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Estimate: $ 3,000 - $ 4,000
BLAINE, MAHLON. The Women of Pleasure (for Joseph Dunninger). [spine title]. 32 ribald drawings by Blaine rendered in pen, ink, and occasional wash. Each page contains 2 images sized approximately 101x152 mm; 4x6 inches, stacked vertically, and mounted to black paper which is then mounted to board. The first page contains a pen and ink self-portrait of blaine drawing at his desk, inscribed and signed to joseph dunninger, dated 1962, and with Dunninger's ex-libris (also designed by Blaine). Folio, faux leather boards backed in calf with imitation 18th-century gilt-stamping and red title label, head chipped, extremities rubbed; a few album leaves loose from binding. Np, 1962
inscribed and signed by blaine to his friend and patron, the famous magician and mentalist joseph dunninger. A collection of erotic drawings in the manner of 18th-early 19th century European curiosa, and reflecting scenes often found in illustrated Memoirs of Casanova. Both Blaine and Dunninger were cult figures in the circles of magic, mystery, science fiction and fantasy, most prominently in New York City. Blaine illustrated several of Dunninger's books and painted several commissioned works for him. "The Amazing Dunninger" performed for Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, and appeared on radio and television, even inspiring Soupy Sales and Johnny Carson to base humorous characters on him.
