(INDIA). (MAGIC). (SORCAR, P. C.) All Bengal P. C. Sorcar Reception Program.

India's Houdini

(INDIA). (MAGIC). (SORCAR, P. C.) All Bengal P. C. Sorcar Reception Program. ([Calcutta: n.p., 1958]) [15] leaves. (121 x 329 mm.)  Original bright yellow paper on heavy card boards, printed with green, brown, and red illustrations, held together with blue and white cord stitched through the center. Corners a little bumped, a few instances of ink transfer from the text onto opposing page, but in excellent condition overall.

An unusual program for a reception honoring the Indian magician P. C. Sorcar, known as the "Father of Modern Indian Magic."

P. C. Sorcar was the stage name for Protul Chandra Sarcar (1913-71), the self proclaimed "World's Greatest Magician" and one of the few Indian magicians of his day who toured internationally. He was particularly renowned for a show that aired on the BBC in 1956, in which viewers were convinced that he had actually sawed a woman in half (they subsequently lit up the switchboard to complain). The present work celebrates Sorcar as a distinguished Indian entertainer, who championed both his country and his art. As noted in the introduction to the present work, "Sorcar not only saved Indian Magic from an ignoble extinction but also lifted India to the height of preeminence in the Magic World." (C1130)