The 20th Century Wonders - Illustrated & Descriptive Catalog By HORNMANN, OTTO

The 20th Century Wonders - Illustrated & Descriptive Catalog by HORNMANN, OTTO
New York: Hornmann Magic Company. Very Good+. (c.1916). Softcover. [nice copy, solidly bound with very little wear, address of company crossed out on inside front cover, some pencil notes on rear cover]. Catalogue of magic tricks of all descriptions, peddled by "Prof. Hornmann, Magician and Illusionist," who advertises his "School of Magic on the rear cover by proclaiming that he "has travelled in every civilized country on earth, appearing in all the best theatres and places of public entertainments. He has given over 25,000 performances, more than any living magician in the world. He is in possession of more secrets in Legerdemain than possibly any one man alive. He has been trained from his earliest infancy as a magician and has, during his lifetime, invented many of the best tricks now being used by the world's premier conjurers. No man in the United States of America therefore is better qualified to teach the magic art to amateurs or professionals." And of course the dire warning about doing business with anybody else: "Beware of imitators who are selling inferior good and worthless thrash." (Yes, it says "thrash.") Great cover illustration, in which Prof. Hornmann is apparently assisted in his stage act by the Devil himself and various adorable little demons