(Magic) THE MIDGET MAGICIAN. A NEAR COMPLETE RUN OF THE PERIODICAL: 37 ISSUES (OF THE 38 TOTAL ISSUED); Wilf. Huggins, editor. Hounslow, Middlesex, England: Wilf. Huggins, 1951-1960. FIRST EDITION; LIMITED TO 50 COPIES EACH ISSUE, SIGNED AND NUMBERED BY HUGGINS INSIDE FRONT WRAPPER OF EACH ISSUE; THIS SET "NO. 38." 48mo - 4" x 2-1/2". Original publisher's printed paper wrappers in wonderful condition for what is a beautiful, near complete run of this legendary magic periodical. The first issue of The Midget Magician, Vol. 1 No. 1, was published in January 1951, with subsequent issues published quarterly (every January, March, June and September). The were twelve issues to each volume, so each volume would encompass three years worth of issues; Vol. 1 contained the twelve issues published between January 1951 and September 1953; Vol. 2 contained the twelve issues published between January 1954 and September 1956; Vol. 3 contained the twelve issues published between January 1957 and September 1959; the thirty-seventh issue, Vol. 4 No. 1, was published in January 1960; the next issue, which was the last issue published, was dated "March to September, 1960." It is this final issue, Vol. 4 No. 2, that is missing from this set. Each of the 37 issues is 8 pp. in length, numbered consecutively from pp. 1-96 for each of Vol. 1, Vol. 2 and Vol. 3, and pp. 1-8 for Vol. 4.
A regular annual feature of The Midget Magician was the supplements that were a part of the subscription; all issued supplements are included with this lot as follows:
Vol. 1 No. 5: photograph of "The House of the Magician;"
Vol. 1 No. 9: photograph of "Der Taschenspieler;" also a Happy New Year message printed on a playing card was enclosed, but not considered a supplement; both are present here;
Vol. 1 No. 12: Index to Vol. 1;
Vol. 2 No. 1: photograph of "Egyptian Juggler;" also a New Year card was enclosed but not considered a supplement; photograph is present but card is not;
Vol. 2 No. 5: photograph of "The Street Conjurer;"
Vol. 2 No. 9: photograph of "Birthplace of Professor Hoffmann;"
Vol. 3 No. 1: Index to Vol. 2;
Vol. 4 No. 1: Index to Vol. 3; also a reproduction of an old playing card (Jack of Clubs) provided by Edgar Heyl;
ALSO: 2 autograph letters from Wilf. Huggins to one Mr. Cutts, both [1] pp. and signed "Wilf Huggins;" the first dated February 10, 1951, acknowledging Cutts' compliments on "No 1 of the Midget Magician;" the second dated October 3, 1960, enclosing "No. 1 Vol. 4 TMM / Somewhat late I'm sorry to say, but I trust better late than never;" slight spotting to the extreme edges of Vol. 1 Nos. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7; all other issues in pristine condition. The condition of all items is FINE or NEAR FINE. No copies located on OCLC/WorldCat. EXCEEDINGLY RARE # 001087
A regular annual feature of The Midget Magician was the supplements that were a part of the subscription; all issued supplements are included with this lot as follows:
Vol. 1 No. 5: photograph of "The House of the Magician;"
Vol. 1 No. 9: photograph of "Der Taschenspieler;" also a Happy New Year message printed on a playing card was enclosed, but not considered a supplement; both are present here;
Vol. 1 No. 12: Index to Vol. 1;
Vol. 2 No. 1: photograph of "Egyptian Juggler;" also a New Year card was enclosed but not considered a supplement; photograph is present but card is not;
Vol. 2 No. 5: photograph of "The Street Conjurer;"
Vol. 2 No. 9: photograph of "Birthplace of Professor Hoffmann;"
Vol. 3 No. 1: Index to Vol. 2;
Vol. 4 No. 1: Index to Vol. 3; also a reproduction of an old playing card (Jack of Clubs) provided by Edgar Heyl;
ALSO: 2 autograph letters from Wilf. Huggins to one Mr. Cutts, both [1] pp. and signed "Wilf Huggins;" the first dated February 10, 1951, acknowledging Cutts' compliments on "No 1 of the Midget Magician;" the second dated October 3, 1960, enclosing "No. 1 Vol. 4 TMM / Somewhat late I'm sorry to say, but I trust better late than never;" slight spotting to the extreme edges of Vol. 1 Nos. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7; all other issues in pristine condition. The condition of all items is FINE or NEAR FINE. No copies located on OCLC/WorldCat. EXCEEDINGLY RARE # 001087