The Curious, Astounding Collection of the Magician Ricky Jay
The New York Times
Illusionists, cardsharps, charlatans and human cannonballs enliven a trove of rare books, posters and ephemera now going to auction at Sotheby’s.
LOS ANGELES—Long ago, in the groovy haze of time, the master conjurer Ricky Jay attended a party at the Las Vegas estate of the extravagant entertainers Siegfried and Roy. Wandering among the menagerie of caged animals and strutting peacocks, he spotted a fellow magician in a white leisure suit with gold trim.
As the two friends chatted, a Siberian tiger in a nearby cage sent a firehose-worthy stream of urine arcing through the air. The deluge drenched the leisure-suited magician and abruptly ended the conversation.
Years later, Jay returned to Las Vegas and invited his friend to lunch. As they shook hands, Jay said: I don’t think I’ve seen you since the tiger peed on you.