Classic Correspondence from Egyptian Hall Museum

From the files of Egyptian Hall Museum, Mike Caveney has selected 24 letters of historical importance. Sometimes the writer or recipient (or both) are well-known names while other times the players are totally unknown, but every letter sheds new light on a shadowy corner of magic's fascinating history. After placing each letter in context Mike provides additional information about the people, places, tricks, theaters and everything else that might be mentioned, illustrating it with rare memorabilia from his collection. It's like being taken on a guided tour through the historical files of Egyptian Hall Museum by the curator. These letters, which first appeared in MAGIC magazine (2006-07), have been collected into a beautiful book printed in full-color with additional annotations, previously-unseen photographs, posters, and other rare memorabilia. It's the perfect gift for anyone who loves the art of magic. 288 pages, 6 by 9 inches, fully indexed, with beautiful full-color endsheets.

REVIEWS

I enjoyed [the letters] when first printed, but Mike Caveney has done the most incredible job of compiling them into a single volume, adding new photographs and ephemera which give the collection the feeling of a beautifully produced scrapbook. Mike Caveney knows how to make history entertaining. It is impossible to hear him talk about magicians past and not be captivated by the topics he chooses. This collection of letters epitomizes his eye for colorful characters and the curious details that make up their lives. The production of the book is outstanding, from its well-chosen cloth binding to the full color printing throughout. Visually it is a real feast for the eyes and the perfect gift for anyone remotely interested in the history of magic. I really hope that there will be a sequel. Several sequels in fact. It's that good.

—David Britland, Genii Magazine.

Caveney has redone the format and layout, made corrections, added photos, illustrations, posters, and supplementary information. It is one of his most handsome pulications (and that is saying something – don't forget, he's the guy who published Revelation). The vast amount of history and wonderful surprises packed into this little volume is staggering. Classic Correspondence is fun, funny and captivating.

—John Lovick, MAGIC Magazine.

I'm enjoying the Classic Correspondence book and what a handsome production, too. I'm looking forward to volume 2 as I'm sure others will be also after this volume. Another fine "actual" book from MC's Magic Words.

—Dom Dimento