiritual" Manifestations Explained: Showing how the Supposed Phenomena are Produced by Natural Means
London: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent, & Co., [1907]. First edition thus. 18x12cm, [4], 104pp. Tables, appendix. Original printed wrappers bound in maroon cloth, spine lettered in gilt. Ornum's Novelty store ticket attached to title page, Hocus Pocus Review ticket attached to rear pastedown. Some marginal soiling and foxing else nearly fine.
Date of publication taken from preface, in which the author states "this exposition is a revised and enlarged edition of a book written and copyrighted by me in 1880 entitled Heller's and Houdin's Second Sight Explained, by Washington Irving Bishop, whose name I used by arrangement."
Frederick Wicks (1840-1910) was an author and inventor of some repute, most notably for a typecasting machine. In this work he purports to give the world the opportunity to perform the feats of Houdin, Heller, and others, including spiritual manifestations, thought transference, codes for cards, coins, and money, and others. A scarce magic text from the turn of the century. Item #5533
Price: $250.00