[KELLAR]. VALADON, Paul. Entranced Fakir Egyptian Hall Programme. London: J. Burgiss-Brown, Printer, 1901. Folded programme for Valadon's appearance at ?England's Home of Mystery," sharing the bill with animated photographs and the magical playlet The Entranced Fakir. Maskelyne's famous levitation was the centerpiece of this production. One folded 8vo sheet. Very good condition.Paul Valadon was tempted away from the confines of the Egyptian Hall by illusionist Harry Kellar, who made overtures that Valadon might succeed him ? then the most famous magician in America ? once the elder conjurer retired. Valadon did eventually leave England for the New World as part of Kellar's company, and brought with him far more than the sleight-of-hand tricks he was known for.It was the secret of Maskelyne's levitation Kellar was after, and by adding Valadon to his company, the wily American wizard learned its innermost workings. (Maskelyne had been unwilling to sell the rights to the trick despite Kellar's persistence.) Valadon never succeeded Kellar, dying in poverty in 1913. But his departure from the Egyptian Hall and betrayal of the Maskelynes gave way to what would, with several important refinements, become one of the most celebrated stage illusions of all time.