Beschreibung:

MAGIC] DOWNS, T. NELSON. ["King of Koins"]. Group of five volumes . Comprising Modern Coin Manipulation, embracing every sleight and subtelty invented and known. London: T. Nelson Downs. 1900. First edition; [Modern Coin Manipulation]... London: Hamleys, n.d., circa 1900; Modern Coin Manipulation... New York, George Routledge: circa 1900. Possibly first American edition; and two American editions of the same author's Tricks with Coins. Chicago: Drake, n.d. The second work possibly lacking a title page (if issued), some wear. Downs, born 1867 in Iowa, began his career as a magician in 1895, though he had already mastered many of the necessary skills as a child. He was internationally renowned, and was sufficiently successful on both sides of the Atlantic that he retired back to his Ohio town at the age of 42, where he opened a vaudeville house. C