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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Step right up! » » New book on history of novelty items! (0 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

sethb
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Since many in this area of the Café are well acquainted with so-called "slum magic" and companies like S.S. Adams, I thought this would be a good place to post a note about a neat book I found.

"Cheap Laffs" is a pictorial history of the novelty item. Here are great pictures of and information about Joy Buzzers, Whoopee Cushions, fake vomit, chattering teeth, exploding cigarettes, plate lifters and the old "fly in the ice cube" bit. You name it, and it's here!! The author had the full cooperation of Chris Adams of the S.S. Adams company, among others.

This handsome 125-page hardcover book originally sold for $20, and is now available as a remainder (publisher's overstock); it is a total steal for the price of $5 plus $3 shipping. Click HERE for more info. SETH
"Watch the Professor!!" -- Al Flosso (1895-1976)
"The better you are, the closer they watch" -- Darwin Ortiz, STRONG MAGIC
DonDriver
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Thanks Seth for that info.I'm going to call David from S.S.Adams and see what its about.I have the book "The Life of the Party" the story of the S.S.Adams Co. and Sam Adams the founder.

Don
sethb
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The book covers lots of S.S. Adams products, and also Franco-American (magnetic Scotty Dogs) and Fishlove (chattering teeth). The text is little overblown, but it's still a pretty neat book. SETH
"Watch the Professor!!" -- Al Flosso (1895-1976)
"The better you are, the closer they watch" -- Darwin Ortiz, STRONG MAGIC
deadcatbounce
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It's available on Amazon UK for £3.00 - about $4.50.
My order's in!

DCB
"With every mistake - we must surely be learning..." George Harrison.
Jon-O the Great
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Got it from Amazon USA for $1.90 like new. $4 shipping. They have a couple more.

Jon
Jon-O the Great
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Received it today. VGC. Certainly worth $2. Anyone who gets it will love it.

Jon
sethb
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I think I bought every S.S. Adams piece when I was a kid, from the gags to the puzzles, and of course the magic tricks.

This book also reminded me of the Franco-American stuff, which I now recall because of the packaging -- little plastic bags with the really bright orange label at the top. I wasn't aware of the Fishlove company, but I certainly do remember the chattering teeth and the Whoopee cushions.

The "Life of the Party" book that Don refers to is also quite good, it's a pictorial biography of S.S. Adams and all the Adams products. SETH
"Watch the Professor!!" -- Al Flosso (1895-1976)
"The better you are, the closer they watch" -- Darwin Ortiz, STRONG MAGIC
deadcatbounce
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Don,

Who wrote "The Life fo The Party?"
Had a look on Amazon UK.. and they only have one copy that COULD fit the bill.. by Maureen Freely, no description at all, but it doesn't sound like it's your one.. 400+ pages, Penguin paperback..


Regards,

DCB
"With every mistake - we must surely be learning..." George Harrison.
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