Ebook - Willard - A Life Under Canvas by David Charvet (Digital Download)
Description & Effect
Unveiling the Enduring Legacy of Willard the Wizard
Willard - A Life Under Canvas by David Charvet invites you on an extraordinary journey into the heart of a bygone era, chronicling the spellbinding yet often challenging lives of the four remarkable men who performed under the iconic name of Willard the Wizard. This isn't merely a recounting of stage illusions; it's a deeply human story, a roller coaster ride charting both their triumphant highs and the poignant lows encountered during their years traveling across America. Author David Charvet has masterfully woven together an unparalleled narrative, providing readers with an intimate, unprecedented look at the magic world that existed under the big top.
A Backstage Pass to Magic's Golden Age
What truly sets this digital download apart is its unique perspective. Working hand-in-hand with Willard's grown children – Eugene, Madeline, and Frances – Charvet gained exclusive access not just to the dazzling spectacle audiences witnessed on stage, but to the often-unseen drama, dedication, and daily life unfolding backstage. Imagine experiencing the 'hot, dusty tent show' atmosphere through their eyes, hearing the echoes of their father's grand illusions, and understanding the sacrifices and joys that defined their itinerant existence. This meticulously researched ebook offers the ultimate behind-the-scenes narrative of a traveling tent show, told by those who lived and breathed its magic every single day, making it an indispensable read for anyone fascinated by the history of performance.
Richly Illustrated Journey Through Time
As the 14th installment in our acclaimed Magical Pro-Files series, 'Willard - A Life Under Canvas' spans 370 pages, lavishly illustrated with 276 captivating photographs. Many of these rare images are presented in duotone, carefully selected to evoke the authentic feel of the era's tent shows and adding a profound sense of atmosphere to your reading experience. Additionally, eight full-color pages showcase Willard in action, alongside beautiful portraits of his well-worn apparatus, allowing you to appreciate the intricate artistry of his craft. This digital download delivers a rich tapestry of history, personal anecdotes, and stunning visuals, ensuring a truly immersive and unforgettable exploration of one of magic's most iconic figures.
Original Specs
The story of the four men who performed under the name Willard the Wizard reads like a roller coaster ride made up of triumphant highs and tragic lows. Working closely with author David Charvet were Harry Willard's grown children, Eugene, Madeline and Frances, who spent many years during their youth traveling with and performing in their father's show. David had access to not only what the audience saw on stage at the Harry Willard show, but also what was happening backstage. This is the ultimate behind the scenes story of a traveling tent show as told by those who lived it. Combining these firsthand accounts with David relentless research has produced a unique slice of magic history.
Willard - A Life Under Canvas is number 14 in our series of Magical Pro-Files. It contains 370 pages with 276 photographs and because the entire book has been printed in two colors, we were able to print many of the photos in duotone, giving them the feel of a hot, dusty tent show. Eight pages of full color show Willard in action along with some beautiful portraits of his well-worn apparatus.
The tent-show feel continues with the printed endsheets and onto the binding with a canvas cloth on the front and back covers and Skivertex simulated leather on the spine. This edition is limited to 1,000 hand-numbered copies.
