RENO, ED (EDWARD MUNN BURDICK). MYSTERIOUS RENO AND HIS WONDER SHOW. PRINTING BLOCK. Circa 1900. Wooden printing block bearing a central portrait of the famed Chautauqua and Lyceum performer at its center with text above and below. Smooth back. 40 x 13?. Worn from use. Reno (1861 ? 1949), or ?uncle Ed? as he was known in later years, was a no-nonsense performer with a shabby appearance and shabbier props, who, nevertheless, was a remarkable entertainer with a long and illustrious career. What he lacked in polish he made up for with brash technique and witticisms won by performing in nearly every theatrical venue ? including outdoor shows, where he excelled ? as America transformed itself thanks to the industrial revolution. His catchphrase in later years, ?it?s all in the stick? was a funny explanation as to why the magic happened, as his magic wand was a humble wooden dowel, not a bejeweled ebony rod with ivory tips. This is the first printing block carved from wood we have offered at auction.