Gray's Auctioneers
Live Auction

A Treasure Trove of Discoveries

Wed, Mar 18, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 171

Magic lantern books.

Estimate: $200 - $400

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $50,000
$1,000,000 $100,000
Set of 11 magic lantern and visual illusion books. 19th and 20th century.
Books include: REYNAUD, Emile (1844-1918), Peintre de Films (1945); The Magic Lantern, How to Buy and How to Use it (N.A., 1873); FRAPRIE, Frank (1874-1951), How to Make Lantern Slides (1935); LUCKIESH, Matthew (1883-1967), Visual Illusions (1922); DOLBEAR, A. (1837-1910), The Art of Projecting (1877 and 1892); SULLY, James (1842-1923), Illusions, A Psychological Study (1882); The Art of Projection (N.A., 1893); WILSON, Edward (1838-1903), Wilson's Lantern Journeys (1878 and 1880); CHADWICK, W., The Magic Lantern Manual (N.D.).

Each book is approximately 80 pp., with illustrations. Luckiesh is blue cloth bound with gilt spine. ix, 252 pp., with index, with publishers advertisements.

Largest book is H: 9 1/8 x W: 6 1/2 x D: 1 1/4 in.

Condition

Poor. Magic lantern book front cover, flyleaves, and frontispiece separated. Toning throughout many of the books. Bumping, scuffing, and rubbing, with slight losses, commensurate with age.

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From the Estate of John A. Davidson, Jr. Proceeds to benefit the APL of Lorain County and the Dittrick Museum, CWRU.