17 plates on white magic from l'"Encyclopédie de Diderot et d'Alembert".

4to: 17 engr. pl. (some min. soiling).

Contemp. quarter black calf, marbled paper on covers, flat gilt decor. spine (def.), marbled endpapers.

A set of intriguing plates on white magic: the use of supernatural powers or magic for selfless purposes. Originating from the influencial general encyclopedia publ. in France between 1751 and 1772, edited by Diderot and d'Alembert. Containing plates on: "Traits occultes ou trompeurs" (2 pl.), "Nombres magiques" (3 pl.), "Tours de gibecière" (1 pl.), and "Figures de magie blanche devoilée" (11 pl.). Illustrating magic tricks and illusions, material and skills needed for the execution of a variety of magic and sleight-of-hand tricks, such as card games and the famous magic trick known as "the cups and balls" using a "gibecière".