The Coney Island Fakir: A Journey Through Magic

Flosso’s world was a chaotic treasure trove of antique magic artifacts and a wealth of literature stacked high on every surface. Al Flosso’s life was a whirlwind, making the task of documenting his story quite intricate. In crafting *The Coney Island Fakir*, magic historian Gary Brown delved into a myriad of sources, including books, newspapers, photographs, magazines, and audio-visual materials from both public and private collections. Through interviews and correspondence with magicians and collectors across four continents, he gathered invaluable anecdotes that enriched the narrative of Flosso’s life.

This book offers a dynamic and colorful portrayal of Flosso’s extraordinary journey, from his early days as a street performer and carnival pitchman to his illustrious career in Broadway, film, and television. With an abundance of illustrations, *The Coney Island Fakir* captures the essence of this remarkable entertainer.

Additionally, this edition includes a reprint of *Our Mysteries*, a collection produced by Flosso in the 1940s, featuring 23 classic tricks from renowned magicians like Al Baker and Ted Annemann.

Contents

• Preface and Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 – Beginnings
• Chapter 2 – Sorcerers’ Apprentice
• Chapter 3 – Rise of the Coney Island Faker
• Chapter 4 – Punch & Judy
• Chapter 5 – On the Pitch
• Chapter 6 – At the Circus
• Chapter 7 – Open for Business
• Chapter 8 – Wheeling and Dealing
• Chapter 9 – Tricks of the Trade
• Chapter 10 – Collector’s Paradise
• Chapter 11 – Stand Up Straight!
• Chapter 12 – Trodding the Boards
• Chapter 13 – Finale
• Chapter 14 – Art Imitates Life
• Epilogue