Erdnase, S.W. The Expert at the Card Table. Chicago: Frederick J. Drake, ca. 1905. Grey pictorial wraps. King of Hearts on front wrap lacks pips. Illustrated. 12mo. Spine chipped at head and foot, corners worn, but overall good condition. Inscribed and signed by Illustrator Marshall D. Smith. In 1947, the illustrator of this legendary and influential book on cheating at cards and sleight-of-hand was invited to the national convention of the Society of American Magicians in Chicago. After taking part in a discussion of the book and its mysterious author, Smith signed a small number of books for the magicians in attendance. This book was autographed at that session, and is inscribed to Edward J. McGlaughlin, a magic aficionado and close personal friend of many of the great sleight-of-hand magicians of the 20th century.