The Great Lyle by Eddie Dawes. It's interesting that the author of this book is more famous than the subject he has chosen to write about. For many people, all they need to hear is that Eddie Dawes has completed a new book and they immediately want a copy. Such is the respect that is commanded by Professor Dawes by students of magic around the world. 

Here Eddie tells the story of Cecil Lyle, the last of England's great touring illusionists. Along the way you will meet a galaxy of magical stars including David Devant, Horace Goldin, Arnold deBiere, Amac, Lafayette, John Mulholland, Floyd Thayer, Will Goldston and many more. 

Added to Professor Dawes' unparalleled research are behind the scenes stories that could only be told by Lyle's on-stage assistants. Through their eyes we meet the man behind the magic and witness what the paying public never saw; Lyle's volatile temper, backstage mishaps both hilarious and otherwise, hirings and firings of personnel and the extreme highs and lows of touring the world with tons of theatrical equipment.