The Conjuror's Magazine | Monthly conjuring magazine

The Conjuror's Magazine

The Conjuror’s Magazine; or, Magical and Physiognomical Mirror. Including a Superb Edition of Lavater’s Essays on Physiognomy. — The Astrologer's Magazine. London: Printed for W. Locke, 1792–1794

3 volumes in 2, 8vo (203 x 127 mm). Lacks all 80 of Lavater's plates, occasional browning, a few bottom margins either shaved or cropped costing signatures and occasionally lines of text. Vol. I (August 1791–July 1792): General title, engraved frontispiece, numerous astrological charts and palmistry woodcuts; general title browned, lacking pp. 49–80 in September issue and all of October, January issue misprinted "February," some bottom margins cropped occasionally costing text. Vol. II (August 1792–July 1793): Engraved astrological chart of George III and engraved plate of the 5 September 1793 eclipse of the sun, numerous astrological charts, palmistry woodcuts and other diagrams; sun eclipse plate cropped costing part of caption, lacks June and July 1793 issues. Vol. III (Astrologer's Magazine, August 1793–July 1794): numerous astrological charts, palmistry woodcuts, woodcut of an eclipse of the moon; lacks general title and February–July 1794 issues. Contemporary half calf over marbled boards; leather dry and suffering from red rot, upper boards and free endpapers detached.

"The first periodical known to include conjuring" (Toole Stott). Includes ephemerides, charts of planetary positions on specific dates, essays on dreams, prophecies, magic and alchemy, biographies of magicians, puzzles and magic tricks for readers, and current news featuring psychic and paranormal events.

"With the third volume the title was changed to The Astrologer's Magazine and as Harold Smith says, the conjuring sections got smaller as time went on and with the third volume gave up all pretence at being a conjuring magazine" (Toole Stott).

Sold as a periodical not subject to return.

REFERENCE:

ESTC P3087; Toole Stott 179

PROVENANCE:

Armorial bookplate with motto "Volare Sperno" on front pastedowns — T. Sherman Jr. (signature on front free endpapers)