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THE GREAT BOOMSKY The Many Lives of Magic's First Black Superstar

A new nonfiction magic history book by Margaret B. Steele

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About The Great Boomsky

Thirteen-year-old Milton Hudson Everett loves his job as Boomsky, the clumsy sidekick of the great magician Alexander Herrmann (1844–1896). Beloved across America, Boomsky falls on top hats and drops trays of borrowed watches, bringing screams of laughter. But Boomsky is himself a magician’s ruse—a skilled secret assistant hiding in plain sight.

For a series of African American teens, the role of Boomsky becomes a training ground and launching pad. Against all odds in segregated America, eight former Boomskys establish brilliant adult careers as magicians, musicians, and comedians.

Herrmann’s protégés entertain millions, but their achievements go unrecorded by the segregated press, condemning them to obscurity. More than a century later, magic’s greatest untold story is finally revealed in this rollicking tale of adventure, success, betrayal, and perseverance.

"Margaret Steele has restored an important lost chapter from the Golden Age of Magic in a thoroughly researched, entertaining tale that reads like an adventure novel—rare magic indeed."

– David Copperfield

"With storytelling prowess and an unflinching commitment to the truth, Margaret Steele presents an illusion-shattering narrative that unfolds like a cinematic odyssey. Don't miss the astonishing tale of 'Boomsky’!"

-Michael Carbonaro (The Carbonaro Effect)

"Margaret Steele compassionately and defiantly presents the story of someone whose existence was deliberately and almost completely erased. Now it has been restored, exposing the real history that will be forever told and embraced by all of us. In my view, this book is a genuine form of atonement."

- Dr. Lynn Jones. Activist/Member of the Order of Canada

Editorial reviews of the great boomsky

BookLife/Publishers Weekly (Editor's Pick)

"Any reader interested in the history of magic or show business in the U.S. will appreciate this fascinating exploration of Black performers, their craft, and what it took to perform in a society built to exploit them."

Takeaway: Deeply researched, detail-rich history of Black magicians of the vaudeville era.

Genii Magazine

"Just as she was charged to do, Steele did it all the way; she has done proud the descended family, the predecessors, and the successors of The Great Boomsky."

Kirkus Reviews (Recommended)

"An involving, detailed survey of talented but forgotten performers."

Book Review Directory

"...fulfilling biography about a young boy who was granted entry to a new world where he thrived on the entertainment and wonderment of others. Steele has written a high informative and illuminating work"

Prairies Book Review

"Steele masterfully captures the intrigue and drama of this golden age of magic, offering fascinating insights into the inner workings of a profession shrouded in mystery. Supported by extensive research...A must-have for magic enthusiasts as well as lovers of historical nonfiction."

Literary Titan

"Through meticulous research and an engaging narrative...insightful reflections on the intersections of race, entertainment, and history...illuminates a previously underrepresented figure in magic and entertainment...a valuable resource for enthusiasts of magic and performance history."

Writer Girl

"A feel for the time, from racism to popular songs, shine through in this well written book. Although there is much new original research in this collective biography of the series of young black men played the comedic foil to a family of great magicians more than a century ago, that is not the book's greatest strength. What really sets The Great Boomsky apart from other magic history books is its seamless integration of discussing the people with the times in which they lived. Racism is front and center, but showing how the magicians drew on other aspects of their time's culture sets this book apart as especially valuable for the historian."

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THE GREAT BOOMSKY The Many Lives of Magic's First Black Superstar

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