Conjuror's Magazine, or, Magical & Physiognomical Mirror Including a Superb Edition of Lavater's Physiognomy

London: Printed for W. Locke, 1792. ASTROLOGY. Including a superb Edition of Lavater's Physiognomy. London: Printed for W. Locke, 1791-93.

First edition of all issues of this scarce magazine; August 1791 to July 1793 (after which time it was called The Astrologer's Magazine and continued for a further six months). Two octavo volumes (8 1/8 x 5 inches; 205 x 126 mm). 494, [4, index], 104; 104, [2], 99-520, [4, index] pp. Frontispiece at the beginning of each volume. Monthly titles to all issues. Numerous charts and diagrams throughout. Issues from August, September and October 1792 (Pages 1-104) are found in duplicate, once at the end of volume (truncated) I, and also at the start of volume II. They each have the "George III" frontispiece accompanying them.

Although it contained more occult information than legerdemain, the Conjuror's Magazine is generally considered the first conjuring periodical. With much astrological interest. There were originally eighty Lavater plates issued with the magazine but these are always absent in bound runs.

Bound in newer brown cloth. Black morocco spine labels, lettered in gilt. Top edges dyed brown. Front inner hinge of volume I starting. Some scattered foxing and browning, especially to first volume. Scratched out name on title page of one issue. Overall, a very good copy of this legendary rarity.

"The next publication of importance was The Conjuror's Magazine, issued monthly by W. Locke, and which was the first periodical to contain sections describing tricks abstracted from and credited to the works of Breslaw, Dean, and Pinetti. The magazine ran from August 1791 to July 1793, comprising two volumes. Bound volumes of The Conjuror's Magazine can still occasionally be found and are highly prized by collectors" (Hall, p. 158)

Stott 179. Hall 70.

HBS 69260.

$3,000. (Inventory #: 69260)