???? The Art of Magic – An unparalleled look into the visual history of magic Step into one of the world's most stunning private collections of magic posters – now revealed for the first time. The Art of Magic documents one of the most impressive collections of magic posters ever assembled. This oversized book is a work of art in itself: a tribute to the visual splendor and history of magic. Author Ken Trombly is one of the most passionate collectors of magical art. Lithographs, posters, etchings—if it depicts a magician from history, chances are Ken owns a mint-condition example. His home is a chamber of wonders from the golden age of magic. But because few people get to see his collection in person, The Art of Magic this visual spectacle straight to your coffee table. �� Large in size and content The immediately striking size is 40 x 30 cm. Too large and too beautiful to disappear into a bookcase. This book deserves pride of place on the table, where you and your guests can embark on a journey through the rich visual history of magic with just one page. From world-famous masters to forgotten legends – they all appear. You will of course discover the icons that everyone knows: Kellar, Chung Ling Soo, Thurston, Houdini…But you also see images that have not been published anywhere else. You learn about pioneers like John Henry Anderson en Robert-Houdin, which paved the way for the Golden Age. What makes this book particularly fascinating is that you literally see how the technique and artistic style developed: from simple broadsides and wood engravings to the explosions of color in the beloved lithographic posters. �� Heroic unknowns and curious details The real magic lies in the unknown names. Like Professor Hartz, Will Wood and a mysterious magician who calls himself “Hellman” – although his most beautiful poster misspells his name. You'll even come across a wonderful ad for an artist whose only "act" was… eating rocks. And then there is Carlincourt, a traveling magician who travels through Abraham Lincoln was personally hired to spy for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The book isn't limited to humans. Ken also has a hilarious collection of animal broadsides featuring learned pigs, geese, dogs, and even horses. ��️ Personal, unique and breathtaking Ken Trombly himself provides a commentary on each image: short biographies of the artists, stories about how he acquired the piece, and why it's meaningful to him as a collector. The result is a personal and unique glimpse into a lifelong passion for magic. In addition to numerous, often previously unpublished, full-color lithographs, the book contains rare ephemera: from sheet music featuring magicians to unique documents and photographs of Houdini. There is even an entire chapter devoted to iconic prints and engravings of cup and ball artists. Photographer Richard Nowitz (known from National Geographic) captured the collection in stunning quality, and Andy Gladwin gave the book a layout that does justice to the grandeur of these images. For those who love the visual side of our rich magic history, The Art of Magic simply indispensable. ✨
