Description

Leonard Austin (1890 – 1970) was an Australian magician who, in the first half of the twentieth century, garnered a reputation for presenting a full theatrical show, with add-on children’s magic, on or off the stage. He was equally adept at both and in later years, rounded out his career as a writer. House organ for the IBM, The Linking Ring, published a flurry of One Man Parades from 1956 onward. Creative apparatus and presentation angles were eagerly received by readers of the time, resulting in correspondence that flowed in from around the globe.

Len traveled extensively before and after the war years, gaining a worthy reputation for reliable magic with and without props. Often simple, familiar items from the pocket were all he used. His ever-courteous deportment made him extremely popular with audiences; return engagements kept him very busy indeed.

A full-time performer for most of his adult life, this especially prepared folio traces the professional life of Leonard Austin and reveals just how his dependability buoyed him around the various theatrical circuits. Many other performers fell into oblivion, whereas Leonard Austin did not; he forged a career that lasted well in excess of fifty years.

Essential reading for the discerning children’s performer and those interested in the great stage magicians of the 20th Century.

IntroductionIntroduction to Enlarged Second EditionLeonard Austin: a fond recollection (Ian Baxter)A Few Impressions of Leonard Austin (Stanley Hunt)Leonard by HimselfLeonard Austin: an obituary (Will Alma)The Writings of Leonard AustinLeonard Austin: “Hocus Pocus Parade” DetailsThe Tantalizing BottleVanishing A JumboInternational DollsThe Magic MirrorA Magical SketchThe Prisoner: An Illusionary DramaA Magical Sketch: The GolferVictorian Magicians I Have Seen (Leonard Austin)Photos

1st edition 2007, PDF 45 pages.
word count: 13804 which is equivalent to 55 standard pages of text