Floating Lady Publishing

QUEEN OF MAGIC: THE WONDROUS, UNSTOPPABLE ADELAIDE HERRMANN

- An Assembled Homage -

by Margaret B. Steele

Available on

9/21/26

Editorial Reviews of THE GREAT BOOMSKY

BOOK REVIEW DIRECTORY

BOOKLIFE/PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (EDITOR'S PICK)

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"

Literary Titan

BOOKLIFE/PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (EDITOR'S PICK)

BOOK REVIEW DIRECTORY

"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."

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."

Prairies Book Review

KIRKUS Reviews (Recommended)

BOOKLIFE/PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (EDITOR'S PICK)

"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."

KIRKUS Reviews (Recommended)

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

Genii Magazine

KIRKUS Reviews (Recommended)

"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."

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."

LITERARY AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

WINNER

The Los Angeles Tribune Global Magicians Hall of Fame Awards

WINNER - MARGARET B. STEELE

Literary Award

WINNER

The Milbourne Christopher Foundation

WINNER - THE GREAT BOOMSKY

2024 Literary Award

WINNER

FINALIST

Reader Views Literary Awards

WINNER - THE GREAT BOOMSKY

2024 GOLD Award

First Place - Adult Nonfiction: Arts

FINALIST

Next Generation Indie Book Awards

FINALIST - THE GREAT BOOMSKY

2024 Finalist - African American Nonfiction

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Floating Lady Publishing

About Floating Lady Publishing

Our Mission

We publish previously untold histories, biographies, and memoirs pertaining to the world of magic and magicians. Floating Lady Publishing gives voice to those traditionally under-represented and marginalized in the magic community.

Our Story

Founded in 2023, Floating Lady Publishing LLC is a niche publisher specializing in accessible and entertaining non-fiction works pertaining to the world of magic and magicians.

Our Team

We are a micro press. We publish one book at a time to the highest industry standards. We are fully booked through 2025 and are not accepting submissions at this time. However, for authors of magic history, biography, or memoir, we are available for publishing mentorship and advice.