Magic History is Calling! Ricky Jay's Incredible Collection is Up for Auction!
200-Year-Old Magic Book & Mysterious Broadside
Calling all magicians, history lovers, and collectors! Get ready for an extraordinary event! On February 27, Forum Auctions is hosting an online auction featuring treasures from the personal collection of the legendary Ricky Jay.
Ricky Jay wasn’t just a world-famous magician; he was also a passionate historian, especially in magic and the world of performance.
This auction is a dream come true, packed with 211 amazing items, and we're highlighting two especially cool pieces for magicians.
A Treasure Trove of Curiosities
Ricky Jay's collection is a fascinating mix, including historical broadsides, books, and other unusual items. There’s even something for boxing fans: Daniel Mendoza’s biography!
But for magicians, two artifacts truly stand out.
Two Must-See Items for Magicians
Two incredible items stand out for their importance to magic history: a rare 1795 magic book called Hocus Pocus and a performance broadside advertising a magician named Magee from around 1790.
Hocus Pocus: A Magic Book from the 1700s!
Imagine owning a magic book that’s over 200 years old! Hocus Pocus, or The Art of Conjuration (1795), is a real gem. The book marked magic’s shift toward theatrical entertainment, appearing a decade before Robert-Houdin’s birth.
It’s so rare, it’s a must-have for any serious magic historian.
Ancient Magic Secrets – This book was printed long before modern magic. It offers a unique look at the tricks and illusions that entertained audiences centuries ago.
A Collector’s Dream – Very few copies of Hocus Pocus still exist, making this a rare opportunity to own a piece of magic history.
What’s Inside? – While the exact contents are a mystery, books like this usually describe sleight of hand, illusions, and explanations of popular magic acts. Imagine learning from the same book that early magicians used!
A Valuable Piece of the Past – This book is estimated to sell for £1,500 - £2,000. It’s more than just a book; it’s an investment in magic’s heritage.
This book was published ten years before Jean Robert-Houdin was born, the man considered the father of modern magic!
Magee’s Magical Performance Broadside (c.1790): A Glimpse into Early Magic Shows
How did magicians promote their shows in the 1700s? This amazing broadside, a kind of poster, tells us!
It advertises a performance by “The Celebrated Magee.”
Dazzling Feats – Magee promised amazing illusions, like making fruit and flowers appear out of nowhere (a classic trick still used today!). He even performed the daring act of fire-eating!
Showtime! – The broadside says the show was “At the Chamber in Thursday-Market Cross.” Imagine the excitement of seeing a magic show in a place like that!
A Window into the Past – This broadside connects us directly to the early days of stage magic. It’s estimated to sell for £600 - £800.
This item is a must-have for those interested in the history of stage magic and how magicians captivated audiences long before television and social media.
Don't Miss This Magical Event!
These two artifacts and 209 other incredible items offer a great glimpse into the history of magic and performance.
For magicians, historians, collectors, and anyone fascinated by the world of magic, this auction is an unmissable opportunity.
Mark your calendars for February 27!
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Check out the full auction details here: Forum Auctions
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