Sharpe, Sam: The Magic Play ©1976 Sam Sharpe, Magic Inc., Chicago, IL Softcover, comb-bound, 6x9", 150 pages

Image courtesy eBay seller JayAndLefty

Comments: A magic history book covering the origins and examples of magic as presented in plays and dramas, with a large focus on Nevil Maskelyne's "Will, the Witch and the Watchman."

Contents (from book):

5 Introduction - The Theatre of Wonder
10 Mystery and Miracle Plays
16 Marlowe, Goethe, and Magic (S.H. Sharpe): On Christopher Marlow's Doctor Faustus
23 Magic in Shakespeare
32 Presto Playlets: from 1856 through 1966

69 Appendix to The Magic Play: List of Melies Films based on Conjuring and Magic Subjects

73 Will, The Witch, and the Watchman (John Braun): first presented in 1873 by John Nevil Maskelyne and his partner, George A. Cooke
76 The Play: outlined
78 Chain of Events
81 The Box Trick
86 The Cabinet of Proteus
89 Script of Will, The Witch and the Watchman (Nevil Maskelyne)
106 Stanyon's Magic Advertisement for The Great Box Trick
113 Will Goldston Box Trick: from Further Exclusive Magical Secrets
115 The Brooks Trunk
116 The Witch, The Sailor and the Enchanted Monkeyk for Kellar's show
120 Script for Miles and Daddy Growl
126 Third Part of the Show
127 Kellar's Farewell Tour
131 1933 Linking Ring Ad for The Witch, The Sailor and the Enchanted Monkey

143 Plays By American Conjurers: from 1871 through 1914 and more

148 About the Author (Frances Marshall): with B&W photo