1830 · London
London: E. Wallis, 1830. Small octavo. 48ff. Illustrated with twelve sets of seven hand-colored full-page engravings. Blow books operate by tabs incised into their edges, so that the magician can hold his thumb to one tab and show a single set of images, with the conceit that those images comprise the entire volume. The magician then changes tabs or opens the book in the other direction—often after an audience member has blown on it, hence the title of the genre—and a different set of illustrations "magically" arise. Included among the images are a woman selling broadsheets, a parrot, a Highland infantryman, a mounted lancer, a steam-ship, a ballet dancer, and a man with a performing bear. Marginal soiling to first four leaves, otherwise near fine and bright in original patterned teal cloth, housed in original matching slipcase, titled in gilt on upper panel. Slipcase has two small abraded spots and light shelfwear. (Gumuchian 2396).
(Inventory #: 33307)