Papers relating to Australian magician Leslie (Les) Cole, The Great Levante

MLMSS 11821/1X

fonds

1920s-1970s

9665309

0.37 metres of textual and graphic material (1 outsize box)

Sydney-born illusionist Lesley George Cole is arguably Australia’s greatest stage magician. Turning professional by 1910, he was known as ‘The Great Levante’ throughout his 60-year magic career and rose to become one of the great magicians of the 20th century. Among many career highlights was Levante’s 1939 election as the world's number one magician by the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Touring internationally from 1927, Levante returned to Australia with his family in 1940, and continued to present his signature ‘How’s Trick’s?’ magic revue into the 1950s. In 1977, Levante became the inaugural recipient of the world’s highest award for magicianship, presented by the Academy of Magic Arts.

Les Levante’s Illusion and Joke Notebook, undated manuscript: 1/3 filled, octavo volume autographed in ink on cover. Being the personal notebook kept by Australian illusionist, The Great Levante.
Levante memorabilia and ephemera group (1920s–1970s): 16 items including handbills, advertising envelopes, postcards and photographs. Also includes a rare advertising beer mat and Window card approximately 1938: ‘The Famous Australian Illusionist The Great Levante’: colour print by Chas. Sowden, Burnely, UK.

Out of copyright