— Burlesque Giants and Dwarfs

London , J. R. Maxwell, 1885. First edition. Brochure/Pamphlet. A very scarce pamphlet of illusions, with illustrations. A publication on transfiguration and stage tricks for Burlesque theatre. Transfiguration and stage tricks. Vanishingly scarce, not recorded on Copac only one on Worldcat. Number 35 from the 'British Standard Handbooks' series. Undated, Worldcat estimates date to be 1885 from Clarke & Blind.  This was prior to Spencer Blackett's acquisition of the publishers in 1887. The British Standard Handbooks series were originally sold at 2d each and are advertised as 'A New Series of Illustrated Practical Handbooks of Sports and Pastimes&apos. The rear wrap states that 'These Handbooks are perfect encyclopaedias of information upon their respective topics they readily commend themselves as marvels of cheapness&apos. This title looks into the creation of giants and dwarfs for Victorian burlesque theatre. There are also many other tricks and performances from Burlesque theatre described and explained such as 'The Three Legged Drawf', 'The Collapsible Gentleman', 'The Man-Pig' and 'The Explosive Spider.' Burlesque in the Victorian era was a theatrical extravaganza. It features caricature, parody and travesty. In the original paper wraps. Externally, smart with some creasing to the extremities. Front wrap is coming away to the tail. Pages 15-18 are detached. Pages are generally bright and clean. Good Only . Ill.: Not Stated. Good Only .