(30th May 1889 - 30th December 1976)
Born in Muddy Creek Forks, York County, Pennsylvania. Stage name of Paul Fleming Gemmill. Inspired in 1901 seeing Kellar, Rouclere, Keene, etc, shows. Pro since 1906. Assistant to Eugene Laurant (1909-10) and Karl Germain (1910-14, as "James"). On own as a Chautauqua star since 1915, beginning that summer when he toured as "Karl Germain". Thence semi-pro (and Professor of Economics at Swarthmore), retiring in 1967. Publisher of magic books.
This catalog includes a great article on why magic literature is so important (article can also be found in The Sphinx from March 1936). It should be mandatory reading for today's YouTube generation.
1st edition 1949, 59 pages.
Paul Fleming wrote what some consider the best book reviews in magic ever. This is the collection of all three volumes, in total 167 book reviews. Many reviewers then and now chose to write largely very positive reviews, more like an ad rather than a critical review. Paul Fleming on the contrary wrote his true opinion and slammed a book if he thought it was garbage. That makes the reviews so valuable, because you get an honest and informed opinion.
The only danger in reading these reviews is that you will find many more books you will want to read.
1st edition 1942; PDF 273 pages.