Magic

The State Library of Victoria's Magic Collection is the most comprehensive in Australia.

What's in the Magic Collection?

Highly valued by researchers and performers around the world, this collection includes many rare and ephemeral materials, historical journals from the late 19th and 20th centuries, and limited edition publications by celebrated magicians such as Houdini, Professor Hoffman, Penn and Teller, Harry Blackstone and Dai Vernon.

What's special about this collection?

Donated by world-renowned Australian magician William George Alma, this collection reflects his lifelong dedication to the art of conjuring. Officially known as the W.G. Alma Conjuring Collection, it contains over 3500 books on magic, 60 magazine titles, 1500 photographs, 250 posters, over 400 detailed research files on individual magicians, scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, programs, letterheads, business cards, letters, postcards, bookplates and other magic memorabilia.

Who was W. G. Alma?

As well as being an outstanding performer for almost 70 years, William Alma was also a fine craftsman and manufacturer of conjuring apparatus and props. His passionate interest in every aspect of magic, and his meticulous research combined to create a world-class collection gathered together over many years.

How do I view material in this collection?

Items from the Library's Magic Collection are held in storage and can only be viewed in the Heritage Collections Reading Room.